Nigeria’s Tems honoured with Billboard Diamond Award in London

The two-time Grammy winner received the accolade during the Billboard Global Power Players event, held at Shoreditch House in London on 4 June.

The award was presented by Nkosiyati “Yati” Khumalo, the incoming editor of the newly-launched Billboard Africa. In his remarks, Khumalo praised the ‘Love Me Jeje’ singer as “an artist who has been leading the vibe with authenticity, an unmistakable sound, and an attitude of perseverance.”

In her acceptance speech, Tems spoke about the growing influence of African music on the global stage.

“Being African and a musician is a whole new world, and I feel like Billboard has been so supportive, not just of African music, but of the whole scene and the culture,” she said. “This is truly a great honour, especially as African music is reaching new heights never seen before. Billboard is one of the key players helping to move that needle forward.”

The Diamond Award, created in partnership with the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, symbolises a shared commitment to the sustainable and ethical development of Africa’s mineral resources, alongside the continued growth and global recognition of the continent’s music industry.

In addition to the award, Tems will receive an exclusive curated tourism experience courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, which includes a stay at the world-renowned Chiefs Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

The win adds to Tems’ achievements this year after having won a Grammy Award at the 2025 Grammys in Los Angeles, California, in February and joining an American professional soccer club, San Diego FC’s (SDFC) ownership group as a club partner.