Nigerian singer and songwriter Tems has explained why she wore what has been described by some critics as a ‘view-blocking’ white gown to the 2023 Academy Awards (Oscars) held on Sunday, March 12.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, Tems said that she wanted to “go all out” and put in a great effort into looking the best for her first Academy Awards experience.
The Grammy winner stated that wearing the Lever Couture gown was her way of making a statement and celebrating her work.
“Two years ago, I would’ve said no to this dress,” she said. “But it’s my first Oscars — I am going to go all out. I really wanted to make the most of the day. The dress is also my way of celebrating my work and the people around me, celebrating my country, and celebrating the people that are rooting for me. This dress says ‘Yes, yes, I am here!’”
Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, added that the global attention she’s receiving including landing an Oscar nomination only proves to her the efforts she is making are paying off.
“If the biggest women in the world love my work to such an extent that they are working with me, then that must say something. My work is actually reaching places, it’s making some type of impact.”
“And that is insane! I really am just trying to keep my feet on the ground and continue running and doing things that are a hundred per cent authentic to me. Evolving, learning, growing. It’s just the beginning for me,” the ‘Higher’ hitmaker said.
Tems caused quite a stir with her gown at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday.
The co-writer of Rihanna's Oscar-nominated single, "Lift Me Up," wowed the red carpet in a show-stopping Lever Couture gown with a delicate tulle fabric headpiece woven into a head-to-toe asymmetrical silhouette.
The Oscar nominee’s outfit was an instant entry for the night's best-dressed list. However, during the ceremony, social media users were widely divided when it came to the headpiece's presence inside the venue, where it obstructed the views of some of the guests seated behind her.
Although no one who was actually seated behind Tems said anything about their blocked view, ABC's broadcast showed her several times throughout the night.
Lady Gaga been wearing contraptions to award shows for years and 3 other women have worn similar dresses this award season but SURE, call Tems obnoxious and inconsiderate 🙄 https://t.co/rhmKk9rk0E pic.twitter.com/WktBEgezA6
— Olayemi Olurin (@msolurin) March 13, 2023
Those seated around her, including her co-manager, Tec, were seen craning their necks to see around the gown's headpiece.
😭😭😭 This was deep pic.twitter.com/jOpxnfz3cd
— Duncan Daniels US Afrobeats Artist (@Dunkishrock) March 13, 2023
But on Monday, Tems responded to the drama on Twitter. She shared four photos of her in the now-infamous gown, and cheekily writing, "Oops."
Oops.☺️ pic.twitter.com/en3XjAamhI
— TEMS (@temsbaby) March 13, 2023
Tems was nominated for Best Original Song at this year’s Oscars for the movie’s soundtrack, ‘Lift Me Up’ which she co-wrote with superstar singer Rihanna; music producer, Ludwig Göransson; and Black Panther’s director, Ryan Coogler.
Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj’s ‘Naatu Naatu’, however, won the category.
Latest Stories
-
Sedina Tamakloe’s arrest: MoF, MASLOC board can’t be left off the hook – Analyst
12 mins -
Three JHS boys arrested for allegedly gang-defiling 15-year-old colleague
18 mins -
Today’s front pages: Friday, April 19, 2024
28 mins -
Magnus RexDanquah : ‘Breaking the Eight’ – The Greatest Scam Ever since Ackah Blay Miezah’s Gold Deposits claim
36 mins -
You cannot advise a fool – Kofi Kinaata
2 hours -
Christopher Adu Boahen to be buried on April 25
4 hours -
Ghana will achieve universal access to electricity by end of the year – Finance Minister
4 hours -
Ghana is set to procure one million revenue-efficient meters
4 hours -
National Peace Council raises concern over hate speech, insults in the media
4 hours -
I will fight corruption ruthlessly – Alan Kyerematen
4 hours -
Akufo-Addo pledges to prioritise the welfare of cocoa farmers
4 hours -
I swore I wouldn’t marry a man like my father and then I married worse
5 hours -
Akufo-Addo vows to make cocoa farmers’ ‘welfare his priority’
5 hours -
Minister advises students against skin bleaching
5 hours -
Women CEOs are architects of change, says Frema Opare
6 hours