Tems Makes History Again: Honoured at Billboard’s Global Power Players Event in London
Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Tems receives the Diamond Award at Billboard’s first Global Power Players Event in London, joining icons like Elton John and EMPIRE’s Ghazi Shami.
Tems Joins Global Icons at Billboard’s Inaugural Global Power Players Gala
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer and global sensation Temilade Openiyi, known to fans as Tems, continues to break barriers and shatter records. On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, she was among the distinguished honourees at Billboard’s first-ever Global Power Players Event, held at the stylish Shoreditch House in East London.
Tems was honoured with the prestigious Diamond Award, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with music legends such as Sir Elton John, who received the Creators’ Champion Award, and Ghazi Shami, CEO of EMPIRE, who took home the Clive Davis Visionary Award. The award was presented by Nkosiyati Khumalo, the incoming editor of Billboard Africa.
Tems: Championing African Music on the Global Stage
In her acceptance speech, Tems expressed pride in representing African talent at a time when the continent’s music is enjoying unprecedented global recognition.
“Being African and a musician is a whole new world,” she said. “Billboard has been incredibly supportive of African music, the culture, and the movement as a whole. It’s an honour to be recognised during a time when African sounds are reaching new heights—and Billboard is helping push that movement forward.”
Tems’ presence at the event is especially significant given her trailblazing role in Afrobeat’s global evolution. She remains the most-awarded African artist in Billboard’s history, and in 2024, became the first Nigerian woman ever recognised at Billboard’s Women in Music celebration.
Tems Makes History Again
Other Highlights: Global Recognition of African Talent
The event also marked the launch of the first-ever U.K. Power Players Chart, a significant milestone in Billboard’s international expansion. Nigerian music legend Olamide, founder of YBNL, was also present and had the honour of presenting the award to EMPIRE’s Ghazi Shami—underscoring the strong presence of Nigerian talent at the top of the global music industry.
Why This Moment Matters
This recognition isn’t just about one artist—it signals the globalisation of African music, with Tems at the forefront of a movement that blends authenticity, talent, and cultural pride. As her catalogue continues to grow with international hits and Grammy accolades, her influence expands beyond music into global culture and representation.
From Lagos to London, Tems is proof that African excellence is unstoppable—and she’s only getting started.
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