Nigerian singer and songwriter Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, has made history as the first female Nigerian artist to have a single sell over 10 million units in the United States.
The milestone was confirmed on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, by music analytics platform Chart Data, which announced on X (formerly Twitter) that her hit collaboration “WAIT FOR U” with Future and Drake has officially surpassed the 10 million sales mark in the US.
The track, which earned Tems a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, marks another major breakthrough in her rapidly rising global career.
Tems also recently became the first African female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, a feat that further underscores her growing influence on the international music scene.
She first rose to global prominence in 2020 with her standout feature on Wizkid’s smash hit “Essence”, which made history as the first Nigerian song to break into the Billboard Hot 100 and went on to receive multiple Grammy nominations. Tems began her music career in 2018 with the release of her debut single, “Mr Rebel.”
Celebrating a recent performance in Kenya, Tems expressed her gratitude on X, writing: “Kenya! The love has been insane! I love you so much. Till next time.”
She is currently headlining a world tour that kicked off on September 28, 2025, and runs through November 15, with stops in cities including Nairobi, Salvador (Brazil), and Los Angeles, where she is scheduled to perform at the iconic Dodger Stadium.
In comparison, Wizkid holds the distinction as the first Nigerian male artist to achieve the same sales milestone. His feature on Drake’s chart-topping hit “One Dance” was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2022 after selling over 10 million units in the US.
Tems’ latest achievement solidifies her status as a trailblazer for African female artists on the global stage. With a growing collection of international accolades — including BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and a Soul Train Music Award — she continues to redefine boundaries and elevate the presence of African music worldwide.
