Grammy-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, continues to make history on the global stage.
On Wednesday night, she was honoured at Billboard’s first-ever Global Power Players Event, held at the exclusive Shoreditch House in East London.
Tems was awarded the prestigious Diamond Award, presented by incoming Billboard Africa editor Nkosiyati Khumalo, recognizing her remarkable contributions to music and her impact on the global rise of African sound.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, the Oscar-nominated artist expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the importance of platforms like Billboard in championing African music:
“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 honour, especially given that 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.”
Tems
Tems was celebrated alongside music legend Sir Elton John, who received the Creators’ Champion Award, and EMPIRE founder and CEO Ghazi Shami, who was honoured with the Clive Davis Visionary Award – presented by Nigerian rap icon and YBNL label boss Olamide.
The evening also marked the launch of Billboard’s first-ever U.K. Power Players Chart, a new platform spotlighting the most influential figures shaping music across the region.
With this recognition, Tems extends her legacy as the most-awarded African artist in Billboard’s history. Her trailblazing journey continues to inspire a new generation of African musicians breaking into global consciousness.
Notably, she became the first Nigerian woman to be honoured at Billboard’s Women In Music Event in 2023.
Tems Slams Critics Over Body Physique
The Nigerian singer and Grammy-winning artist fired back at critics fixated on her body, telling them to “move on” in a blunt message posted on her social media.
The outspoken response came after a user on X (formerly Twitter) with the handle @Fisayyy tweeted: “Real one knows she just have big laps not actual ass.” Like many other X users, Machala claimed Temilade’s body shape is not as big as many people thought.
Reacting to Machala’s comments, the Grammy-winning singer said she is ready to return any body-shaming statements targeted at her body to make people share her feelings.
“Okay, 7 years in. It’s time to pack it up. I never thought I’d need to say it, but you are all weird. ‘It’s small, it’s flat, it’s fat.’ Dog, it’s mine. ‘Show us your bumbum’ lol so me too I will turn and say ‘see’ Nah show ME yours first?? See how that feels?
“It’s just a body, I will add and lose weight. I never once hid my body; I just didn’t feel the need to prove or disprove anyone. The more you don’t like my body, the better for me actually. But it’s enough now. Move on from my bum.”
Tems
The music sensation recently joined the league of female artists who address persistent body-shaming comments on social media, which complements her bold fashion styles and appearances at public events.
The post has stirred a wave of reactions online, with fans and fellow celebrities rallying behind the singer for boldly addressing body shaming and reclaiming her narrative.
It can be recalled that recently, Tems opened up about her love for her body and what influences her fashion. The 29-year-old singer was drawn into the topic during a candid sit-down with Cocoa Butter in Atlanta.
The ‘Essence’ singer said she is proud of her body shape and noted that it is a blessing to be an ‘endowed’ black woman.
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