Tems has become the first female Nigerian artist to earn Diamond certification in the United States as Future’s chart-topping hit WAIT FOR U, featuring Drake and Tems, was certified 11-times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on July 16, 2026.
The certification signifies more than 11 million units sold in the United States, making it Tems’ highest-certified release in the country to date. Released on April 29, 2022, WAIT FOR U has steadily climbed the RIAA’s certification ladder, earning Gold and Platinum status in June 2022 before advancing to double, triple and 11-times Platinum. The latest upgrade officially gives the Grammy-winning singer her first Diamond-certified recording in the US.
The song, which samples Tems’ 2020 song Higher, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the defining collaborations of 2022. It also earned the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, further cementing Tems’ growing influence on the global music scene.
Her collaboration with Wizkid, Essence, was certified five-times Platinum on June 2, 2025, representing five million units sold in the United States. The song has remained one of the most successful Afrobeats records in history, helping introduce the genre to a wider global audience and becoming Tems’ breakthrough hit.
Earlier this year, the RIAA also certified several of Tems’ solo recordings, including Found featuring Brent Faiyaz, Me & U, Higher and Free Mind, reflecting the sustained commercial success of her catalogue. In addition, Beyoncé’s Move, featuring Grace Jones and Tems, received RIAA certification in December 2024.
Tems has continued to establish herself as one of Africa’s most commercially successful artists, with multiple Grammy Awards, Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.
