Reactions as Tems cancels Rwanda show

Nigerian-born Grammy-winning singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has cancelled her Rwanda music show.

The 29-year-old announced this development via her social media accounts on Thursday.

She told fans that the cancellation was due to the recent Rwanda-Congo battle for Goma, a territory in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“So I recently promoted my show in Rwanda without realizing that there is an ongoing conflict between Rwanda and Congo.

“I never ever intend to be insensitive to real-world issues, and I sincerely apologize if this came across that way. I simply had no idea this was going on. My heart goes out to those affected,” she said.

Both countries have a history of conflict that dates back to 1996.

READ ALSO: Tems cancels Rwanda concert over M23 crisis

January, however, opened up a new spate of conflict between both East African countries.

The DRC cut off relations with Rwanda following its invasion of Goma by rebels who were reportedly backed by the Rwandan Government, which led to the displacement of 400,000 people.

One X user wrote, “Africa needs to start dealing with Rwanda for what they are doing to our brothers in Congo… we cannot allow an African country to shed the blood of Africans on African soil! #BoycottRwanda”.

Another X user commended her for cancelling the show and her solidarity with DRC.

“Thank you @temsbaby for your support and solidarity with the DRC. Your voice and compassion help keep the world’s attention on the urgent crisis in our country,” the user wrote.

Some users are, however, not pleased with this development.

Some have berated her and accused her of holding herself in such high esteem and cancelling the show.

One such X user wrote, “She thought she is Knowless Butera. She thought she is Sheeba Karungi. She thought she is Tyla. She thought she is Rihanna. She thought she is that much wanted and famous. No wonder Ayra Starr is loved and loved all over, this girl Tems should STEM first”.