In a remarkable milestone that underscores the global reach of Afrobeats, Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, has officially become Africa’s best-selling female artist, according to the latest industry data.
The 29-year-old singer, who began her musical journey just seven years ago in 2018, has achieved what many consider an unprecedented feat in African music history. With over 25 million units sold worldwide, Tems has surpassed established continental powerhouses, including Benin’s legendary Angélique Kidjo, Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage, and Ghana’s Yemi Alade, to claim the coveted title.
The achievement represents a seismic shift in African music’s commercial landscape, with a relatively new artist overtaking industry veterans who have dominated the continent’s music scene for decades. Tems’ rapid ascent speaks to the transformative power of Afrobeats’ global penetration and the changing dynamics of music consumption in the streaming era.
Her commercial success is anchored by several chart-topping collaborations and solo ventures that have resonated across international markets. The breakout hit “Essence,” her collaboration with fellow Nigerian superstar Wizkid, has achieved 5x Platinum certification in the United States, representing five million units sold. This track alone helped introduce Afrobeats to mainstream American audiences and established Tems as a formidable force in global music.
Her collaboration on Future’s “Wait For U” earned 3x Platinum status with three million units, while her introspective single “Free Mind” reached 2x Platinum with two million units sold. The uplifting anthem “Higher” has also achieved Platinum certification, representing one million units in the United States alone.
Beyond American shores, Tems’ influence extends across multiple continents, with numerous Platinum and Gold certifications spanning the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, and South Africa. This global reach demonstrates the universal appeal of her unique sound, which blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary R&B and alternative influences.
The milestone places Tems among an elite circle of African artists who have achieved massive commercial success internationally. Despite her impressive numbers, she trails behind the continent’s overall best-selling artists: Algeria’s Cheb Khaled leads with 81 million units sold, followed by Nigeria’s Wizkid at 75 million units.
This achievement comes at a pivotal moment for African music, as Afrobeats continues its unprecedented global expansion. Tems’ success story represents more than just a commercial triumph—it symbolizes the growing recognition of African artistic excellence on the world stage and the increasing appetite for diverse musical expressions in global markets.
The singer’s journey from emerging artist to continental champion in less than a decade reflects both her exceptional talent and the evolving music industry landscape, where streaming platforms have democratized access to global audiences and enabled artists from previously underrepresented regions to achieve mainstream success.
As Tems continues to break barriers and set new benchmarks, her achievement serves as inspiration for a new generation of African female artists and reinforces the continent’s position as a vital creative force in contemporary global music.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Tems has made history as Africa’s best-selling female artist with over 25 million units sold worldwide, surpassing industry legends like Angélique Kidjo and Tiwa Savage in just seven years since launching her career in 2018.
Her success, driven by hits like “Essence” (5x Platinum) and “Wait For U” (3x Platinum), demonstrates the unprecedented global reach of Afrobeats and marks a generational shift in African music’s commercial landscape. This achievement positions her as a trailblazer who has opened doors for future African female artists on the world stage.
