Tems Becomes First Female African Artiste to Earn US Diamond Single

Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female African artist to earn a Diamond single in the United States.

This achievement comes as “Wait For U,” her collaborative hit song with American rappers Future and Drake, was officially certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The certification is awarded to songs that have sold over 10 million units in the U.S.

According to data released by the global music monitoring platform, Chart Data, the hit song has surpassed the baseline requirement, selling over 11 million units in the American music market.

“US Certifications (@RIAA): Future (@1future) Feat. @Drake & @temsbaby, WAIT FOR U 11x Platinum (11,000,000),” the platform announced via its official X handle.

With this milestone, Tems joins Afrobeats star Wizkid as the only African artists to achieve a Diamond single certification in the United States. Wizkid previously earned his certification through his guest appearance on Drake’s global hit, “One Dance.”