Billboard’s The Stage hit SXSW London on Thursday night time (June 5), marking the primary time the occasion passed off within the U.Ok. The present on the capital’s Troxy was headlined by Lagos-born, London-based famous person Tems, a day after she collected the Diamond Award on the World Energy Gamers Occasion alongside Sir Elton John and EMPIRE CEO Ghazi. Talking from the stage, she celebrated Billboard for championing African music on a world scale.
The particular ticketed occasion was certainly one of SXSW London’s biggest draws and comes after days of reside performances and thought-provoking panels all through Shoreditch. The Stage has turn into a staple at SXSW in Austin, with 2025 headliners together with John Summit, Koe Wetzel and Grupo Frontera in a genre-busting showcase of a few of music’s most sought-after names.
It’s one other crowning glory for present Billboard cover star Tems following her fast rise over the previous few years, culminating in a Grammy win in 2025 for finest African music efficiency. Talking to Billboard on her success and staying genuine, she stated, “It feels good to have the ability to do that on this scale. My life is a dream.” Tems launched her debut album Born within the Wild in June 2024 to important acclaim.
The Stage featured quite a few performers in the course of the night time, giving punters on the historic venue a glimpse of the current and way forward for music from each the U.Ok. and Africa. Botswana’s Amantle Brown opened proceedings, with London-based rising star LULU. each showing on the invoice as properly.
These are 5 highlights from The Stage’s SXSW London debut.
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Amantle Brown Reps Botswana
Picture Credit score: Scott Garfitt/Billboard Following numerous, energetic choices from DJ Edith Escobar, Amantle Brown celebrated her residence nation of Botswana in her passionate set to open the night time of reside performances. “I’m all the way in which from Africa and Botswana,” she informed the group, “and on the market, the business remains to be rising, however you simply know they’re rooting for me again residence,” she stated as she proudly waved her residence nation’s flag onstage, 1000’s of miles away.
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LULU. is Unstoppable
Picture Credit score: Scott Garfitt/Billboard London-based artist LULU. has made waves on the capital’s reside scene in current months, fusing pop and R&B into her personal distinctive sound. Performing cuts from her 2024 assortment Expensive Disorientated Soul in addition to brand-new tune “Not There But,” she reminded the group that being inventive is an important want for all individuals and that “no-one can cease you from doing” what you need as a performer. Her set – which included a canopy of Bob Marley’s’ “Is This Love” – was proof that her artistry is, certainly, unstoppable and sensible.
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Tems’ Return to the London Stage
Arriving to passionate screams, Tems informed the group she was completely satisfied to be again onstage at what was her first present in London of 2025. Her set pulled closely from her genre-blending debut Born within the Wild, expertly dropped at life with Tems’ hip-shaking stage presence, top-notch vocals and backed by a good six-piece band.
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Fan Favorites and Deep Cuts
Alongside her greatest hits, Tems performed songs for her “day ones,” together with “Increased,” showcasing vocal excellence in moments each euphoric and intimate. Fan favourite “Discovered” noticed Tems share the mic with keen stans within the entrance row and duetting on the tune’s memorable refrain.
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Tems’ Almighty Finale
“Love Me Jeje” introduced the colourful get together to Troxy’s historic dance ground, with its art-deco options withstanding the bouncing vitality Tems and the group created collectively. “Essence,” her collaboration with Nigerian large Wizkid, took the vibes to model new-highs, whereas closing tracks “Me & U” and “Free Thoughts” capped off a stellar night for the worldwide famous person in her adopted hometown.
