Nigerian singer Tems, who has won a Grammy, was honored at the first Billboard Global Power Players Event. This special event took place on Wednesday at Shoreditch House in East London.
She was recognized alongside famous British singer Sir Elton John and Ghazi Shami, the founder and CEO of the music company EMPIRE.
At the event, Tems received the Diamond Award. The award was given to her by Nkosiyati Khumalo, who is the new editor of Billboard Africa.
Sir Elton John was also honored with the Creators’ Champion Award. Meanwhile, Ghazi Shami was given the important Clive Davis Visionary Award.
“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.
The award for Ghazi Shami was presented by Olamide, a well-known Nigerian artist and head of the YNBL music label.
During the event, Billboard also introduced the first U.K. Power Players chart to celebrate key figures in the music industry.
Tems is the most awarded African artist in Billboard’s history. Last year, she became the first Nigerian woman to be honored at Billboard’s Women In Music event, making her achievements even more special.
