Tems: Most Streamed African Artist on Spotify – 40M+ Listeners
- Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has reached a new peak in her career, becoming the most streamed African artist on Spotify with over 40.1 million monthly listeners, March 29, 2026.
- The surge in Tems’ listenership, which recently surpassed South African artist Tyla’s 38 million, has been fueled by a combination of strategic collaborations and the enduring appeal of...
- Tems’ achievement isn’t simply a personal best; it ties her with Rema for the most monthly listeners for any African artist in Spotify history.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has reached a new peak in her career, becoming the most streamed African artist on Spotify with over 40.1 million monthly listeners, . This milestone solidifies her position as a leading figure in the global music landscape and signals a growing prominence for African artists on the world stage.
The surge in Tems’ listenership, which recently surpassed South African artist Tyla’s 38 million, has been fueled by a combination of strategic collaborations and the enduring appeal of her existing catalog. Tracks like “Free Mind,” “Me & U,” and “Higher” continue to resonate with audiences years after their initial release. However, it’s her recent collaboration, “Raindance” with Dave, that appears to be the primary catalyst for this latest achievement, earning Platinum certification in the UK.
A New Benchmark for African Music
Tems’ achievement isn’t simply a personal best; it ties her with Rema for the most monthly listeners for any African artist in Spotify history. This sets a new benchmark for success within the African music industry and highlights the increasing global demand for Afrobeats and its related genres. The rise of artists like Tems and Rema demonstrates a shift in the music industry, where artists from Africa are no longer niche acts but are competing with – and often surpassing – their international counterparts in terms of streaming numbers.
The significance of this moment extends beyond mere statistics. Industry observers are increasingly labeling Tems as Africa’s biggest music export, a claim that gains further weight with each milestone she achieves. Her ability to blend cultural authenticity with a sound that transcends borders is a key factor in her widespread appeal. From her breakout project, “For Broken Ears,” to her more recent work, “Born in the Wild,” Tems has consistently cultivated a unique sonic identity that resonates with a diverse global audience.
Grammy Recognition and Global Collaborations
Tems’ success is also underscored by critical acclaim, including a Grammy Award for her contribution to Future’s “Wait for U.” This recognition, alongside multiple other award nominations, further validates her talent, and artistry. Her collaborations with international stars like Drake and Future, and her involvement in the soundtrack for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” have significantly broadened her reach and introduced her music to new audiences.
What’s Next for Tems and African Music?
Tems’ continued success is likely to pave the way for other African artists to gain greater recognition on the global stage. The increasing accessibility of music streaming platforms has played a crucial role in breaking down geographical barriers and connecting artists with fans worldwide. As African music continues to evolve and innovate, it’s likely that we’ll see even more artists achieving similar levels of success in the coming years.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to observe how Tems leverages her current momentum. Will she continue to focus on high-profile collaborations, or will she prioritize developing her own solo work? Her next moves will undoubtedly be closely watched by both fans and industry professionals alike, as she continues to shape the future of African music.