On Saturday, 12 December 2020, I was scheduled to perform with Omah Lay at The Big Brunch: Afrobeats Edition organized by Kasana Events in Kampala, Uganda. When we arrived, we were met with such a warm reception, including press events promoting the event. This promotion alongside the safety terms outlined in the performance agreement, and the presence of authorities at the event, assured us that necessary approvals had been fully met by the organizers to ensure a safe and compliant event in Kampala.
I’m truly saddened that attendees could have possibly been exposed to COVID-19. I would have never participated had I even the slightest knowledge that the event would not meet standard operating procedures and put Uganda’s citizens at risk. The seriousness of COVID-19 requires responsibility from everyone as a world citizen, a responsibility I take very seriously.
I am thankful to the Nigerian and Ugandan government and everyone behind the scenes who played a part in resolving this matter. I want to especially appreciate my Rebel Gang, honestly, you all keep surprising me with the consistent love you show me. The number of supportive tweets, posts, and messages are overwhelming. Thank you all for having my back and YES, I HAVE EATEN. To my amazing fans in Uganda, I absolutely love you! Thank you so much for all your love and support, it has really touched my heart. I hope we can meet again in the future.
This past week has been difficult but extremely eye-opening for me. I know some may have been worried, but despite everything, this experience has helped me see things for myself. While I was being detained, I met some amazing women and children, and my eyes were opened to the strife and hurt a lot of women are going through. I am so blessed to have experienced the strength and bravery that these women possess to keep them going. I have newfound compassion and desire to be more involved in making life easier for people such as these, no matter the circumstance.
Overall, I am extremely grateful for all the love, the enormous efforts, and full-blown support. Honestly, words truly cannot describe how it feels to be back home.
Rebel Gang to the world,
Tems.
