In a groundbreaking achievement for Nigerian music, Temilade Openiyi, better known by her stage name Tems, has become the first female Nigerian artist to sell over 10 million units in the United States. The achievement, confirmed by Chart Data on X (formerly Twitter) on September 30, 2025, highlights her massive success and global influence.
The single responsible for this remarkable feat is “Wait For U,” a collaboration with American rap heavyweights Future and Drake. The track, which has resonated with millions worldwide, has now officially surpassed 10 million sales in the US, cementing Tems’ place in music history.
Tems’ journey to this milestone is part of her meteoric rise in the global music industry. Known for her distinct voice and compelling sound, she has garnered recognition on international platforms, most notably when she won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait For U.” This victory adds to her growing list of accolades, which also includes a BET Award, a Soul Train Music Award, and multiple NAACP Image Awards.
Her impact on music streaming platforms has been equally impressive. Tems became the first African female artist to amass over one billion streams on Spotify, solidifying her position as one of the top African artists in the global music scene.
The Nigerian singer’s rise to fame began in 2020 when she featured on Wizkid’s hit song “Essence,” a track that became a major success on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Her musical career began in 2018 with the release of her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” and since then, she has steadily gained recognition as a trailblazer for African female artists.
In a post shared on X following her performance in Kenya, Tems expressed her gratitude to her Kenyan fans: “Kenya! The love has been insane! I love you so much. Till next time.” The singer, who is currently on her 2025–2026 world tour, kicked off the tour on September 28, with upcoming performances scheduled in major cities like Nairobi, Salvador (Brazil), and Los Angeles, where she is set to perform at the iconic Dodger Stadium on November 15.
This record-breaking success comes on the heels of Tems’ fellow Nigerian artist Wizkid, who remains the first male Nigerian artist to achieve the same feat. Wizkid’s contribution to Drake’s hit “One Dance,” which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2022 after selling over 10 million units in the US, set a precedent for Nigerian music.
Tems’ achievement, however, is a significant milestone for African female artists. It highlights her role as a powerful force in global music and a symbol of the increasing recognition of African talent on the world stage.
