I feel honoured to have experienced prison – Tems

Afrobeats singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has opened up about her distressing experience in a Ugandan prison in 2020. In an interview with ESMagazine, Tems recounted her ordeal in a crowded cell with numerous other women, where she lived in constant fear of being physically abused for any misstep.

Tems and fellow artist Omah Lay were arrested on December 13, 2020, for performing at an unauthorized concert in violation of COVID-19 protocols. They were charged with spreading infectious diseases and detained for two days.

Tems described the experience as “humbling” and expressed her gratitude stating that she was “honoured” for gaining insight into the hardships faced by incarcerated women. She shared her fears and the guidance she received from a fellow inmate about the potential for abuse if rules were broken.

Following her release, Tems has become an advocate for the rights of women and children who are detained under similar circumstances, using her platform to highlight their struggles.