The Diamond Award recognises Tems’ trailblazing contributions to the global music landscape.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tems, has been honoured with the prestigious Diamond Award at Billboard’s inaugural Global Power Players event, held on Wednesday at Shoreditch House in East London.
Presented by incoming Billboard Africa editor, Nkosiyati Khumalo, the award recognises Tems’ trailblazing contributions to the global music landscape. She was celebrated alongside British music icon, Sir Elton John, recipient of the Creators’ Champion Award, and EMPIRE CEO Ghazi Shami, who received the Clive Davis Visionary Award, presented by Nigerian rap star and YBNL founder, Olamide.
In her acceptance speech, Tems reflected on the rising global presence of African music, saying: “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. 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 night also marked the official launch of Billboard’s U.K. Power Players chart, spotlighting influential figures shaping the future of music in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Tems’ recognition at the Global Power Players event adds another milestone to her impressive resume. She is currently the most-awarded African artiste in Billboard history, and in 2024, became the first Nigerian woman honoured at Billboard’s Women in Music gala.
As African music continues to break new ground globally, Tems’ latest honour serves as proof of her enduring impact and the continent’s growing influence on international pop culture.