Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi aka Tems is trending on social media over her “view-blocking” outfit to the 2023 Oscars held on Sunday night.
The award ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre, Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, US and was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the American comedian and media personality.
The songstress — who is nominated for Best Original Song for the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” track “Lift Me Up” — wore a lush white gown from Lever Couture with a particularly obstructive headpiece – taking up space in a much more literal sense.
And while she stunned on the red carpet, the incredible outfit was probably less loved by those sitting inside the Dolby Theater.
During every awards season, without fail, the famous clip from Issa Rae’s 2017 Emmys red carpet interview makes its rounds on social media, declaring: “I’m rooting for everybody Black.” And while this holds to be true, Twitter just can’t help but feel a little sorry for the person who was seated next to Tems. In the wise words of Keke Palmer, sorry to this man.
“Will not tolerate Tems slander,” one Twitter user wrote in response to tweets calling the musician rude for wearing the over-the-top dress. “Stop crying and grow a longer neck.”
But even more of the widespread concern was for the people seated behind Tems.
“Imagine waiting your whole life to be at the Oscars and you end up sitting behind a stratus cloud,” another user wrote. To be fair, Tems has also waited her whole life to be at the Oscars, where she is nominated for Best Original Song for her work on “Lift Me Up,” performed by Rihanna for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
@beebabs said: “Actually it is an ironic symbol, she is taking up space as a Black woman, whilst the white not only represents a femininity BW have traditionally not had access to but also how whiteness has obscured and obstructed paths of progress, in this essay, I’m not talking about this in front of mixed company!!! My sister looks great thank you she looks radiant.”
@PrinceHakim tweeted, “LMFAO I know whoever behind Tems is heated.”
“Let us put sentiments aside, Wetin Tems do the people behind her no good at all,” @asiwajulerry reacted.
Nigerian DJ @dj_switchaholic wrote, “Tems gave and nothing remain… she gaved! What??????!!!!! 😳😮 Beautiful, elegant! When I spotted her, I shine teeth like say I dey with my dentist. You won nonetheless… you won for Africa, just by the acknowledgment/work alone self. I wish you all the best in your career. 💕”
Twitter commentator Daniel Regha said “Tems’ outfit to the 2023 Oscars is good but inappropriate due to the intricate headpiece.
“She should’ve swapped seats with someone at the back. Hopefully she learns from this. She also needs to start promoting Nigerian fashion by wearing native wears to big events (occasionally).”
