Tems has officially joined the elite Spotify Billion Club as her global hit “Wait For U,” featuring Future and Drake, crossed the 1 billion stream milestone—securing her a commemorative plaque and cementing her legacy in global music charts. The Nigerian singer, born Temilade Openiyi, continues to redefine boundaries for African artists on the international stage.
The track, released in 2022 on Future’s I Never Liked You album, sampled Tems’ 2020 hit “Higher” and propelled her into the global spotlight. Its immediate success saw it debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—the first time an African artist achieved that feat. The song later won the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, marking Tems’ first Grammy win.
Spotify presented Tems with the coveted Billion plaque on Tuesday, July 23, 2025, making her only the fourth African artist to receive the honor, joining Wizkid, Rema, and Tyla in a growing circle of continental music powerhouses with global streaming dominance.
“Wait For U” has become a cultural anthem, praised for its emotional depth, melodic fusion of Afrobeats and hip-hop, and Tems’ soulful voice that turned a sample into a Grammy-winning chorus. Her artistry continues to blur genre lines, resonating with millions across continents.
Tems’ Spotify milestone adds another jewel to her crown, which already includes collaborations with Beyoncé, Rihanna, Drake, and Justin Bieber. With each release, she not only tops charts but also redefines what it means to be a Nigerian woman in global music spaces.
The Lagos-born singer has continued to thrive beyond the mic, featuring on soundtracks for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and appearing on TIME’s Next 100 list, further expanding her impact beyond music.
This latest milestone confirms what many fans already believe—Tems is not just a star; she’s a force. And with a new album rumored to drop before the year ends, the billion-stream plaque might just be the beginning of a new era in her skyrocketing career.
