Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, was celebrated as one of the honorees at the first-ever Billboard Global Power Players Event held on Wednesday at Shoreditch House in East London, England, in the United Kingdom.
She was recognized alongside legendary British singer Sir Elton John and Ghazi Shami, the founder and CEO of EMPIRE.
At the event, Sir Elton John was honoured with the Creators’ Champion Award while Ghazi Shami received the Clive Davis Visionary Award, which was presented by Nigerian artist and YNBL label head Olamide.
In his speech, Shami remarked, “I often tell people that EMPIRE is a philanthropy company masquerading as a record label. I truly believe that in my heart. It wasn’t always that way. Being a visionary means you see a need in your community and you try and figure out how to serve that need.”
Tems was presented with the prestigious Diamond Award by Nkosiyati Khumalo, the incoming editor of Billboard Africa.
Reflecting on her achievement, the Oscar-nominated star said, “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 launch of the inaugural U.K Power Players chart also marked a highlight of the occasion.
Tems continues to make history as the most-awarded African artist in Billboard’s records, having been the first Nigerian woman to be recognized at Billboard’s Women In Music Event last year.
