Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Tems has officially canceled her upcoming concert in Kigali, Rwanda, following concerns over the country’s alleged involvement in the ongoing Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict. The singer, known for hits like Free Mind, announced the decision on X (formerly Twitter), expressing regret for initially promoting the show without being fully aware of Rwanda’s reported ties to the M23 rebel group. The rebels recently captured Goma, a key city in eastern DRC, intensifying regional tensions. > “I recently promoted my show in Rwanda without realizing that there is an ongoing conflict between Rwanda and Congo,” Tems wrote. “I never ever intend to be insensitive to real-world issues, and I sincerely apologize if this came across that way. My heart goes out to those affected.” Her cancellation comes amid rising global scrutiny of Rwanda’s alleged military involvement in DRC. The UK government has hinted at reassessing its aid to Rwanda, while a July 2024 UN report claimed that Kigali has deployed thousands of troops in eastern DRC and effectively controls the M23 rebels—allegations Rwanda has repeatedly denied. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has rejected claims of direct military intervention but insists that lasting peace is impossible without dismantling the FDLR, a rebel group linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Tems was scheduled to perform at BK Arena in Kigali on March 22, 2025, but she will now proceed with her Johannesburg concert at The Dome, Nasrec, on March 20—her first-ever show in South Africa. Her stance has sparked mixed reactions. While many commend her for taking a stand on humanitarian issues, others argue that music and politics should remain separate.