Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, 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 by Chart Data on X, formerly Twitter, which announced that ‘Wait For U,’ her collaborative track with American rapper Future and Canadian superstar Drake, had officially surpassed the 10 million sales mark in the US.
The song also earned Tems a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, further cementing her growing influence in the international music industry.
Tems’ historic achievement follows a series of notable milestones in her career. She became the first African female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify earlier this year, demonstrating her widespread global appeal.
Tems first gained worldwide recognition in 2020 when she featured on Wizkid’s chart-topping single ‘Essence,’ which broke into the Billboard Hot 100 and received multiple Grammy nominations.
She began her music career in 2018 with the release of her debut single ‘Mr Rebel,’ steadily building a distinctive sound that has resonated with audiences both in Africa and internationally.
Currently, Tems is on her 2025 to 2026 world tour, which began on September 28. The tour has seen her perform in cities such as Nairobi, Salvador in Brazil, and Los Angeles, where she is scheduled to perform at the iconic Dodger Stadium.
Following her performance in Kenya, she posted on X, “Kenya! The love has been insane! I love you so much. Till next time,” reflecting the enthusiasm and support of her growing international fan base.
Tems’ success places her among an elite group of Nigerian artists achieving global recognition. Wizkid remains the first Nigerian male artist to reach the 10 million units milestone in the US, achieving it in 2022 through his feature on Drake’s ‘One Dance,’ which was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Her latest achievement reinforces Tems’ position as a trailblazer for African female artists on the global stage. Over the years, she has accumulated numerous accolades, including BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and a Soul Train Music Award, underlining her influence and growing prominence worldwide.
As her world tour continues, Tems’ accomplishments are being celebrated across the music industry, solidifying her status as one of Nigeria’s leading global music ambassadors and inspiring a new generation of African artists striving for international recognition.
