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

Nigerian music star Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female African artist to sell over 10 million units of a single in the United States.

Her global hit “Wait For U” — a collaboration with American rapper Future and Canadian superstar Drake — has officially surpassed the 10 million sales mark, according to Chart Data. The achievement makes the track eligible for the prestigious RIAA Diamond certification.

Tems now joins Wizkid as the only African artists to cross the 10-million sales threshold in the US. Wizkid achieved the feat in 2016 with his feature on Drake’s chart-topping single “One Dance.”

The Grammy-winning singer, who has carved a reputation as one of the most influential voices in Afrobeats and global R&B, is now officially the bestselling female African artist in the US. Beyond “Wait For U,” her catalogue boasts multiple certified hits including “Essence” with Wizkid and Justin Bieber, “Free Mind,” “Higher,” “Me & U,” and “Found.”

The “Love Me Jeje” crooner’s rise underscores the growing dominance of African music on the world stage, with Tems leading a new wave of female African artists breaking international barriers.