Nigerian Singer Tems Reveals Trauma Behind Uganda Concert Arrest
A two-day imprisonment in 2020 continues to shape the artist’s performance choices today.
In a poignant response to a fan’s inquiry, Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems has revealed that her absence from Uganda stems from the traumatic experience of being arrested and imprisoned after a 2020 concert. The incident, which involved fellow Nigerian artist Omah Lay, occurred during strict COVID-19 lockdown measures and led to criminal charges that have left a lasting impact on the singer.
The Arrest That Changed Everything
The chain of events began on December 12, 2020, when Tems (born Temilade Openiyi) and Omah Lay performed at a sold-out music event at Speke Resort in Kampala, Uganda . At the time, Uganda maintained strict COVID-19 restrictions that banned music concerts and limited public gatherings .
Ugandan police alleged the performance violated lockdown and social-distancing protocols, leading to the arrest of both artists and several event organizers . The charges filed against them were severe: “negligently doing acts likely to spread infectious diseases” under Section 171 of Uganda’s Penal Code Act – an offense carrying potential imprisonment of up to seven years .
Following their arrest, both musicians were remanded to prison facilities – Tems was sent to Kigo Prison while Omah Lay was held in Kitalya Prison . They would spend two nights detained before legal proceedings began .
“A Setup” and Prison Trauma
In subsequent years, Tems has reflected openly on the terrifying experience. During a 2023 appearance on Angie Martinez’s show, she described feeling targeted, noting that plainclothes officers came to her hotel room after the performance .
“We didn’t break the rules but it was basically like a setup,” Tems revealed. “After the show, the police came, they weren’t in uniforms. They just knocked on my hotel door—we were eating lunch or dinner, my manager and I. And they just came and said we should follow them” .
She described the imprisonment as “so scary,” adding: “I spent two nights in jail. I thought I wasn’t gonna come out. I thought I was seeing this for a reason. Maybe this is for me to help these people in this prison. It was crazy, I’m not gonna lie” .
Legal Resolution and Mixed Reactions
The case sparked international outcry, with the hashtag #FreeTemsAndOmahLay trending across social media platforms . Fellow Nigerian artists including Burna Boy, Laycon, Teni, Rema, and Fireboy DML joined calls for their release .
Under mounting pressure, a Magistrates’ court in Uganda eventually dismissed the charges, allowing the artists to return home . Ugandan musician Bebe Cool claimed to have worked with Ugandan authorities to secure their release, despite Tems previously suggesting he was involved in their arrest – an allegation he denied .
The incident also highlighted tensions within Uganda’s music community, where local artists expressed frustration that the government had allowed foreign performers to hold concerts while domestic artists remained restricted .
Lasting Impact and Broader Context
Tems’ recent response during a social media Q&A session confirms the enduring psychological impact of this event. When a fan asked about “the lore behind you not coming to Uganda,” Tems simply shared a photograph from her court appearance in Uganda, letting the image communicate what words couldn’t .
The 2020 arrest reflects broader concerns about human rights and COVID-19 enforcement in Uganda. Human Rights Watch had documented earlier that year that Ugandan security forces were using excessive force to enforce COVID-19 measures . The same legal provision used against the musicians had also been applied to target vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ individuals sheltering during lockdown restrictions .
For Tems, what began as a musical performance has become a defining, traumatic memory that continues to influence her career decisions years later, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly artistic expression can collide with governmental authority.
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