Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, was among the distinguished honourees at the inaugural Billboard Global Power Players event, held on Wednesday at Shoreditch House in East London.
Tems received the prestigious Diamond Award, presented by incoming Billboard Africa editor Nkosiyati Khumalo. She was recognised alongside legendary British musician Sir Elton John and EMPIRE founder and CEO, Ghazi Shami.
In her acceptance speech, Tems reflected on the growing influence of African music:
“Being African and a musician is a whole new world, and I feel like Billboard has been incredibly supportive — not just of African music, but of the culture as a whole.
This is such a great honour, especially as African music is reaching unprecedented heights. Billboard is truly helping to drive that momentum.”
Sir Elton John was honoured with the Creators’ Champion Award, while Ghazi Shami received the esteemed Clive Davis Visionary Award. The award was presented to Shami by Nigerian music star and YBNL label boss, Olamide.
The event also marked the launch of Billboard’s first-ever UK Power Players chart, celebrating key figures shaping the British music industry.
Tems continues to make history as the most-awarded African artist in Billboard’s history. In 2024, she became the first Nigerian woman to be recognised at Billboard’s Women in Music event.
