Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems has called on people to experience Africa firsthand before forming opinions about the continent. Speaking briefly during the Met Gala, the artist emphasized the rich culture and beauty of African nations, especially Nigeria and Ghana.

“I always encouraged people to go to Lagos and Ghana for vacation,” she said. “Just go and see for yourself before you make an opinion [about Africa]. See it for yourself and see how you feel.”

Tems highlighted that Africa’s essence lies in its creativity, traditions, music, and everyday life.

“I think it [the beauty of Africa] is in the creativity, the daily efforts, the looks, the songs, the traditions, and the cultures,” she added.

The singer, who’s become a global face for African music, also took the opportunity to spotlight the diverse genres beyond Afrobeats.

“We [Africans] can go further in every single aspect of sound. We are not just Afrobeats,” Tems said. “There is Amapiano, Afrosoul, R&B, and Afro Jazz. There are so many genres in African music that people are not all the way tapped into yet.”

Through her music and platform, Tems continues to push for a deeper, more authentic understanding of Africa on the world stage.