Tems gets first solo RIAA certification in the United States

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Tems is one of the Nigerian artists with the most RIAA certifications across all credits. Her previous certifications include Wait For U with Drake (2 million units) and Future, Essence with Wizkid (2 million units). The singer-songwriter adds another one to her collection as her popular single “Free Mind” gets a gold certification by the RIAA for selling 500,000 units, marking her first solo certification in the United States.

Tems who has been credited as a songwriter on Rihanna’s comeback single, ‘Lift Me Up’ off the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack continues to make giant strides in and outside of the African continent. She was previously involved in the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever prologue EP leading the tracklist with a cover for Bob Marley’s classic, No Woman, No Cry. Ghanaian singer, Amaare and Mexican rapper, Santa Fe Klan were involved in the project too.

Tems has also been one of the most nominated African artists in recent times. In 2022, she has been nominated for the American Music Awards, BET Hip-Hop Awards, BET Soul Train Awards, South African Music Awards, Headies Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and many others.

Free Mind was initially released in 2020 as part of her debut extended play, For Broken Ears. The self-produced track is centered on the oxymoronic theme of peace and trouble. Free Mind has gone further to become her most streamed record on Spotify amassing over 47 million streams. It has also earned her first solo RIAA certification in the United States for selling over 500,000 units.

Her biggest solo record yet? Arguably.