A Groundbreaking Milestone for African Music
Nigerian superstar Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, has shattered records by becoming the first female African artist to achieve 1 billion streams on Spotify. This historic milestone was reached thanks to her collaboration with global heavyweights Future and Drake on the hit song Wait For U.
Released in 2022, Wait For U samples Tems’ soulful track Higher from her debut EP, For Broken Ears (2020). The song not only dominated charts worldwide but also made Tems the first African artist to debut at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Grammy-Winning Success
The success of Wait For U didn’t stop at streaming records. The track earned two nominations at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards: Best Rap Song and Best Melodic Rap Performance, with Tems and her collaborators taking home the award for the latter. This win further cemented Tems’ place as a global music icon and a trailblazer for African artists.
Why This Matters
Tems’ achievement is more than just a personal victory—it’s a monumental moment for African music on the global stage. By breaking barriers and setting new records, she has opened doors for other African artists to shine in the international music scene.
What’s Next for Tems?
With her unique sound, powerful vocals, and undeniable talent, Tems continues to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible for African artists. As she celebrates this incredible milestone, fans and critics alike are eager to see what she’ll accomplish next.
