Tems Earns Spotify Billion Plaque for ‘Wait For U’

Tems receives Spotify Billion plaque as ‘Wait For U’ surpasses 1 billion streams. She joins Wizkid, Rema, and Tyla in Afrobeats global streaming elite

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, has reached a monumental career milestone after receiving Spotify’s Billion Streams Plaque for her contribution to the global hit track ‘Wait For U’ by American rapper Future, featuring Drake.

Also read: Spotify Lists Top Nigerian Songs 2025

The award celebrates the song surpassing one billion streams on Spotify—making Tems one of the few African artists to receive such recognition from the streaming giant.

With this feat, she joins Wizkid, Rema, and Tyla as artists of African descent who have achieved this rare accomplishment.

Originally released in 2022, ‘Wait For U’ was built around a vocal sample from Tems’ song ‘Higher’.

The track instantly became a worldwide smash hit, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100**, which made Tems the first African artist to ever top the chart on debut.

Hitting a billion streams is more than numbers — it’s a testimony of how far African music has traveled. I’m truly honored.

The song went on to win Best Melodic Rap Performanceat the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023, earning Tems her first Grammy Award and further solidifying her as a global music powerhouse.

Tems’ inclusion in the billion-stream club signifies not just personal success but also the continued international rise of Afrobeats as a dominant genre in gloabl pop culture.

Her unique voice, songwriting skills, and crossover appeal have made her one of the most sought-after talents in the music industry.

Fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to celebrate the milestone, hailing it as a major win for African music.

Industry observers say the recognition reflects how Tems has carved out her lane by staying true to her artistry while making a global impact.

Also read: Tems FIFA Performance Dazzles In Historic Halftime Show

With upcoming projects in the works and continued momentum from international features and soundtrack appearances (including Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Tems’ Spotify Billion Plaque only marks the beginning of what looks to be a long and influential career.