Tems Becomes First African Female Artist to Hit 1 Billion Spotify Streams
Nigerian superstar Tems has once again made history as she becomes the first African female artist to surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify. This milestone was achieved through her feature on Future’s 2022 hit single ‘Wait For U’, which also features Canadian rapper Drake.
The record, which was part of Future’s album ‘I Never Liked You’, has enjoyed massive global success since its release, cementing Tems’ place as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated international exports.
A Record-Breaking Run
Since the release of ‘Wait For U’, the track has delivered multiple historic moments for Tems. She became the first Nigerian artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the song went on to win Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 2023 Grammy Awards, marking her first Grammy win.
With her latest feat, Tems joins an elite list of Nigerian artists who have appeared on songs with over 1 billion Spotify streams, alongside Wizkid (Drake’s ‘One Dance’) and Rema (‘Calm Down’ featuring Selena Gomez).
From Essence to Global Stardom
Tems’ meteoric rise to global recognition began in 2020 with her feature on Wizkid’s smash hit ‘Essence’, which became an Afrobeats anthem and further propelled her into international fame. Since then, she has collaborated with global icons like Drake, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, solidifying her status as a global force.
She also became the first Nigerian artist to earn an Oscar nomination after being shortlisted for Best Original Score for her contribution to ‘Lift Me Up’, the lead soundtrack for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, performed by Rihanna.
Making Grammy History Once Again
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Tems made history by becoming the first Nigerian artist nominated in an R&B category, securing a nomination for Best R&B Performance. She also won her second Grammy after clinching the Best African Song Performance award for her hit single ‘Love Me Jeje’.
A Trailblazer for African Music
Tems’ latest milestone further cements her as a trailblazer in African music. As the first African female artist to hit 1 billion Spotify streams, she continues to push boundaries and set new records on the global stage.
With her ever-growing influence, there is no doubt that Tems is paving the way for more African artists, proving that Afrobeats and African music as a whole are here to stay.
