Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, has reached a historic milestone, becoming the first female Nigerian artist to sell over 10 million units in the United States.
The achievement was confirmed on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, by Chart Data on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The milestone centres on Tems’ collaborative single “WAIT FOR U,” featuring American artists Future and Drake, which has officially surpassed the 10 million sales mark in the US. The track, which also earned Tems a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, marks a significant advancement in her international career.
Tems, who began her professional career in 2018 with the release of her debut single “Mr Rebel,” first gained global attention in 2020 when she featured on Wizkid’s hit “Essence.” That track broke into the Billboard Hot 100 and received multiple Grammy nominations, establishing Tems as a rising force in the global music scene.
She also became the first African female artist to reach one billion streams on Spotify, further underlining her growing international presence.
“Kenya! The love has been insane! I love you so much. Till next time,” Tems wrote on X following a performance in Nairobi, reflecting her expanding global fan base.
Currently on her 2025–2026 world tour, Tems began the tour on 28th September, with planned stops in cities including Salvador in Brazil, Los Angeles, and other major international locations. She is scheduled to perform at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, reinforcing her global profile.
For context, Wizkid remains the first Nigerian male artist to achieve the same milestone. His feature on Drake’s “One Dance” was certified Diamond by the
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2022, after selling over 10 million units in the United States.
Tems’ latest record solidifies her status as a trailblazer for African female artists in the international music industry. Alongside her commercial achievements, she has received multiple awards, including BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and a Soul Train Music Award, reflecting both her artistic and cultural influence.