Tems Honored at Billboard’s Inaugural Global Power Players Event.

Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known globally as Tems, was recognized at the inaugural Billboard Global Power Players Event held Wednesday at Shoreditch House in east London, England. Tems was among a select group of honorees, including British music icon Sir Elton John and EMPIRE founder and CEO Ghazi Shami.

Tems received the Diamond Award, presented by incoming Billboard Africa editor Nkosiyati Khumalo. In her acceptance speech, the Oscar-nominated artist emphasized the significance of the recognition, stating, “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 further acknowledged Billboard’s crucial role in the advancement of African music, noting its unprecedented rise and Billboard’s contribution to “moving that needle forward.”

Sir Elton John was presented with the Creators’ Champion Award, while Ghazi Shami, head of EMPIRE, received the Clive Davis Visionary Award. Notably, Nigerian musician and YNBL label executive Olamide presented the award to Shami. The event also marked the launch of the first-ever U.K. Power Players chart.

This honor further solidifies Tems’ place as a leading figure in the global music landscape. She holds the distinction of being the most-awarded African artist in Billboard’s history. In the previous year, Tems achieved another milestone as the first Nigerian woman to be honored at the Billboard’s Women In Music Event. Her consistent recognition underscores her significant impact and growing influence within the international music industry.