MUSIC | TEMS MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST AFRICAN FEMALE ARTIST TO EARN AN RIAA DIAMOND-CERTIFIED SINGLE
Nigerian global superstar Tems has reached another remarkable milestone in her career, becoming the first African female artist to earn an RIAA Diamond-certified single in the United States.
The historic achievement comes through Future’s chart-topping hit “Wait for U,” which features Drake and Tems. On July 16, 2026, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) officially certified the song Diamond, signifying that it has surpassed 10 million certified units in the United States through a combination of sales and eligible on-demand streams.
Originally released in 2022, Wait for U quickly became a global success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread critical acclaim. Tems’ soulful vocals and songwriting played a key role in the record’s success, helping introduce her artistry to an even broader international audience.
The Diamond certification marks another defining moment for African music on the global stage and further cements Tems’ position as one of the continent’s most influential artists. Her continued success reflects the growing international recognition of African talent and the increasing impact of Afrobeats and African music across the world’s biggest markets.
As Tems continues to break barriers and set new records, this latest achievement stands as an inspiration to emerging African artists, proving that African music continues to reach unprecedented heights on the global stage.
