Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, received one of the top accolades at Billboard’s inaugural Global Power Players Event, held on Wednesday at Shoreditch House in East London, England. The groundbreaking ceremony celebrated influential figures shaping the global music landscape, and Tems stood out as a shining example of African excellence.

At the star-studded event, Tems was honoured with the prestigious Diamond Award, a recognition that firmly cements her place as a global music powerhouse. The award was presented by Nkosiyati Khumalo, the incoming editor of Billboard Africa, highlighting not only Tems’ artistic achievements but also the growing global footprint of African music.

A Defining Moment for African Music

In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Tems underscored the significance of the moment for both herself and the African music industry at large.

“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 honour, 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.”

Her words reflect the increasing momentum African music has gained on the international stage. As genres like Afrobeats continue to dominate global charts, Tems stands as a torchbearer for a new era of African artistry. Her Billboard recognition follows a string of accomplishments that have made her a trailblazer for female artists across the continent.

Celebrating Global Icons

Tems wasn’t the only industry leader recognised at the prestigious Billboard ceremony. Sir Elton John, a legendary figure in British music, received the Creators’ Champion Award in acknowledgment of his enduring impact on music, philanthropy, and cultural influence. Known for his decades-long career and tireless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and AIDS awareness, Sir Elton’s inclusion highlighted the diversity and caliber of the event’s honourees.

Meanwhile, Ghazi Shami, the founder and CEO of EMPIRE, was awarded the Clive Davis Visionary Award, a title reserved for those who have made groundbreaking contributions to the business of music. Shami, whose distribution and record company has played a critical role in shaping the careers of independent artists globally, received his award from none other than Olamide, the Nigerian rapper and CEO of YBNL Nation.

Olamide’s participation further emphasized the event’s recognition of Nigerian talent—not just as performers but also as key stakeholders and industry leaders.

Launch of the UK Power Players Chart

In addition to the individual honours, the event marked the official launch of Billboard’s U.K. Power Players Chart, a new initiative aimed at spotlighting the most influential names in Britain’s music scene. This expansion of Billboard’s chart offerings reflects the publication’s commitment to recognising music professionals across all territories, not just within the U.S. market.

With its inaugural Global Power Players event, Billboard sent a clear message: music influence knows no borders, and talents from across continents are shaping the industry’s future in profound ways.

Tems: A Record-Breaking Star

Tems continues to break barriers in her ascent to global superstardom. She has become the most-awarded African artist in Billboard’s history, a monumental feat that reflects her unique blend of talent, authenticity, and international appeal.

Her landmark moment at the 2023 Billboard Women in Music Event, where she became the first Nigerian woman ever honoured, laid the groundwork for her latest recognition. That earlier award was seen as a turning point for African women in music and inspired countless young talents across the continent to dream beyond traditional limitations.

Tems’ accolades are not confined to Billboard alone. The Nigerian singer-songwriter boasts an Oscar nomination and several international awards. She has collaborated with global superstars such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, further elevating her status and showcasing the export quality of Nigerian music.

A New Chapter for African Representation

Tems’ latest achievement is not just personal—it is deeply symbolic of a larger movement. As global institutions like Billboard continue to expand their recognition of African artists, the industry is witnessing a paradigm shift in how African music is consumed, respected, and celebrated.

This transformation has been years in the making, with Afrobeats artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido laying the groundwork. Now, female artists like Tems are reshaping the narrative even further, proving that African women can also dominate the global charts and grace prestigious international stages.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy in Motion

Tems’ Diamond Award from Billboard doesn’t merely add another trophy to her growing collection—it underscores her evolving legacy. As African music continues to break new ground internationally, Tems remains at the forefront, a symbol of innovation, resilience, and cultural pride.

Her recognition at the Global Power Players Event is not just an honour—it is a call to action for the global music community to embrace more inclusive and diverse voices. With her signature voice and unmatched artistry, Tems continues to redefine what it means to be an African artist in the global arena.

As she said in her acceptance speech, this is “a whole new world.” And without a doubt, Tems is helping to shape it.