2024 has been nothing short of monumental for Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems. With numerous milestones, awards, and recognition on both local and international stages, Tems has cemented her place as one of the most influential voices in Afrobeats and global music. Here’s a look at the impressive achievements she’s stacked up this year.
1. “Essence” Reaches a Billion Streams
Tems’ breakout collaboration on “Essence” with Wizkid made waves when it became the first Nigerian song to surpass 1 billion streams worldwide. This Afrobeats anthem, already celebrated for its global appeal, now holds its place as one of the most-streamed African songs of all time.
2. “Love Me JeJe” Dominates Spotify
Her single “Love Me JeJe” was not only a fan favorite in 2024 but also earned the title of the most-streamed Nigerian song on Spotify for the year. The song’s powerful yet tender lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, pushing it to unprecedented popularity.
3. “Born In The Wild” World Tour Sells Out
Tems embarked on her Born In The Wild World Tour, a massive success as she sold out venues across continents. Her ability to draw in diverse audiences from the Americas to Europe highlights her widespread appeal and the strong connection she has with her fans globally.
4. Rolling Stone’s Best Albums and Best Songs of 2024
Both her album, Born In The Wild, and the hit “Love Me JeJe” earned spots in Rolling Stone’s Best Albums and Best Songs of 2024 lists. This recognition cements her work as some of the most impactful music of the year.
5. Record-Breaking Streaming Numbers
Tems surpassed 1 billion streams as a lead artist on Spotify, a historic achievement for a Nigerian artist. Her success reflects her ability to blend Afrobeats with R&B, resonating deeply with fans worldwide.
6. Billboard and UK Chart Success
Born in the Wild reached #56 on the Billboard 200, the highest position for a Nigerian female artist. In the UK, it debuted at an impressive #25 on the Official Albums Chart, marking another record-breaking peak for Nigerian female artists in international markets.
7. Award Wins at BET and NAACP
Tems won the Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for her track “Me & U” at the BET Awards and received an Outstanding International Song award from the NAACP Image Awards. Her success across genres, from gospel to R&B, showcases her versatility and appeal in different musical landscapes.
8. Breakthrough Recognition from Billboard
In a testament to her impact on the music industry, Tems was named a Billboard Breakthrough Award Honoree this year, further validating her growing influence.
9. Certifications in the UK, US, and Canada
With “Love Me JeJe” certified Silver in the UK and “Me & U” achieving Gold status in Canada, Tems has secured her presence across international markets. “Me & U” also sold over 500,000 units in the US alone, marking it as one of the most successful Afrobeats songs on the global stage.
10. Performance at Coachella
Tems took the stage at Coachella 2024, delivering an electrifying performance that introduced her to a broader audience in the US. Her set at this prestigious festival was widely praised, with critics and fans alike highlighting her distinct sound and captivating stage presence.
11. “For Broken Ears” Breaks Records
Tems’ debut EP, For Broken Ears, became the first Nigerian EP to surpass 500,000 units sold in the US, marking a new milestone for Nigerian music in international markets.
The Legacy Continues
Tems’ 2024 highlights not only her extraordinary talent but also the heights that African music continues to reach in global markets. From chart-topping singles to global tours, chart records, and awards, Tems is setting a new standard for Afrobeats and inspiring a new generation of artists worldwide. As she continues to push boundaries and break records, the world eagerly watches what’s next for this groundbreaking artist.
