Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, has etched her name into global music history once again this time by joining an elite list of African artists whose work has crossed the 1-billion stream mark on Spotify.
The Grammy-winning singer was recently awarded Spotify’s coveted Billion Plaque for her contribution to the smash hit ‘Wait For U’, a collaboration with American rap giants Future and Drake. The song has now officially surpassed one billion streams on the global streaming platform.
With this achievement, Tems joins fellow Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid, Rema, and Tyla as African artists recognized by Spotify for reaching the billion-stream milestone, a testament to the rising global influence of Afrobeats and the growing recognition of African talent on the world stage.
Beyond streaming numbers, ‘Wait For U’ has had an exceptional run. The track earned Tems her first Grammy Award after it clinched the Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
“Wait For U” also made history by catapulting Tems to a groundbreaking achievement: becoming the first African artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 when the song was released in 2022, a moment that signaled a shift in the global music narrative and opened new doors for African artists, particularly women, in mainstream music.
Tems’ journey from Lagos to global stardom continues to inspire a new generation of creatives. With her unique blend of soulful vocals and fearless artistry, the singer has become a powerful voice in modern music not just for Nigeria or Africa, but for the world.
As she continues to break boundaries and set new records, Tems’ entry into Spotify’s Billion Club further cements her legacy as one of the most impactful African artists of her generation.
