Nigerian Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, has reached another historic milestone, becoming the first African female artist to earn a Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Diamond-certified single in the United States.
The achievement comes through “Wait For U,” Future’s chart-topping 2022 collaboration featuring Tems and Drake. The RIAA awards Diamond certification to singles that have accumulated more than 10 million certified units in the U.S., combining digital sales and on-demand streaming equivalents.
Built around a sample of Tems’ 2020 song Higher, “Wait For U” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon release, making Tems the first African artist to debut atop the chart. The song later won Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 65th Grammy Awards, earning the Nigerian star her first Grammy.
The Diamond certification further cements the song’s place as one of the defining global records of the decade while adding another first to Tems’ rapidly expanding résumé. Beyond its commercial success, the record reflects the growing influence of African artists within the global mainstream, where collaborations are increasingly driven by creative value rather than novelty.
For Tems, whose rise has been marked by a steady succession of international milestones, the latest recognition reinforces her position as one of Africa’s most influential contemporary artists. From songwriting credits on global hits to acclaimed solo releases and headline performances, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible for African women on the world stage.
As Afrobeats continues its global expansion, Tems’ Diamond certification stands as another landmark moment—not only for her career but also for the wider ecosystem of African music, which continues to redefine its place at the center of global popular culture.
