Grammy-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has reached another historic milestone in her fast-rising global career. The music sensation has officially joined Spotify’s Billion Streams Club after her chart-topping hit, “Wait For U”, a collaboration with American rapper Future and Canadian superstar Drake, surpassed 1 billion streams on the platform.
Tems received the coveted Spotify Billion Plaque, placing her among the elite Afrobeats stars to achieve this milestone. She now joins Wizkid, Rema, and South Africa’s Tyla as the few African artists to have earned this recognition, further cementing her status as a leading global voice in Afrobeats and contemporary R&B.
“Wait For U” not only propelled Tems to international superstardom but also earned her the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023, making it her first Grammy win. The song also broke historic records by making Tems the first African artist to debut at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2022.
Industry analysts have described this feat as a major step in expanding the reach of Afrobeats worldwide, proving that African artists can compete on global platforms while maintaining their unique sound.
With this achievement, Tems joins a select list of African artists whose music has crossed the billion-stream threshold on Spotify. Wizkid achieved similar success with his global hit “Essence,” while Rema’s “Calm Down” remix featuring Selena Gomez remains one of the most streamed Afrobeats tracks in history. South African singer Tyla also earned a spot with her viral hit “Water.”
Music critics believe that Tems’ success signifies a broader acceptance of African music globally, especially with Afrobeats influencing pop, R&B, and hip-hop sounds worldwide.
The 29-year-old singer, who has been praised for her soulful voice and unique artistry, is reportedly working on her highly anticipated sophomore album. Industry insiders suggest that Tems is planning collaborations with other international stars, with expectations that her new projects will continue to push the boundaries of African music on the world stage.
Fans are also eagerly awaiting her upcoming world tour, which is expected to feature performances across North America, Europe, and Africa.
Tems’ latest achievement is more than just a personal milestone; it is a win for African music. Her rise from Lagos to the global stage underscores the growing influence of Afrobeats and the increasing recognition of African talent by international music markets.
As more African artists break streaming records and dominate global charts, Tems’ success story continues to inspire a new generation of musicians aiming to replicate her global app