Tems continues to solidify her place as one of the most commercially successful African artists in the United States, adding multiple new RIAA certifications to her growing list of achievements.
The Nigerian R&B sensation has reached another milestone with her breakout hit “Free Mind,” which has now been certified 2x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) after selling over two million units.
The song, originally released in 2020 as part of her debut EP For Broken Ears, made an impressive run on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 46 and spending a remarkable 26 weeks on the chart.
In addition to “Free Mind,” Tems’ soulful ballad “Higher” has also been certified Platinum, marking another major milestone for For Broken Ears. With two Platinum plaques from the same project, Tems’ early work continues to resonate with listeners, proving her lasting influence on the global R&B scene. Her ability to craft deeply emotional and introspective records has set her apart, making her one of the most sought-after voices in contemporary music.
Beyond her solo success, Tems’ collaborations have also earned new RIAA certifications. Her hit record “Found,” featuring American R&B star Brent Faiyaz, has achieved Gold certification, further underscoring her ability to create cross-continental hits.
Meanwhile, “Me & U,” the lead single from her highly anticipated debut album Born In The Wild, has also gone Gold, adding to her impressive accolades. These certifications reaffirm her growing dominance in both the R&B and Afrobeats scenes, as well as her increasing influence in the U.S. market.
Tems kicked off 2025 with a historic night at the 67th Grammy Awards, where she secured three nominations across different categories. She made history by becoming the first-ever Nigerian artist to win the Grammy for Best African Music Performance, a newly introduced category that recognizes excellence in African music. With this win, she also became the first Nigerian female artist to win two Grammys, further cementing her status as a global superstar.
Her presence at the Grammys was even more groundbreaking, as she became the first Nigerian female artist to be nominated in the Best Global Album category and the first Nigerian artist to receive a nomination in the R&B category with a nod for Best R&B Song.
These achievements highlight her versatility and widespread appeal, proving that her music transcends genres and geographical boundaries. As she continues to push creative boundaries, she remains at the forefront of the new wave of African artists making a significant impact on the global stage.
Following a highly successful 2024, which saw the release of her debut LP and a world tour with sold-out shows across Europe and North America, Tems is gearing up for another eventful year.
With multiple awards, record-breaking achievements, and an ever-growing international fanbase, the two-time Grammy winner is set to solidify her status as one of Africa’s biggest music exports in 2025.
