Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, has become the first Nigerian recording artist in history to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Tems recent achievement follows her collaboration with international rappers Drake and Future on the song ‘Wait For U,’ which appears on Future’s LP album ‘I Never Liked You.’
The single ‘Wait for U’ debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It marks her first No. 1, Future’s second No. 1 and Drake‘s tenth No. 1 on the Billboard.
As Billboard reports, “Wait For U” has secured 40.2 million streams, 7.9 million radio airplay audience impressions, and 6,400 downloads sold during its first week.
In 2021, Tems’ collaboration with Wizkid earned her a Billboard Top 10 hit. With ‘Essence,’ Wizkid became the first African musician to have a song in the Top 10 Billboard chart as a lead artist, and her first Top 10 hit.
Tems is single-handedly redefining the Nigerian music scene one musical note at a time – bringing an urban sound that is undeniably unique, embodying a fusion of alternative RnB and Neo soul genres. Her focus remains currently zeroed on tapping into and promoting the movement currently shaping alternative music in Nigeria to advance the culture and conversations alike.
