East Africa, get ready for a soulful takeover! Nigerian Grammy award-winning star Tems is officially set to headline the Blankets and Wine Festival on September 28, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya—marking her grand return to East African stages.
After breaking hearts in 2022 by canceling her Kenyan show, Tems is coming back stronger, bigger, and bolder. This isn’t just another gig—it’s a moment. A redemption. And from the buzz online, fans are already counting down.
Known for her powerhouse vocals and emotive storytelling in hits like Free Mind, Higher, and the global smash Essence with Wizkid and Justin Bieber, Tems has cemented her place as one of Africa’s most compelling voices. Her return to the region comes hot off her critically acclaimed halftime performance at the FIFA Club World Cup Final held in New Jersey, USA, on July 13, where she left global audiences stunned by her stage presence and vocal control.
Joining her on the Blankets and Wine stage is an elite mix of regional talent. Willis Chimano, one-fourth of Kenya’s iconic boyband Sauti Sol, brings his bold fashion sense and signature voice, while Zaituni Wambui, the rising queen of “Urban Taarab,” is sure to deliver a soulful blend of Swahili roots and contemporary flair.
Also gracing the lineup is Uganda’s very own Joshua Baraka, a breakout star known for his unique fusion of R&B and Afrobeat. Speaking to media recently, Baraka reminded fans of his regional roots:
“My dad is from Busia, and I spent part of my childhood in Eldoret,” he said, even throwing in a few phrases in his local dialect.
For Tems, this show carries emotional weight. Back in October 2022, she canceled her performance in Kenya citing “circumstances beyond my control”—a move that left fans disappointed but hopeful.
“It is quite heartbreaking… but I look forward to coming and giving you a show that you deserve,” she said at the time.
Now, the wait is over.
Tems’ performance will also mark her first time performing in East Africa since her infamous 2021 arrest in Uganda alongside Omah Lay for allegedly violating COVID-19 protocols. That incident sparked international outrage and brought attention to the often complex relationship between artists and regional regulations.
But if her trajectory is anything to go by, Tems is turning every setback into a stage—and every stage into history.
So Nairobi, dust off those picnic blankets, bring your wine glasses, and get ready to sing your heart out. This is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of African excellence.
