Tems sells 10 million units in the US with “WAIT FOR U”, becoming the first Nigerian female artist to hit the milestone, marking a major global triumph

Tems sells 10 million units in the United States, becoming the first Nigerian female artist to reach this milestone with her hit song “WAIT FOR U” — a collaboration with global stars Future and Drake.

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The achievement was confirmed by Chart Data on 30 September 2025 via X (formerly Twitter), officially recognising the track’s multi-platinum status and underlining Tems’ growing dominance in the international music industry.

Originally released in 2022, “WAIT FOR U” won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, further cementing Tems’ place on the world stage.

The track’s success now puts her in rare company, as only a handful of African artists have reached this level of commercial acclaim in the United States.

Alongside this, Tems recently crossed one billion streams on Spotify, becoming the first African female artist to achieve that as well — a stunning double win in the span of a year.

Tems first captured the global spotlight through her soulful feature on Wizkid’s 2020 breakout hit “Essence”, which entered the Billboard Hot 100 and earned several Grammy nominations.

Since then, her unique voice and artistry have earned her global recognition, including accolades from BET, NAACP, and the Soul Train Awards.

Currently on her 2025–2026 world tour, Tems has already lit up stages in Nairobi and is scheduled to perform in Salvador, Los Angeles, and other major cities, with a stop at the iconic Dodger Stadium planned for mid-November.

In a post-tour note shared online, she expressed gratitude to fans:
“Kenya! The love has been insane! I love you so much. Till next time.”

With her record-breaking success, Tems continues to redefine boundaries for African women in music.

Her journey from debuting with “Mr Rebel” in 2018 to becoming a household name in global music is not just inspiring — it’s historic.

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As the Afrobeats wave grows ever stronger, Tems stands out as a trailblazer, leading a generation of female African creatives into previously uncharted territory.