Nigerian singer and songwriter Tems has cancelled her Kigali concert, citing the ongoing conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Tems on why she cancelled her Rwanda concert
The announcement, made via social media, came as a surprise to fans who had been eagerly anticipating her Born in the Wild tour stop in Rwanda.
In her statement, Tems admitted she was unaware of the geopolitical tensions at play when she promoted the event.
“I recently promoted my show in Rwanda without realising that there is an ongoing conflict between Rwanda and Congo,” she said.
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“I never ever intend to be insensitive to real-world issues, and I sincerely apologise if this came across that way.”
The concert was scheduled to take place on 22 March 2025 at the BK Arena in Kigali.
However, Tems lamented her regret over the decision, expressing her concern for those affected by the conflict.
“Conflict is no joke and I truly hope and pray for peace in this time,” she added.
Does this affect her South Africa show?
Despite cancelling the Rwanda concert, Tems’ South African performance remains unaffected.
She is set to take the stage at The Dome in Nasrec, Johannesburg, on 20 March 2025, just two days before the scrapped Rwanda date.
The South African leg of the tour is expected to draw thousands of fans eager to see Tems perform live for the first time in the country.
Known for her Afrobeat, R&B, and neo-soul fusion, the Grammy-winning artist has gained international acclaim with hits like Essence with Wizkid and collaborations with stars such as Drake and Beyoncé.
What’s the latest in the DRC war?
The war in eastern DRC continues to escalate, with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels gaining ground in Goma, the region’s largest city.
South Africa has responded sharply, directly accusing Rwandan forces of killing South African peacekeepers deployed as part of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
Tensions between Pretoria and Kigali have reached new heights.
President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that any further attacks on South African troops would be considered a “declaration of war.”
In response, Rwandan President Paul Kagame hit back, accusing South Africa of leading an “offensive combat operation” that he claims is working against Rwandan interests.
The diplomatic standoff comes as South Africa mourns the deaths of 13 SANDF soldiers, killed in the fighting over the past week.
With Goma under increasing rebel control and M23 forces advancing towards Bukavu, the situation in the region remains volatile.
