Nigeria’s golden girl just rewrote the record books — and she’s not done yet.
Tems is officially in a league of her own.
The Nigerian singer, born Temilade Openiyi, has become the first female African artist to sell over 10 million units in the United States. The milestone came courtesy of her monster hit “Wait For U,” her chart-topping collaboration with American rapper Future and global superstar Drake.
The number puts the track in rarefied air — now eligible for the coveted RIAA Diamond certification, one of the music industry’s hardest awards to earn.
Only the second African artist ever to get here.
Tems isn’t the first African act to sniff Diamond territory — but she is the first woman. She’s now the second African artist ever to attain this level of commercial success in the U.S., following Wizkid, whose feature on Drake’s “One Dance” was certified Diamond back in 2022.
Two Nigerians. One elite club. Tems just kicked the door wide open for the women coming up behind her.
She’s already the best-selling female African artist in U.S. history.
This isn’t a one-hit fluke. Tems has carved out a powerful solo career, with hits like “Essence,” “Free Mind,” “Higher,” “Me & U,” and “Found,” many of which have already earned Platinum and Gold certifications in the U.S.
Add it all up and she’s now the overall best-selling female African artist in the United States. Not “one of.” The.
And 2025 has been an absolute victory lap.
Diamond-level sales aren’t even the only headline this year. Tems has also become the first Nigerian to win two Grammys, taking home the trophy for best African music performance with her “Love Me Jeje” single. She’s joined San Diego FC’s ownership group as a club partner, becoming the first African woman involved in MLS ownership, performed at Aston Martin’s 2025 F1 livery unveiling in London, and became the first African female artist to have a song hit 1 billion Spotify streams with “WAIT FOR U.”
Grammys. Diamond sales. A billion streams. F1. Football club ownership. At this point, it’s less a comeback story and more a full-blown takeover.
The bigger picture.
Tems’ rise traces back to 2020, when she rose to international prominence after featuring on Wizkid’s “Essence.” Five years later, she’s not riding anyone’s wave — she’s making her own.
