Tems has become the first female Africaartist to be credited on an RIAA Diamond-certified single. The achievement came through Future’s hit song “WAIT FOR U,” featuring Drake and Tems.

The RIAA confirmed the certification as part of its latest list of award updates. Released in April 2022, Future single became a hit. The track includes Tems’ 2020 song “Higher,” The song gave Future his first chart-topping single as a lead artist.

The Diamond certification is one of the RIAA’s highest recognitions. It is awarded only after a song reaches at least 10 million certified units in the United States.

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Tems’ gained wider recognition with her 2019 single “Try Me” before achieving global success through Wizkid’s “Essence.” She has since collaborated with artists including Drake, Beyoncé, Future, and Brent Faiyaz.

Read Also: Tems Launches South Africa Edition of Leading Vibe Initiative

Her success is not just tied to streaming numbers alone. She won several international awards. She has a Grammy in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category and also four BET Awards. Her talent has earned her praise from different artists including Rihanna.

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While several African musicians have received multi Platinum certifications in the United States, Diamond status remains rare. Tems becoming the first African woman to earn the certification.

The RIAA Diamond certification shows how African artists continue to break barriers. As Tem’s international profile grows, this latest milestone will inspire more female artists to aim for global success.

Temi Otedola has joined the growing conversation around privilege and family connections, saying she sees no reason to deny being a “nepo baby.” The actress and media personality made the remarks during an episode of “The How Far Podcast“, which she co-hosts with her husband, Mr Eazi.

During the podcast, Temi said she is often surprised when people refuse to acknowledge the advantages they have enjoyed because of their background. In her view, admitting that someone started life with certain opportunities should not be seen as an attack on their achievements. Instead, she believes it is simply an honest acknowledgement of the advantages those opportunities provided.

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She also argued that privilege extends beyond having wealthy or well-known parents. According to her, growing up in a stable home, having access to quality education and not having to worry about basic needs are all forms of advantage that can shape a person’s path. For that reason, she said conversations about privilege should not be limited to celebrities or children of influential figures.

To make her point clearer, Temi used a personal example. She said that if she and Mr Eazi had a child who wanted to become a musician, and they introduced the child to a producer, paid for a music video and used their industry connections, the child would naturally have an advantage over someone trying to break into the business without that kind of support. Rather than deny it, she said she would openly accept that the child had benefited from family connections.

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Temi added that recognising those advantages does not mean dismissing hard work. She said she was given a leg up in life but still believes it is important to make the most of the opportunities available.

Mr Eazi shared a similar view during the discussion, saying he has also benefited from opportunities created by people who came before him. Their conversation explored how success is often influenced by factors that go beyond talent alone.

By openly identifying herself as a nepo baby, Temi Otedola said she believes acknowledging the advantages that came with her background is simply being honest about the different starting points people have in life.

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The journey from Nollywood to military service is not one many people would expect, yet a handful of Nigerian celebrities have chosen that path after relocating to the United States. Their decisions have sparked conversations among fans, with many curious about what inspired the career shift and what opportunities come with serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. While each story differs, their enlistment marks a major turning point beyond the entertainment industry.

Grace Charis Bassey

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One of the most talked-about examples is Grace Charis Bassey, formerly known as Belinda Effah. The award-winning actress enlisted in the U.S. Navy and completed boot camp in 2025. She later announced that she had become a U.S. citizen, describing the achievement as a deeply personal milestone and dedicating it to her late father, who served as a naval commander. Her announcement received widespread attention from both fans and colleagues in Nigeria.

Princess Chineke

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Actress and former beauty queen Princess Chineke made history as the first known Nollywood actress to enlist in the U.S. Army. After moving to the United States, she traded her pageant crown for a combat uniform in late 2024.

She frequently documents her military journey on social media, describing the experience of trading a luxurious lifestyle for tactical field training as deeply humbling.

Mayowa Dosu

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Actress and film producer Mayowa Dosu equally enlisted into the U.S. Army around the same period as Chineke, in 2024 after relocating to the United States. Known for her work in notable Nollywood productions, Dosu’s sudden career shift came as a surprise to fans, especially since she had been actively producing films shortly before her exit.

Joseph Momodu

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The latest addition to the list is actor Joseph Momodu, known for roles in productions including “Tinsel” and “The Johnsons”. He completed U.S. Army Basic Combat Training in April 2026 and said his decision was inspired by his late father, who served in the Nigeria Police Force. His announcement further highlighted a growing trend of Nigerian entertainers pursuing careers outside the screen.

Like other members of the U.S. military, the four entertainers are eligible for benefits attached to military service, including competitive pay, healthcare coverage, housing and food allowances, education support through programmes such as the GI Bill, career development opportunities and retirement benefits for those who complete the required years of service. For those who already hold U.S. permanent residency (Green Cards), military service provides an expedited pathway to full American citizenship, bypassing the standard years-long waiting period, as reflected in Grace-Charis Bassey’s publicly confirmed naturalisation. Their stories show that, for some entertainers, life after Nollywood can open doors to a completely different kind of public service.