Tems Makes History as Most-Awarded African Artist in Billboard History
Nigerian singer and global sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has cemented her place in history as the most-awarded African artist in Billboard’s history adding another significant milestone to her record-breaking career.
At the inaugural Billboard Global Power Players event held on Wednesday at Shoreditch House in East London, Tems was among a select group of international honourees recognized for their impact on the global music scene. She received the prestigious Diamond Award, presented by incoming Billboard Africa editor Nkosiyati Khumalo.
Tems, a Grammy-winning artist and Oscar nominee, shared the stage with legendary British musician Sir Elton John, who received the Creators’ Champion Award, and EMPIRE founder and CEO Ghazi Shami, who was honoured with the Clive Davis Visionary Award. The award to Shami was presented by Nigerian rapper and YBNL label boss, Olamide.
Speaking during her acceptance speech, Tems highlighted the growing influence of African music on the global stage.
“This has been a really great honour, especially given that African music is moving to heights that have never been seen before,” she said. “Billboard is one of the key players in moving that needle forward. 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 recognition follows Tems’ historic appearance last year as the first Nigerian woman honoured at Billboard’s Women in Music event, further affirming her status as one of Africa’s most influential musical exports.
The event also marked the launch of Billboard’s first-ever UK Power Players chart, spotlighting top executives and creatives shaping the music industry across the United Kingdom.