- Tems joins Spotify’s exclusive “Billions Club”
- “Wait For U” collaboration with Future and Drake led the milestone
- First African female artiste to achieve the feat
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made history as the first African female artiste to surpass one billion streams on Spotify.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the singer earned this global recognition following the massive success of “Wait For U,” her collaboration with American rapper Future and Canadian star Drake.
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Spotify awarded Tems its prestigious “Billions Club” plaque, an honour reserved for artistes whose songs have been played over a billion times on the platform.
“Wait For U,” released in May 2022, quickly gained global traction, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song also earned Tems her first Grammy Award in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
This accomplishment marks a major career milestone for Tems and reinforces her global status as one of Africa’s biggest music exports.
By joining the “Billions Club,” Tems has entered an elite group of musicians recognised for exceptional reach and influence.
She also made history as the first African performer to debut at the top of the Billboard chart.
Her journey from underground R&B singer to global icon continues to inspire many across the continent.
Tems’ fanbase has grown steadily since her breakout single “Try Me” and subsequent collaborations with global acts.
Her distinct voice, lyrical depth and genre-blending style have positioned her as a leader of the new Afrobeats wave.
With back-to-back accolades, including BET and Billboard nominations, Tems continues to raise the bar.
She remains one of the most streamed African artistes globally and a consistent presence on global music charts.
Her achievement comes on the heels of other notable milestones, including founding her own football club.
Tems’ success signals a new era for African female artistes aiming for global dominance
