Nigerian music star Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, has made history by becoming the first female African artist to sell over 10 million units of a single in the United States.
Her chart-topping collaboration with Future and Drake, Wait For U, has officially crossed the 10 million unit milestone, according to industry tracker Chart Data, making it eligible for the prestigious RIAA Diamond certification.
The feat places Tems in elite company, joining Wizkid as only the second African artist to achieve such a landmark in the US. Wizkid previously earned the honour through his feature on Drake’s global smash hit One Dance.
With this achievement, Tems has cemented her status as the bestselling female African artist in US music history. Beyond Wait For U, her catalogue boasts multiple certifications, including Essence (with Wizkid), Free Mind, Higher, Me & U, and Found, each scoring Platinum and Gold plaques.
The singer, who has steadily risen from Lagos’s alternative music scene to global recognition, has now redefined what is possible for female African artists on the international stage.
