Burna Boy and Tems Shine Bright on the 2023 Platinum Power List

September 21, 2023 – As the rhythmic drumbeats and pulsating melodies of Afrobeats become an undeniable force on the global music stage, Nigerian powerhouses Burna Boy and Tems secure their spots on the 2023 Platinum Power List, a testament to their remarkable contributions and influence in the music industry.

Burna Boy, dubbed the African Giant, keeps blazing trails for the Afrobeats genre. With the Grammys spotlighting African music through their new category, Burna stands as a symbol of the genre’s immense global recognition. In a landmark move, Burna made history this summer by becoming the first Nigerian artist to headline a U.S. stadium, performing to a full house at New York City’s Citi Field. Rewinding the tape to a year earlier, the “Ye” hitmaker was the crowning act at Madison Square Garden.

His recent album drop in August, I Told Them…, saw a star-studded feature list with the likes of J. Cole, 21 Savage, and hip-hop legends GZA and RZA. Further amplifying his fame, Burna Boy graced the stage on the opening night of Dave Chappelle’s “It’s a Celebration B!%?#&$! Tour” at MSG. An unforgettable moment was captured when Chappelle was spotted backstage mastering the iconic moves to Burna Boy’s electrifying track “City Boys”. Truly, Burna remains a blazing torch in the industry.

On the other hand, the enigmatic Tems, with her velvety vocals, is already a global phenomenon, even without a full-length debut album to her name. Her celestial voice isn’t just an added layer in songs but often the standout element, as seen in her collaborations with titans like Future and Drake in “Wait for U” and the global sensation “Essence” with Wizkid.

2023 proved golden for Tems, as her tracks from the previous years gained newfound momentum. “Free Mind”, to cite an instance, reigned supreme on R&B/hip-hop radio charts for a whopping 22 weeks this year. Her musical genius was not just limited to lending her voice; she stepped into the songwriting arena for heavyweights. Not only did she feature on Beyoncé’s track “Move” alongside the legendary Grace Jones, but she also co-wrote Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” for the soundtrack of the blockbuster movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. This exceptional contribution earned both Tems and Rihanna their debut Oscar nominations.

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As Afrobeats’ symphony grows louder on the global stage, talents like Burna Boy and Tems further cement its position. Their achievements not only signify personal success but also herald a golden era for African music, proving that the continent’s sound can resonate with audiences worldwide.