Tems Reclaims the Throne: Nigerian Star Surpasses Tyla as African Artiste with Highest Spotify Monthly Listeners

 

The global music landscape has witnessed another seismic shift as Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer Tems has officially reclaimed her title as the African artiste with the highest monthly listeners on Spotify. In a record-breaking surge reported on Monday, February 23, 2026, Tems surpassed South African sensation Tyla to clinch the top spot, solidifying her status as the preeminent female voice coming out of the continent. This achievement comes on the heels of the sustained global success of her debut album, Born in the Wild, and a series of high-profile international collaborations that have kept her at the forefront of the global "Afro-R&B" movement.

​The Numbers Behind the Milestone

​Streaming data is the new currency of the music industry, and Tems’ latest figures are nothing short of impressive. According to the latest Spotify metrics, Tems’ monthly listeners have climbed to a staggering 14.5 million, edging past Tyla, who had held the lead for several months following the viral success of her Grammy-winning hit, "Water."

​While the lead between the two superstars remains competitive, Tems’ ascent is viewed by industry analysts as a testament to her longevity and the "slow-burn" success of her discography. Unlike many artistes who rely on a singular viral moment, Tems has built a dedicated global audience through a mix of solo brilliance and strategic features with global icons like Drake, Future, and Beyoncé.

​The "Born in the Wild" Effect

​A significant driver of this recent surge is the continued performance of her 2024 debut studio album, Born in the Wild. The project, which was highly anticipated for years, has proven to have remarkable "legs" on streaming platforms. Tracks like "Love Me Jeje" and "Me & U" have become staples on global playlists, drawing in listeners from the US, UK, and Europe, far beyond the traditional Afrobeats markets.

​Tems’ ability to blend soulful R&B with subtle African rhythms has created a unique sonic identity that resonates with a broad demographic. This versatility is exactly why her monthly listener count remains robust even months after an album release, as her music is frequently added to "Chill," "Focus," and "Global Hits" editorial playlists on Spotify.

​The Friendly Rivalry: Tems and Tyla

​The "battle" for the top spot between Tems and Tyla represents a golden era for African female artistes. For years, the spotlight was dominated almost exclusively by male Afrobeats stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido. The current flip-flop at the top of the charts between a Nigerian and a South African woman highlights the diversifying palate of global music consumers.

​Tyla’s meteoric rise with her self-titled debut album brought a fresh "Amapiano-Pop" sound to the world stage, but Tems' deep-rooted catalog and her involvement in the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack ("No Woman, No Cry") provide a foundation of consistent monthly streams that are hard to beat.

​Impact on the Afrobeats Industry

​Tems hitting this milestone is more than just a personal victory; it is a win for the Nigerian music export industry. It proves that the "alté" and R&B-leaning sounds coming out of Lagos have the same commercial viability as the high-tempo club bangers.

​By maintaining over 14 million monthly listeners, Tems is not just competing with African peers; she is sitting comfortably alongside mainstream Western pop stars. This visibility makes it easier for the next generation of female African artistes—such as Ayra Starr and Bloody Civilian—to command higher streaming numbers and better deal terms with international labels.

​What’s Next for Tems?

​With her world tour currently selling out venues and her fashion presence growing at major global events, Tems' monthly listener count is expected to see even further growth. Industry insiders suggest that a deluxe version of Born in the Wild or a new collaboration with another global heavyweight could push her toward the 20 million mark before the end of 2026.

​As it stands, Tems is the undisputed queen of African streaming. Her journey from producing beats in her room in Lagos to becoming the most-listened-to African artiste on the world’s largest streaming platform is a masterclass in authenticity, patience, and world-class talent.