Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems and a Grammy Award-winning artist, was one of the honourees at the debut edition of Billboard’s Global Power Players Event, held on Wednesday at Shoreditch House in East London
She was recognised alongside British music icon Sir Elton John and Ghazi Shami, the founder and CEO of EMPIRE.
Tems received the Diamond Award, which was presented to her by Nkosiyati Khumalo, who is set to become Billboard Africa’s editor.
“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.
“This has been a 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,” the Oscar-nominated singer said during her acceptance speech.
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Sir Elton John was presented with the Creators’ Champion Award, while Ghazi Shami received the prestigious Clive Davis Visionary Award. Nigerian rapper and music executive Olamide was on hand to present the award to Shami.
The event also marked the unveiling of the inaugural U.K. Power Players chart.
Tems continues to make history with Billboard, currently holding the record as the most-awarded African artist in its history. She also made headlines last year as the first Nigerian woman to be recognised at Billboard’s Women In Music Event.
