Nigerian Grammy-winning superstar Tems has reached another historic milestone, becoming the first African female artist to earn a RIAA Diamond-certified single in the United States. The achievement comes through Future’s chart-topping hit “Wait for U,” which also features Drake, after the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the record 11× Platinum, signifying more than 10 million units sold in the U.S.
Originally released in 2022 as the lead single from Future’s album I Never Liked You, “Wait for U” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making history at the time as Tems became the first African artist to debut atop the chart. Built around a sample of Tems’ song “Higher,” the record quickly became one of the defining collaborations of the decade, earning widespread commercial success and critical acclaim.
The RIAA Diamond certification marks another landmark achievement in Tems’ extraordinary rise on the global stage. Since breaking through internationally with “Essence” alongside Wizkid and Justin Bieber, the Nigerian singer has amassed multiple Grammy Awards, Billboard honors, platinum certifications, and chart-topping collaborations with some of the biggest names in music.
For Tems, the milestone is more than a personal accomplishment, it represents another breakthrough for African women in global music. By becoming the first African female artist to receive a Diamond-certified single in the United States, she continues to redefine what’s possible for artists from the continent while inspiring a new generation of African musicians to dream on an international scale.
The certification also highlights the enduring popularity of “Wait for U.” The song dominated streaming platforms upon release, won the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, and has remained one of the most successful collaborations in recent years. Its blend of hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeats influences helped introduce Tems’ distinctive sound to an even wider global audience.
Fans across social media celebrated the achievement, praising Tems for her consistency and for continuing to raise the bar for African artists on the world stage. Many described the Diamond certification as another defining moment in a career already filled with historic firsts, including becoming the first African female artist to reach one billion Spotify streams on a song and one of the continent’s most decorated contemporary musicians.
As her global influence continues to expand, Tems remains one of the leading ambassadors of African music. From chart-topping singles and sold-out performances to groundbreaking certifications and international awards, she has consistently demonstrated that African artists can compete at the highest level of the global music industry.
With “Wait for U” now officially Diamond-certified in the United States, Tems adds yet another record-breaking achievement to her growing legacy. The milestone not only cements her place among Africa’s most successful artists but also marks another historic chapter in the global rise of African music.
