Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has officially received Spotify’s coveted Billion Streams Plaque after her global smash hit ‘Wait For U’—a collaboration with American stars Future and Drake—surpassed one billion streams on the platform.
This milestone places the Grammy-winning artiste among a select group of African musicians to achieve such a remarkable feat. Tems now proudly joins fellow Nigerian stars Wizkid and Rema, as well as South African singer Tyla, as the only Afrobeats or Africa-originated artists to receive the Spotify Billion plaque, a recognition reserved for artists whose music has made a truly global impact.
Released in 2022, ‘Wait For U’ became an instant hit, blending Future’s melodic trap verses, Drake’s emotive rap lines, and Tems’ soulful voice, which was sampled from her earlier single ‘Higher’. The track topped charts in multiple countries and became an anthem of cross-continental musical collaboration. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Tems the first African artist to debut at the top spot of the prestigious U.S. chart.
Tems’ contribution to the song earned her the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023, marking a significant milestone in her rising international career. The win not only solidified her place in global music history but also highlighted the power and potential of African voices on the world stage.
Breaking Boundaries with Every Verse
Tems, who first rose to fame with her breakthrough song ‘Try Me’ in 2019, has since evolved into one of the most recognized names in the global music industry. Her collaboration with Wizkid on ‘Essence’ brought her to international attention, and she has since worked with global icons such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and now Future and Drake.
The Spotify plaque underscores not just the massive success of ‘Wait For U’, but also the growing influence of Afrobeats and alternative African music genres worldwide. For Tems, this recognition is a testament to her artistry, her vision, and her ability to resonate across cultures and borders.
“I’m grateful for all the love. This means a lot, not just for me but for African music as a whole,” Tems said during a brief interview shared via her team. “To see a song like Wait For U reach a billion streams is proof that our sound is powerful, and our stories are valid.”
Tems Joins Afrobeats Billionaire Stream Club
Spotify’s Billion Streams Plaque is a symbol of global resonance and digital reach. By joining the elite club of African artists who have reached this milestone, Tems cements her place alongside some of the continent’s most celebrated stars.
Wizkid earned his plaque for ‘One Dance’, his 2016 collaboration with Drake and Kyla, which also topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the most-streamed songs of the decade.
Rema, the Nigerian breakout artist, hit the milestone thanks to his viral global hit ‘Calm Down’—especially the remix featuring Selena Gomez—which continues to dominate international airwaves and charts.
Tyla, the South African singer behind the TikTok-fueled hit ‘Water’, also recently received her Billion Streams Plaque, becoming the first South African solo artist to achieve such recognition on Spotify.
Tems’ addition to this list reflects the growing momentum behind African music, especially in a streaming-driven era where digital platforms have democratized global music consumption.
A Year of Milestones for Tems
The Spotify plaque is only the latest achievement in what has already been a remarkable year for Tems. She recently released her debut studio album ‘Born in the Wild’, which has received critical acclaim and commercial success across various markets.
She has also headlined major music festivals, made appearances at the Oscars and MET Gala, and continued to serve as an ambassador for Nigerian and African music globally.
In 2023, Tems was also nominated for an Academy Award for her contribution to Rihanna’s ‘Lift Me Up’ from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, cementing her growing crossover into film music and high-profile collaborations.
Her distinct voice, a blend of alternative R&B, soul, and Afrobeats, has captured the attention of millions. Music experts note that Tems represents a new wave of African female artists who are not only pushing boundaries creatively but also reshaping the global perception of African music and women in the industry.
African Women in Music: A New Era
Tems’ success comes at a time when African women are increasingly gaining recognition for their artistry and leadership in the music scene. From Ayra Starr to Amaarae, Simi to Sho Madjozi, a new generation of female artists is rewriting the rules and expanding the possibilities for women in music.
According to Spotify Africa’s editorial team, Tems’ billion-stream milestone is more than a personal win. “This is a landmark moment for female African musicians. Tems’ voice has traveled the world, and this plaque is a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity,” a Spotify rep said.
As Tems continues to rise, she remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring musicians across Africa and the diaspora. Her story is not just one of success—it is one of resilience, reinvention, and global resonance.
What’s Next for Tems?
With more collaborations rumored, additional tour dates expected, and her debut album still climbing charts, Tems is showing no signs of slowing down. Industry watchers believe she is on track to become one of the most influential African artists of her generation.
As she celebrates this major Spotify milestone, Tems is also setting her sights on further Grammy wins, new Billboard chart-toppers, and a continued presence at the heart of the global music conversation.
For now, her billion-stream moment is one that will go down in history—not just as a personal triumph, but as a significant marker in the evolution of African music on the world stage.
By Africa Live News
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