Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Tems is set to add another milestone to her illustrious career, with her single “Found” achieving 500,000 units sold in the US, qualifying for an RIAA gold certification. Announced by Chart Data on February 6, 2023, this marks Tems’ third solo gold certification, following “Free Mind” and “Higher,” solidifying her status as a global music powerhouse. The 27-year-old Grammy winner’s meteoric rise, fueled by collaborations with artists like Wizkid and Drake, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
A Golden Achievement for ‘Found’
Tems’ single “Found,” from her 2021 EP If Orange Was a Place, has resonated with fans, surpassing 500,000 units in US sales, as reported by Chart Data. This milestone earns her a third RIAA gold plaque, joining “Free Mind” and “Higher” from her debut EP For Broken Ears. “This is a testament to Tems’ undeniable talent,” Chart Data noted, highlighting her ability to craft soulful, genre-blending hits. Her earlier certifications include a platinum plaque for “Essence” with Wizkid, which also earned a Grammy nomination, per Billboard.
The success of “Found” underscores Tems’ growing influence in the US market, where her Afrobeat and R&B fusion has garnered critical acclaim. By 2025, her catalog expanded with her debut album Born in the Wild, featuring hits like “Burning” and “Higher,” which also achieved gold status, per RIAA records cited by OkayAfrica.
Grammy Glory and Global Collaborations
On February 5, 2023, Tems clinched her first Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance as a featured artist on Future’s “Wait for U,” alongside Drake, at the 65th Grammy Awards. “This win is for Nigeria and Africa,” Tems said in her acceptance speech, as reported by The Guardian Nigeria. Her contribution to the 2022 hit, which topped charts globally, marked her as a sought-after collaborator, having worked with Beyoncé on Cowboy Carter and Rihanna, per Pulse Nigeria. Her breakthrough came in 2020 with Wizkid’s “Essence,” a global anthem that elevated Afrobeat’s international reach.
Tems’ versatility shines through her collaborations with artists like Justin Bieber and her role in Wakanda Forever’s soundtrack, earning an Oscar nomination, per Vanguard. By 2025, she made history as the first Nigerian woman to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with Born in the Wild, per The Sun Nigeria, cementing her as a trailblazer.
Nollywood and Cultural Context
Tems’ achievements parallel Nollywood’s global rise, as seen in Nkem Owoh’s 2025 praise of Nigerian storytelling, per NAN. In Nigeria, facing 52.2% inflation and a naira at ₦450 to the US dollar in 2023, Tems’ success offers inspiration amid economic challenges. Her music, rooted in Lagos’ vibrant scene, reflects Nigeria’s cultural export strength, akin to Nollywood’s Cannes recognition with My Father’s Shadow.
A Bright Future
As Tems prepares to receive her third RIAA gold plaque, her journey from Lagos to global stages continues to inspire. “I’m just getting started,” she told Rolling Stone in 2024, hinting at future projects. With performances at Coachella 2024 and a 2025 tour alongside Khalid, per Ticketmaster, Tems’ influence grows, carrying Nigeria’s flag high in music and beyond.
