Grammy award-winning Nigerian singer Tems has announced the cancellation of her upcoming concert in Kigali, Rwanda, due to concerns over Rwanda’s alleged support of the M23 armed group involved in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The concert, part of her “Born in the Wild” tour, was scheduled for March 22, 2025, at the BK Arena in Kigali. In a statement posted on social media, Tems expressed her unawareness of the ongoing conflict at the time of scheduling and emphasized her sensitivity to global issues. She stated, “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.”
The M23 group has been active in eastern DRC, leading to heightened tensions in the region. Rwanda has faced international criticism and accusations of supporting the M23, allegations that the Rwandan government has consistently denied. 
Tems’ decision underscores the complex interplay between entertainment and geopolitical issues, highlighting the responsibilities artists may face in global conflicts.
