Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, was celebrated at the first-ever Billboard Global Power Players Event held on Wednesday at Shoreditch House in East London, England. The Grammy-winning artist was recognized alongside music legends, including British icon Sir Elton John and EMPIRE founder and CEO Ghazi Shami.
Tems was presented with the Diamond Award by incoming Billboard Africa editor Nkosiyati Khumalo. In her acceptance speech, the Oscar-nominated star expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting Billboard’s role in uplifting African music.
“Being African and a musician is a whole new world, and I feel like Billboard has been so supportive of not just African music but the whole scene and the culture,” she said. “This has been a really great honor, especially given that African music is moving to heights that have never been seen before, and Billboard is one of the key players in moving that needle forward.”
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Sir Elton John received the Creators’ Champion Award, while Ghazi Shami was honored with the prestigious Clive Davis Visionary Award, presented by Nigerian artist and YNBL label head Olamide.
The event also marked the launch of Billboard’s inaugural U.K. Power Players Chart. Tems continues to make history as the most-awarded African artist in Billboard’s history. Last year, she became the first Nigerian woman to be honored at the Billboard Women in Music event.
