Nigerian singer-songwriter Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, has set a new milestone in global music history. On September 30, 2025, industry tracker Chart Data announced that her hit collaboration “WAIT FOR U” with Future and Drake had sold over 10 million units in the United States. This makes Tems the first Nigerian woman to ever reach that figure.
Grammy and Streaming Milestones
The success of “WAIT FOR U” not only earned her a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance but also expanded her reach across international audiences. Beyond sales, she became the first African woman to surpass one billion Spotify streams, cementing her influence in the streaming era.
From “Mr Rebel” to Worldwide Acclaim
Tems’ journey started in 2018 with her debut track “Mr Rebel.” Her big break came two years later when she was featured on Wizkid’s “Essence,” a song that stormed the Billboard Hot 100 and received multiple Grammy nods. Since then, her steady rise has reshaped the global Afrobeats scene.
Global Tour Captivates Fans
The star is currently on a world tour that began on September 28 and will run until mid-November. Performances include stops in Nairobi, Salvador, and the iconic Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. After her Kenya performance, she shared her excitement on X, writing: “The love was unreal! See you again!”
Setting New Standards for African Women
Tems’ accomplishment places her alongside Nigerian superstar Wizkid, who reached a similar milestone in 2022 with his feature on “One Dance.” Her growing list of awards—including BET, NAACP, and Soul Train honors—proves she is more than a rising star; she is a pioneer for African women in music.
Why Tems’ Achievement Is Historic
Her success highlights the expanding global influence of Afrobeats and signals a new era where Nigerian women are at the forefront of international music. It also reflects the increasing appetite for African artistry on the world stage.
What Lies Ahead
As her 2025–2026 tour unfolds, Tems is expected to release fresh music that will further solidify her reputation as one of the most innovative and influential voices of her generation.
