Why I wore extravagant dress to Oscars — Tems

Tems, known professionally as Temilade Openiyi, is a prominent and multi-talented Nigerian musician and songwriter.

She has explained why she plans to wear a dress that would obscure her view of the 2023 Academy Awards.

Hollywood’s elite gathered at the Dolby Centre in Los Angeles on Sunday night for the coveted award ceremony, where they were impressed by the variety of fashions.

Tems wore a white Leleka Couture gown with sculptural detailing from the AW22 collection by the Ukrainian label Lever Couture. Many in attendance complained that the headpiece on top of her head blocked their vision.

Tems gave an interview to Harper Bazzar before the Oscars in which she discussed the making of the divisive dress.

According to the Grammys award winner, she decided to “go all out” and “make the most” of her first Oscars attendance.

“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!’”

“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 percent authentic to me. Evolving, learning, growing. It’s just the beginning for me,” she said.Tems was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for her work on the Black Panther film’s soundtrack, “Lift Me Up,” which she created alongside singer Rihanna, music producer Ludwig Göransson, and director Ryan Coogler.

On the other hand, Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj’s “Naatu Naatu” placed first in the category.