Nigerian music star, Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, has achieved a new milestone as the best-selling female artist in Africa.
Since launching her music career in 2018, Tems has risen to global prominence with her unique sound and vocal style. Now, she has surpassed celebrated artists like Angelique Kidjo, Tiwa Savage, and Yemi Alade in total certified music sales.
According to international music chart data, Tems has sold over 25 million certified units worldwide. These sales include streams, downloads, and physical copies, with official certifications from major music markets.
Tems’ biggest success
Her biggest success so far remains “Essence,” her 2020 collaboration with Wizkid. The song, which became a global Afrobeats anthem, has been certified 5x Platinum in the United States, representing over five million units sold.
Another major hit, “Wait For U”, a collaboration with American rapper Future and Drake, has gone 3x Platinum in the U.S., with over three million units sold. The track made history in 2022 when it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Tems the first African female artist to top the chart.
Her solo songs have also done well. “Free Mind” has earned 2x Platinum certification, and “Higher” has been certified Platinum, all in the U.S. Tems also holds multiple Platinum and Gold certifications in countries like Canada, the UK, France, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, and South Africa.
Tems’ rapid rise has made her one of the most prominent voices in the global Afrobeats movement. She won a Grammy Award in 2023 and has worked with top international artists, earning critical acclaim along the way.
While Tems leads among female African artists, Algerian singer Cheb Khaled remains the best-selling African act overall, with 81 million units sold. He’s followed by Nigerian Afrobeats star Wizkid, with 75 million units.
Still, Tems’ rise to the top in less than a decade is nothing short of historic. With new music expected soon and a growing international fanbase, her influence continues to grow, both at home and around the world.
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