Tems Makes History as First Female African Artist to Sell 10 Million Units in the US

Nigerian global music star Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has etched her name in history as the first female African artist to surpass 10 million single sales in the United States.

Her collaborative hit with Future and Drake, “Wait For U,” recently crossed the milestone, according to chart-monitoring platform Chart Data. The track is now eligible for a coveted RIAA Diamond certification, making Tems only the second African artist to achieve such a feat — after Wizkid’s collaboration with Drake on “One Dance.”

Beyond this milestone, Tems continues to dominate with her own catalog: “Essence,” “Free Mind,” “Higher,” “Me & U,” and “Found” have all earned multiple Platinum, Gold, and multi-Platinum certifications, cementing her status as the best-selling female African artist in US history.

Opinion

Tems’ rise is more than just numbers; it is proof of how far African music has come and how much further it can go. Her unique sound — soulful, vulnerable, and unapologetically African — has not only broken barriers but also redefined what it means to be a global artist.

The significance of this milestone is powerful: for years, African women in music struggled to be seen on the global stage. Today, Tems is not just seen — she is celebrated, certified, and breaking records once thought unattainable.

Her success also reflects a broader shift. Afrobeats and African sounds are no longer “niche exports”; they are shaping global pop culture. Tems’ win is a reminder that talent nurtured in Lagos can resonate just as powerfully in Los Angeles or London.

As the first female African artist to sell over 10 million units in the US, Tems is not only opening doors — she’s widening them for the next generation of African women to walk through with confidence. 🌍✨