In a significant shift within the Nigerian music industry, Grammy-winning sensation Tems has officially become the country's most streamed artist on Spotify, overtaking the previously dominant Burna Boy.
A New Streaming Champion Emerges
Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, now boasts approximately 23.3 million monthly listeners on the global streaming platform Spotify. This achievement places her ahead of fellow Grammy winner Burna Boy, who currently maintains around 23.2 million monthly listeners. The narrow margin highlights the intense competition among Nigeria's top musical exports in the digital arena.
The singer's rise to this pinnacle reflects her consistent growth since gaining international recognition through her collaboration with Wizkid on the global hit "Essence" from his Made in Lagos album. The track not only charted on the Billboard Hot 100 but also introduced Tems' distinctive vocal style to audiences worldwide.
The Grammy Effect and Musical Evolution
Tems' streaming dominance follows her remarkable Grammy success story. She secured her first Grammy in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance as a featured artist on Future's track "Wait for U," which also included Drake. Her momentum continued into 2025 when she earned her second Grammy, this time for Best African Music Performance with her own composition "Love Me JeJe."
Her musical approach, which seamlessly blends Afrobeat with R&B and soul elements, has created a unique sound that resonates across continents. Since her Grammy victories, Tems has released several singles and EPs that have received both critical acclaim and commercial success, steadily building her international fanbase.
Digital Platforms Reshaping Music Careers
This milestone underscores the transformative power of streaming services in modern music distribution. Digital platforms like Spotify have enabled Nigerian artists to reach global audiences without depending exclusively on traditional radio play or conventional promotional strategies.
While Burna Boy remains one of Africa's most successful musical exports with hits like "Ye" and "Last Last" maintaining his strong presence, Tems' current lead signals an evolving landscape where younger artists can rapidly gain international traction through streaming.
The achievement not only celebrates Tems' individual success but also highlights the expanding global influence of Nigerian music. As streaming numbers continue to shape industry metrics, artists like Tems demonstrate how digital platforms can accelerate careers and amplify Afrobeat's presence on the world stage.
