2026 keeps getting better and better for Tems. The Nigerian superstar is now so deeply embedded in the global commercial music market that she’s joining Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, and John Legend as one of the performers at the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony this Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. This invitation-only event—streamed globally at 11 a.m. CT, marks one of the most prestigious cultural moments of the year, and Tems’ presence among such legends shows how far she has ascended from Lagos to the world’s most visible stages.
A Consistent Streaming Giant: “Love Is A Kingdom” Hits 100 Million
Just days before this historic performance, Tems celebrated another monumental achievement: her EP “Love Is A Kingdom” has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify.
It’s her fourth project to cross 100 million streams, meaning every major release in her discography has now achieved this feat. The EP debuted with explosive momentum, pulling 1.39 million Spotify streams in just 19 hours upon release, it’s a no-brainer that it finally crossed the 100 million stream mark.
Her inclusion in the guest artist list alongside a special crop of acts like U2’s Bono & The Edge, Marc Anthony, and other high-profile names like John Legend and Stevie Wonder indicates how much of an absolute standout she has become amongst the elites.
Another reason why this is remarkable for Tems’ journey is that she gets to participate in something really memorable for the black community, performing at an event dedicated to Juneteenth (June 19, when the Center opens to the public), a holiday celebrating African American freedom.
Here’s a brief overview of what the President Obama Center is about.
- Active Civic Hub: An $850 million, 19.3-acre campus in Chicago’s historic Jackson Park.
- Modern Museum: Features an eight-story exhibition tower showcasing the Obama presidency and civil rights history.
- Public Amenities: Includes an NBA-regulation basketball court, a public library branch, and park spaces.
- Fully Digital: The first U.S. presidential center with an entirely digital archive instead of physical paper files.
- Community Focus: Designed as a gathering space to inspire leadership, civic engagement, and local economic growth.
This Thursday’s ceremony will be streamed globally, giving her millions of viewers across continents.
This is another important chapter in Tems’ journey to greatness.