Nigerian international sensation Tems made a powerful statement at the 2025 Met Gala, not just with her stunning appearance, but with her words that spotlighted the rich musical landscape of Africa.
While speaking in an interview on the red carpet, the Grammy-winning singer took the opportunity to challenge the global narrative that often limits African music to Afrobeats. With confidence and clarity, Tems emphasized that the continent’s soundscape is far more expansive and dynamic.
“I feel like we can go further in every single aspect in sound, we are not just Afrobeats, there’s Amapiano, there is RnB, there is Afro Soul, there is Afro Jazz. There are so many music genres in Africa that people are not tapping into yet,” she said.
Tems’ statement comes at a time when African music is enjoying unprecedented global attention, largely driven by the popularity of Afrobeats. However, her words serve as a reminder that there is still a world of untapped sonic brilliance across the continent, waiting to be discovered and celebrated.
Known for her soulful voice and genre-blending artistry, Tems herself has been at the forefront of this evolution, blurring the lines between R&B, Afro-soul, and alternative music. Her call for broader recognition of African genres is both timely and necessary, as the global music industry continues to look toward the continent for fresh and innovative sounds.
With artists like Tems leading the conversation, the future of African music on the world stage looks more diverse and promising than ever.
