At the 2025 Met Gala in New York, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, urged the world to move beyond common stereotypes and discover the diverse cultures of Africa. In an interview with Fashion Bomb Daily, she encouraged travelers to visit cities like Lagos and Ghana to gain a firsthand understanding of life on the continent.

Tems emphasized that Africa’s true beauty lies in its creativity, traditions, and vibrant daily life. "I always encourage people to visit Lagos and Ghana for vacation. Go and experience it for yourself before forming an opinion about Africa. See it firsthand and see how it feels," she shared.

She also took the opportunity to challenge the global perception of African music, which is often confined to Afrobeats. "We [Africans] have much more to offer in every aspect of sound. We’re not just about Afrobeats. There’s Amapiano, Afrosoul, R&B, Afro Jazz—so many genres that people haven’t fully explored yet," Tems said.

Her comments highlight the growing international recognition of African music and her goal to expand the world’s understanding of its rich diversity. Tems continues to advocate for a broader appreciation of Africa’s culture, urging people to experience it beyond stereotypes.