Tems Receives Diamond Award at Billboard Global Power Players Event in London

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems continues to make waves on the global stage as she was honored with the prestigious Diamond Award at the inaugural Billboard Global Power Players event, held in London.

The event, which marked a major milestone in Billboard’s expansion into international markets, celebrated some of the most influential individuals shaping the global music landscape. Tems stood out among an elite group of honorees that included industry icon Sir Elton John and EMPIRE founder Ghazi Shami.

In her acceptance speech, Tems expressed heartfelt gratitude to Billboard for its unwavering support of African music and culture. She acknowledged the growing influence of African sounds on the global music scene and praised Billboard for playing a key role in amplifying voices from the continent.

“Being African and a musician is a whole new world,” Tems said. “I feel like Billboard has been so supportive of not just African music but the whole scene and the culture. 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.”

Tems' recognition highlights not only her meteoric rise in the global music industry but also the increasing visibility and respect African artists are receiving internationally. Since bursting onto the scene with hits like "Try Me" and her collaboration with Wizkid on "Essence," Tems has consistently pushed creative boundaries and elevated the profile of Nigerian music.

Other major honorees at the event included Sir Elton John, who was presented with the Creators’ Champion Award, and Ghazi Shami, who received the Clive Davis Visionary Award—an accolade handed to him by Nigerian superstar Olamide.

The ceremony also marked the launch of Billboard’s first-ever UK Power Players chart, spotlighting key figures contributing to the vibrancy and success of the UK’s music industry.

As African music continues to gain momentum on a global scale, Tems’ recognition serves as both a personal achievement and a symbolic win for the African music community. Her Diamond Award not only cements her place as a global powerhouse but also shines a light on the cultural richness and talent emerging from the continent.