Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has achieved another historic milestone by becoming the first African female artist to receive a Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Diamond certification for a single in the United States.
The landmark recognition comes through “Wait For U,” her chart-topping collaboration with American rapper Future and Canadian superstar Drake. The hit song has now surpassed 10 million certified units in the United States, qualifying it for the prestigious Diamond certification.
According to global music analytics platform Chart Data, the song has continued its remarkable commercial success, reaching more than 11 million certified units in the U.S. The platform announced the achievement on X, stating:
“US Certifications (@RIAA): Future (@1future) Feat. @Drake & @temsbaby, WAIT FOR U 11x Platinum (11,000,000).”
With the accomplishment, Tems joins fellow Nigerian superstar Wizkid as the only African artists to earn an RIAA Diamond-certified single. Wizkid became the first African artist to reach the milestone through his appearance on Drake’s global smash hit “One Dance.”
The latest achievement further cements Tems’ position as one of Africa’s most influential global music exports. Since rising to international prominence with her soulful vocals, distinctive sound, and exceptional songwriting, she has consistently expanded the global reach of Afrobeats and Nigerian music.
Her debut project, “For Broken Ears,” along with the critically acclaimed “If Orange Was a Place” EP and “Born in the Wild” album, helped establish her as one of the industry’s most sought-after artists. She has collaborated with several international music stars and has earned multiple Grammy Awards alongside numerous nominations for prestigious global music honors.
Music fans across Nigeria and beyond have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating the achievement as a significant moment not only for Tems but also for the African music industry.
Many supporters described the Diamond certification as another testament to the rapid global rise of Afrobeats, noting that Nigerian artists continue to shape mainstream music worldwide through groundbreaking collaborations and record-breaking achievements.
Tems’ latest milestone reinforces Africa’s growing influence on the international music scene and highlights the increasing worldwide demand for Nigerian music and talent.
