Davido and Tems score gold and platinum certifications in Canada

The announcement was made public on 23 October by Music Canada, which tracks popular music in the country. The body’s gold and platinum certification programme has celebrated significant music sales milestones across more than 20 000 albums, singles, digital downloads, ringtones and music videos since it was initiated in 1975.

‘Unavailable’, taken off Davido’s fourth studio album Timeless, went gold after selling over 40 000 units in the North American country, while his 2017 hit ‘Fall’ earned platinum certification after selling over 80 000.

On her part, Tems, who shot to global notice after featuring on Wizkid’s chart-topping 2020 single ‘Essence’, secured new gold certification with new songs, namely ‘Found’, ‘Damages’, ‘Free Mind’ and ‘Higher’. The feat makes her the most certified Nigerian female artist in Canada.

Both artists are signed with Sony Music, and rank among the leading names in pop from Africa.

In a recent interview with Esquire Middle East, Davido, touching on his career success, said his unwavering passion for music keeps him going.

“The passion for the music is what still keeps me interested,” he said. “Today, you have Beyoncé, who has been singing since before I was born, so for her to even want to learn, to be in the studio, is inspiring.

“You never stop wanting to make more dynamic music. When I get in the studio with the younger producers that are coming up now, I’m learning from them. As long as you have passion for music, I don’t see one ever losing interest. I may lose interest in being famous, I may lose interest in going to the club, I may lose interest in buying watches. The lifestyle of the superstar gets tiring, but the passion for the music, if you really truly love it, will never leave you. That’s what really keeps me going.”

Months ago, discussing her career with US rapper Kendrick Lemar for Interview magazine, Tems, a Grammy and BET Award winner, said: “You have to remember how you felt when you started as an artist, to understand the reason you’re doing what you’re doing. Yes, it’s to be seen, or to make a name for yourself, but beyond that, why are you doing it? Most of the time it’s because you have a story to share, a message to give.”