Nigerian Grammy-winning sensation Tems has cancelled her upcoming concert in Kigali, Rwanda, citing the country's involvement in the escalating DR Congo conflict.
The "Free Mind" hitmaker announced the decision on X (formerly Twitter), explaining she was unaware of Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which recently took control of Goma, a key city in DR Congo's mineral-rich east.
"So I recently promoted my show in Rwanda without realizing that there is an ongoing conflict between Rwanda and Congo," Tems wrote.
She added: "I never ever intend to be insensitive to real-world issues, and I sincerely apologize if this came across that way. My heart goes out to those affected."
The cancellation comes as international pressure mounts on Rwanda, with the UK government considering cutting aid over its alleged military backing of the M23 rebels.
A UN report in July claimed Rwanda has thousands of troops in eastern DR Congo and holds "de facto control" over the M23 group-allegations Rwanda strongly denies.
Meanwhile, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has refused to acknowledge any direct military involvement but insists the conflict won't end until the FDLR, a group linked to perpetrators of the 1994 genocide, is dismantled.
Tems, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, had been scheduled to perform at BK Arena on March 22, 2025, but will now proceed with her South African concert at The Dome, Nasrec, in Johannesburg on March 20, 2025-her first show in the country.
