Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, was among the honourees at the inaugural Billboard’s Global Power Players Event on Wednesday at Shoreditch House in east London, England.
She was honoured alongside veteran British singer, Sir Elton John and EMPIRE founder and CEO Ghazi Shami.
Tems received the Diamond Award which was presented by incoming Billboard Africa editor Nkosiyati Khumalo.
“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 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,” the Oscar-nominated star stated in her acceptance speech.
Sir Elton John collected the Creators’ Champion Award, and EMPIRE boss Ghazi Shami received the coveted Clive Davis Visionary Award.
Nigerian musician and YNBL label boss, Olamide, presented the award to EMPIRE CEO.
The first-ever U.K Power Players chart was also launched at the event.
Tems is the most-awarded African artist in Billboard’s history. Last year, she became the first Nigerian woman to be honoured at the Billboard’s Women In Music Event.
