Nigerian music sensation Tems has candidly spoken about her harrowing experience of being arrested and detained in Uganda in December 2020, an incident that profoundly impacted her life and career. The Afrobeats star, along with Omah Lay and her manager, was charged with “Negligently doing acts likely to spread an infectious disease” after performing at a concert that allegedly violated COVID-19 guidelines.
Tems described the arrest as “so scary,” recounting how plainclothes police officers unexpectedly knocked on her hotel room door after the show, demanding she follow them. She maintained that organizers had assured them all necessary permits were in place, making the entire ordeal feel like a “set up.” The ensuing two nights spent in a Ugandan prison left her terrified, with moments where she “thought I wasn’t gonna come out.”
Despite the difficult conditions, which included sleeping on the floor and wearing a uniform, Tems found an unexpected connection with the local female inmates. “I was sitting in prison in Uganda bonding with women and kids,” she shared, adding, “All I can say is God is too awesome and He will always have the last and final laugh.” This unlikely camaraderie provided a unique perspective during her ordeal.
The incident, which sparked international outcry and diplomatic intervention, ultimately served as a “life-changing” moment for Tems. She revealed that the experience “made me stop caring about so many things,” shifting her focus and priorities after witnessing firsthand the injustices faced by many of her fellow inmates. Tems was eventually released on December 15, 2020, with all charges dropped.
