Tems Overtakes Tyla to Become Most-Streamed African Artist on Spotify

Nigerian singer Tems has made history by surpassing South African star Tyla to become the African artist with the highest number of monthly listeners on Spotify.

The Love Me Jeje crooner recently reached 38.3 million monthly listeners, edging past Tyla’s 38.2 million, thanks to a series of new releases and high-profile collaborations. Among these are What You Need (Colour Version), Bounce Road Blues featuring J. Cole and Future, and the ongoing hit Raindance with British rapper Dave.

Tems now has her sights set on breaking the all-time record for monthly listeners by an African artist, currently held by Tyla at 40 million. Beyond this milestone, she remains the most-streamed female African artist on Spotify, with an impressive 4.7 billion streams across all credits.

Opinion: Tems’ Rise Signals a New Era for African Music

Tems’ achievement is more than just a numbers game—it reflects the growing global appetite for authentic African talent and artistry. Her unique voice, ability to blend Afrobeat with R&B and soul, and strategic collaborations with international stars have positioned her as a trailblazer for the continent.

In a streaming era dominated by data and playlists, Tems demonstrates that African artists can compete on a global stage while staying true to their roots. For fans and upcoming artists alike, her rise is a testament that creativity, consistency, and bold collaborations can translate into both global recognition and cultural impact.

Tems’ milestone is not only a personal victory but also a proud moment for African music, signaling that the continent’s sounds are increasingly shaping global music trends.