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Tems receives Diamond Award at Billboard Global Power Players event
Nigerian music sensation Tems has added another historic accolade to her name, receiving the prestigious Diamond Award at Billboard’s inaugural Global Power Players Event held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Shoreditch House in East London.
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter was recognized alongside global icons Sir Elton John and EMPIRE founder Ghazi Shami, in a night celebrating individuals redefining the future of the global music landscape.
Tems, who holds the record as the most-awarded African artist in Billboard history, was presented with the award by Nkosiyati Khumalo, the incoming editor of Billboard Africa.
Tems receives the Diamond Award at the @billboard Inaugural Global Power Players event in London 🎗️🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/0p3GrPMOKt
— Afromixx Entertainment (@afromixx) June 5, 2025
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Tems reflected on the international rise of African music:
“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 said.
“This has been a really great honour, 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.”
Other highlights from the evening included:
- Sir Elton John receiving the Creators’ Champion Award
- Ghazi Shami receiving the Clive Davis Visionary Award, presented by Nigerian rap icon and YBNL boss Olamide
The event also marked the launch of Billboard’s first-ever U.K. Power Players Chart, spotlighting key figures shaping the British and global music scenes.
With this latest recognition, Tems continues to cement her status as one of Africa’s most influential voices on the global stage.
Tems receives The Diamond Award at @billboard’s Inaugural Global Power Players🏆 pic.twitter.com/zKIp86Ewjc
— tems 𝖘z𝖓 (@temsszn) June 4, 2025