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. 

Photo: Instagram

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. 

Photo: Instagram

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.

Nonhle Thema has become one of South Africa’s biggest trending topics after claiming she introduced X (formerly Twitter), to the country. The statement was made during an interview on 947 Drive with Thando Thabethe.  Many users are debating whether the claim was accurate or an exaggeration.

Nonhle Thema rose to fame in 2007, emerging as one of South Africa’s leading “It girls” and a prominent television presenter. While she made several statements, her remark about Twitter got more reactions. Many users on X questioned the claim.  Others argued that while she may not have introduced the platform, she was among the first South African celebrities to make Twitter popular. 

Photo: Instagram

Mnu Mpofana said

“Maybe one of the first South African celebrities to trend on Twitter but not introduce South Africa to Twitter. I was on Twitter around 2009 & she was trending around the end of 2011 if I’m not mistaken.”

For Ndlombango, she laughed it off saying, 

“She was one of the first Black people to stay in Bryanston, first person to introduce Twitter in SA? Nonhle akame kancane man. Please.”

Several posts compared her influence with that of other South African celebrities who were active on Twitter during its early days. 

Read Also: Mapaseka Koetle Says Goodbye to Dintle Nyathi as Her Scandal! Journey Ends

Another moment that attracted attention was Thando Thabethe’s facial expressions during the interview. Clips and screenshots of the radio host reacting to Thema’s comments went viral, with fans saying she is speaking the truth. 

Photo: Instagram

Not everyone dismissed Thema’s comments. Some fans defended her. Those in this category argued that she had a massive television career, attended international entertainment events and built one of the country’s largest celebrity followings on Twitter. Supporters said her popularity encouraged many fans to join the platform to follow her updates, even if she did not introduce Twitter to the country.

The interview got reactions from fellow celebrities. Television personality Somizi Mhlongo joined the conversation by posting a humorous TikTok using audio linked to the interview. After some people accused him of mocking Thema, Somizi said, 

“So, can’t we have fun anymore? I wasn’t mocking anything. It was a sound that I thought was nice and still think it’s nice!” he said.

Whether people agreed with Nonhle Thema’s claim or not, the interview brought one of South Africa’s most talked about media personalities back into the spotlight. The online debate continues, with opinions split between those who see her statement as an overstatement and those who believe she had the influence to achieve such a feat. 

Tyla has reached another career milestone as the latest global star to receive her own Bratz collector doll. The collaboration is inspired by two of the South African singer’s most memorable fashion moments, bringing her red carpet and stage looks into the Bratz world.

The release also fulfils a wish Tyla shared with fans in 2024. After fan artwork imagined her as a Bratz character, she said she hoped to have an official doll one day. That wish has now become a reality.

Photo: Instagram/@Bratz

The collector doll comes with two complete outfits. The first recreates the custom Balmain “Sands of Time” gown Tyla wore to the 2024 Met Gala, one of her most talked-about fashion appearances. It also includes a miniature version of the distinctive hourglass handbag she carried with the look.

The second outfit is based on one of Tyla’s stage looks. It features a sequinned mini skirt, a matching crop top and a gold chain belt finished with a Bratz charm. The doll also recreates her braided bob hairstyle.

Photo: Instagram/@Bratz

Collectors will also find accessories inspired by Tyla’s work, including a miniature vinyl record and a display stand designed around her branding. The set brings together elements from her music and fashion journey in a single collector’s edition.

The launch coincides with the release of Tyla’s second studio album, APop*. The doll will also make its public debut at the Bratz pop-up shop inside FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Plaza in New York on 24 July.

Photo: Instagram/@Bratz

Bratz celebrity dolls have become popular collector’s items, and Tyla now joins a select group of stars with official editions. The collaboration reflects her growing presence in both music and fashion while adding another international partnership to her portfolio.

For fans, the release marks the fulfilment of a goal Tyla first shared publicly. From a fan concept posted online to an officially licensed Bratz doll, the collaboration captures another memorable moment in the singer’s career.