Move over boys, Tems is in the building – and she’s carrying a shiny Spotify plaque to prove it.
Nigerian music queen, Temilade Openiyi, better known simply as Tems, has officially entered the Spotify Billion Club, thanks to her chart-topping collaboration with American rap stars Future and Drake on the hit song “Wait For U.”
The record, a smooth fusion of rap and soul, just crossed 1 billion streams on Spotify, earning Tems the coveted Spotify Billion Plaque — a badge of honour reserved for global streaming giants.
For those who have been paying attention, this isn’t just another feather in her gele. It’s a loud statement that the girl from Lagos is now playing in the big leagues — and she’s doing it with grace, grit and that smoky, hypnotic voice that fans across the world can’t seem to get enough of.
Breaking Records, Breaking Barriers
“Wait For U” isn’t just a hit — it’s a history-maker. In 2022, when the track dropped, Tems became the first African artist to debut at Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. That’s no small feat in a music industry where the competition is fierce and global stars fight tooth and nail for the top spot.
And if you think that was a fluke, think again. The song also earned her a Grammy Award in 2023 in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category, making her one of Nigeria’s youngest Grammy winners and an international force to reckon with.
Now, with this Spotify milestone, Tems has joined an exclusive club that includes fellow Afrobeats heavyweights like Wizkid, Rema, and Tyla. Not bad company to keep at all.
From Lagos to the World
Just a few years ago, Tems was crafting her own songs in her bedroom, chasing a dream that many saw as impossible. With a voice that carries emotion like a gospel hymn and lyrics that speak directly to the soul, she quickly carved out her own lane in the Afrobeats scene — one that’s more alternative, more spiritual, and very uniquely Tems.
Now, she’s not just representing Nigeria or Africa — she’s setting a global tone.
While other stars may dance with flashy beats and designer drip, Tems shows up with calm confidence, letting her voice do all the shouting. And boy, has the world been listening.
For music lovers back home, Tems’ achievement is more than just a personal win — it’s a reminder that Naija no dey carry last. In a world where African artists were once sidelined, today they’re centre stage — sweeping awards, topping charts and smashing streaming records.
From Wizkid’s international hits to Burna Boy’s Grammy dominance, and now Tems’ billion-stream milestone, it’s safe to say: Afrobeats is no longer just a genre. It’s a global movement.
With a debut album finally out and critical acclaim already pouring in, the sky is no longer the limit — it’s just the starting point.
If 1 billion streams can come from a single feature, imagine what her solo projects will do.
As fans across the world celebrate this new milestone, one thing is clear: Tems is not just here to stay — she’s here to reign.
So, next time you hear that soft, soulful hook playing in a store or on your playlist, just know: a Nigerian queen is out here breaking records — and she didn’t even have to shout.
Omo, who dey check am?
