Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in global music. Her collaborative hit Wait For U with American rapper Future and Canadian superstar Drake has officially sold over 10 million units in the United States, according to chart monitoring platform Chart Data.
This achievement makes Tems the first female African artist to reach the 10-million-unit mark with a single in the U.S., earning the track eligibility for the prestigious RIAA Diamond certification. She now joins Wizkid, whose 2016 collaboration with Drake on One Dance previously hit Diamond status, as the only African artists to attain this feat.
Tems’ success with Wait For U, which also won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, further solidifies her status as a global force in music. The track’s massive commercial performance adds to her growing list of accolades and record-breaking moments.
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Beyond this milestone, Tems has become the best-selling female African artist in the United States, with several of her solo tracks earning multiple certifications. Songs like Essence, Free Mind, Higher, Me & U, and Found have all been certified Platinum or Gold, reflecting her consistent impact on the international music scene.
Currently on her 2025–2026 world tour, Tems continues to expand her global reach, performing in cities across Africa, South America, and North America, including a headline show at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Her rise from Lagos to global stardom marks a defining chapter in the evolution of African music, with Tems leading the charge for female representation on the world stage.
