Nigerian superstar musician Tems’ “Wait for U” with Drake, Future nears 1 billion Spotify streams

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At a Glance

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• Tems’ track “Wait for U” nears 1 billion Spotify streams, showcasing her global appeal and artistry in collaboration with Future and Drake.
• “Wait for U” topped charts worldwide, earning Tems her first Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit and a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
• Tems’ debut album Born in the Wild peaked at 56 on the US Billboard 200, marking her highest placement and solidifying her musical success.

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Nigerian superstar musician Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, has firmly established herself on the global music scene. Her featured song “Wait for U,” which samples her own track “Higher” from her debut EP For Broken Ears, is rapidly approaching 1 billion streams on Spotify. The song, a collaboration with American rapper Future and Canadian rapper Drake, highlights her distinctive artistry and broad international appeal.

Released on May 3, 2022, as part of Future’s ninth studio album I Never Liked You, “Wait for U” has continued to resonate with audiences worldwide. Nearly three years after its debut, the track has garnered 979.8 million streams on Spotify, blending Tems’ soulful vocals with Future and Drake’s unique styles. Its popularity is a testament to its universal connection with listeners.

Song garners 178 million YouTube plays

The song’s impact was immediate and far-reaching. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking Future’s first chart-topping hit as a lead artist, Drake’s tenth, and Tems’ first. Its success quickly spread across platforms, with the official audio on YouTube reaching 178 million views, while the medieval-inspired music video, exploring themes of love and betrayal, garnered 98 million views. 

Beyond the US, “Wait for U” charted in the top 10 in Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, and its success culminated in a Grammy win for Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. This historic achievement made Tems the first Nigerian female artist to win the prestigious award.

Global certifications highlight “Wait for U” success

Globally, the track has achieved multiple certifications, underscoring its widespread popularity. In the US, it is certified 3× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying over three million digital units sold. 

It holds 2× Platinum status in Australia (140,000 units) and Canada (160,000 units), Platinum in New Zealand (30,000 units), and Gold in countries like Austria, Denmark, France, and Italy. In the UK, the song reached platinum status with over 600,000 units sold, cementing its impact in one of the world’s most competitive music markets.

“Wait for U” is a shining milestone in Tems’ career, which has been bolstered by other standout collaborations, including Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake’s “Fountains.” These successes earned her the Billboard Women in Music Award in March 2024, making her the first African singer to receive the accolade.

Tems’ debut album achieves major success

Tems has continued to expand her creative horizons with the release of her debut studio album, Born in the Wild, on June 7, 2024.

The album, following her earlier extended plays For Broken Ears (2020) and If Orange Was a Place (2021), achieved commercial success, charting in the top 30 in the UK, Netherlands, and Switzerland, and peaking at 56 on the US Billboard 200—the highest placement ever for a Nigerian female artist.

The project earned her three nominations at the upcoming 67th Annual Grammy Awards, including Best Global Music Album, Best R&B Song for “Burning,” and Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe.”

As “Wait for U” approaches the 1 billion streams mark, Tems’ influence continues to reshape global perceptions of African music. Her remarkable journey is not only a testament to her talent, but also a source of inspiration for aspiring artists around the world.