Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has achieved yet another historic milestone, cementing her place among the greatest artists to emerge from Africa. The Grammy-winning artist has officially become the first female African musician to have a song surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify, a feat that underscores her immense global impact and artistic brilliance.
The groundbreaking achievement comes through her collaboration with American rap superstars Future and Drake on the 2022 hit single Wait For U, which recently crossed the 1 billion streams threshold on the streaming platform. This historic moment not only solidifies her status as a global music powerhouse but also represents a significant breakthrough for African artists in the international music industry.
Released as part of Future’s ninth studio album, I Never Liked You, Wait For U samples Tems’ 2020 song Higher from her critically acclaimed debut extended play, For Broken Ears. The track seamlessly blends Future’s signature melodic rap with Drake’s smooth delivery and Tems’ hauntingly soulful vocals, creating a masterpiece that resonated deeply with listeners worldwide.
Upon its release, Wait For U achieved instant success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This remarkable feat made Tems the first African artist in history to debut atop the prestigious chart, further establishing her as a trailblazer in the global music scene. The song’s widespread acclaim extended beyond streaming numbers, earning two nominations at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards: Best Rap Song and Best Melodic Rap Performance. It went on to win the latter, making Tems the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy Award.
Speaking about the song’s impact in a past interview, Future praised Tems’ unique voice, calling it “angelic” and “one of the most beautiful sounds in music today.” Drake also expressed admiration for her artistry, stating that her contributions to Wait For U elevated the song to an entirely new level.
Tems’ meteoric rise to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she first gained attention with her soulful and distinctive sound, which set her apart from the mainstream Afrobeat wave. Her breakout single, Mr. Rebel, in 2018, announced her arrival, but it was Try Me in 2019 that truly put her on the map. With her rich vocal texture and deeply emotive delivery, she quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase and industry recognition.
Her 2020 EP, For Broken Ears, which featured the sampled track Higher, further demonstrated her versatility and storytelling ability. However, it was her collaboration with Wizkid on the global hit Essence that catapulted her into international stardom. Dubbed the “song of the summer” in 2021, Essence became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number nine after a remix featuring Justin Bieber. The success of Essence positioned Tems as a leading voice in the contemporary R&B and Afrobeats fusion movement, paving the way for her subsequent collaborations with some of the biggest names in global music.
Following Essence, Tems continued to ascend, working with renowned artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Drake. She was featured on Lift Me Up, the lead single from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Her contributions to the global music landscape have been widely recognized, and her latest achievement with Wait For U further reinforces her influence.
Fans and industry peers have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating her latest milestone. Nigerian artists, including Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage, have lauded her success, with many emphasizing the significance of a female African artist reaching such heights on the international stage.
Music industry analysts have pointed out that Tems’ ability to seamlessly bridge African and Western musical styles has played a crucial role in her success. By incorporating elements of R&B, soul, and Afrobeat into her music, she has crafted a sound that resonates with a diverse global audience. This has made her one of the most sought-after artists for collaborations and soundtracks.
Spotify executives have also acknowledged her contribution to the platform’s growing global catalog of African music. “Tems represents the new wave of African music that is capturing audiences around the world,” said a spokesperson from the streaming giant. “Her success with Wait For U is a testament to the power of African artists in shaping the global music landscape.”
As she continues to break barriers, many are eagerly awaiting her next project. Tems has teased new music in recent interviews, hinting at a debut studio album that will further showcase her evolving artistry. With her track record of delivering emotionally rich and sonically captivating music, expectations are high.
Beyond music, Tems has also become a symbol of empowerment for young African women pursuing careers in entertainment. Her success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists, demonstrating that talent, authenticity, and perseverance can lead to global recognition.
Her impact extends beyond the charts and awards—she is reshaping narratives and elevating African music on a worldwide scale. As the first female African artist to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify, she has set a new benchmark, proving that African talent knows no bounds.
With each milestone she reaches, Tems continues to redefine what is possible for African artists in the global music industry. As the world watches her journey unfold, one thing remains certain—this is only the beginning for a star whose light refuses to dim.
