Nigerian sensation Tems, known off-stage as Temilade Openiyi—was honored with the prestigious Billboard Diamond Award at the first-ever Billboard Global Power Players event in London.
This development marks a defining moment for African music on the global stage.
Held at the elegant Shoreditch House on June 5, 2025, the celebration brought together the music industry’s top influencers to recognize those reshaping the sound and culture of today’s music. Among these elite voices, it was Tems who took center stage—not just as a performer, but as a powerhouse changing the narrative of African artistry worldwide.
Receiving the award from Nkosiyati Khumalo, Billboard Africa’s newly appointed editor, Tems delivered a heartfelt message about her roots, her rise, and the recognition of African music on the global map: “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.”
The award celebrates more than Tems’ voice—it honors her impact. From her Grammy win for “Wait for U” with Future and Drake, to her genre-defying solo work, Tems has emerged as a cultural bridge between continents, blending soul, R&B, and Afrobeat into a sound that resonates far beyond Lagos.
The night also paid tribute to music legend Sir Elton John, who received the Creators’ Champion Award, and EMPIRE founder Ghazi Shami, who was presented with the Clive Davis Visionary Award—placing Tems in the same breath as some of the most influential names in the business.
From headlining festivals to chart-topping features, Tems is more than an artist—she’s a symbol of a global shift. Her Billboard Diamond Award isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a statement: African music isn’t coming; it’s already here.
