Billboard’s The Stage hit SXSW London on Thursday night (June 5), marking the first time the event took place in the U.K. The show at the capital’s Troxy was headlined by Lagos-born, London-based superstar Tems, a day after she collected the Diamond Award at the Global Power Players Event alongside Sir Elton John and EMPIRE CEO Ghazi. Speaking from the stage, she celebrated Billboard for championing African music on a global scale.
The special ticketed event was one of SXSW London’s biggest draws and comes after days of live performances and thought-provoking panels throughout Shoreditch. The Stage has become a staple at SXSW in Austin, with 2025 headliners including John Summit, Koe Wetzel and Grupo Frontera in a genre-busting showcase of some of music’s most sought-after names.
It’s another crowning glory for current Billboard cover star Tems following her rapid rise over the past few years, culminating in a Grammy win in 2025 for best African music performance. Speaking to Billboard on her success and staying authentic, she said, “It feels good to be able to do this on this scale. My life is a dream.” Tems released her debut album Born in the Wild in June 2024 to critical acclaim.
The Stage featured a number of performers during the night, giving punters at the historic venue a glimpse of the present and future of music from both the U.K. and Africa. Botswana’s Amantle Brown opened proceedings, with London-based rising star LULU. both appearing on the bill as well.
These are five highlights from The Stage’s SXSW London debut.
Following diverse, energetic selections from DJ Edith Escobar, Amantle Brown celebrated her home nation of Botswana in her passionate set to open the night of live performances. “I’m all the way from Africa and Botswana,” she told the crowd, “and out there, the industry is still growing, but you just know they are rooting for me back home,” she said as she proudly waved her home nation’s flag onstage, thousands of miles away.
London-based artist LULU. has made waves on the capital’s live scene in recent months, fusing pop and R&B into her own distinctive sound. Performing cuts from her 2024 collection Dear Disorientated Soul as well as brand-new song “Not There Yet,” she reminded the crowd that being creative is an essential need for all people and that “no-one can stop you from doing” what you want as a performer. Her set – which included a cover of Bob Marley’s’ “Is This Love” – was proof that her artistry is, indeed, unstoppable and brilliant.
Arriving to passionate screams, Tems told the crowd she was happy to be back onstage at what was her first show in London of 2025. Her set pulled heavily from her genre-blending debut Born in the Wild, expertly brought to life with Tems’ hip-shaking stage presence, top-notch vocals and backed by a tight six-piece band.
Alongside her biggest hits, Tems played songs for her “day ones,” including “Higher,” showcasing vocal excellence in moments both euphoric and intimate. Fan favorite “Found” saw Tems share the mic with eager stans in the front row and duetting on the song’s memorable chorus.
“Love Me Jeje” brought the vibrant party to Troxy’s historic dance floor, with its art-deco features withstanding the bouncing energy Tems and the crowd created together. “Essence,” her collaboration with Nigerian giant Wizkid, took the vibes to brand new-highs, while closing tracks “Me & U” and “Free Mind” capped off a stellar evening for the global superstar in her adopted hometown.
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