Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has added another prestigious accolade to her growing list of international honors. The global music star was presented with the Diamond Award at Billboard’s inaugural Global Power Players event, held in London ahead of her highly anticipated performance at SXSW London.
The event, which took place on Wednesday, June 4, celebrated influential figures and changemakers within the music industry. Alongside Tems, other notable honorees included British music legend Elton John and Ghazi Shami, CEO of independent music powerhouse EMPIRE.
Tems, known for her soulful sound and genre-blending style, received the award from incoming Billboard Africa editor, Nkosiyati Khumalo, who praised her for her contributions to the global success of African music.
In her acceptance speech, the “Essence” hitmaker expressed her gratitude to Billboard and reflected on the growth of Afrobeats on the global stage:
“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 really great honor, especially given that African music is moving to heights that has never been seen before, and Billboard is one of the key players in moving that needle forward.”
Tems’ recognition comes as African music continues to gain traction globally, with Afrobeats now a staple on international charts and stages. Tems has played a major role in the genre’s expansion, gaining widespread acclaim for her collaborations with global stars like Drake, Future, Beyoncé, and her contribution to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.
Her Diamond Award win is yet another milestone in a stellar career that has redefined how African artists, especially women, are perceived on the global music scene. She is also set to headline Billboard Presents The Stage at SXSW London on Thursday, June 5, a performance many fans and critics are eager to witness.
The award solidifies Tems’ place not just as a standout voice in Afrobeats but as a symbol of Africa’s growing cultural power in the world of music.
