Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has achieved a new milestone, becoming the first African female artist to secure seven entries on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. This accomplishment follows the unexpected entry of her song ‘What You Need’ at number 93 on the chart for the week of [Date, if known; otherwise use ‘this week’]. The debut brings her total career entries on the influential U.S. singles chart to seven.
With this total, Tems now joins compatriot Burna Boy and South African rock band Seether as the African artists with the most Billboard Hot 100 entries, each holding the record at seven. Temsfirst made history in 2022 when her feature on Future and Drake’s ‘Wait For U’ debuted at number one, making her the first African artist to top the chart.
Her consistent presence on the Hot 100 is underpinned by several high-profile collaborations, including the global hit ‘Essence’ with Wizkid, which peaked in the top 10, and features on tracks by Drake and Justin Bieber. The upcoming appearance of J. Cole’s ‘Bunce Road Blues,’ featuring Tems and Future, is projected to debut on the Hot 100 next week, which would break the tie and give her sole possession of the record for African artists.
The Billboard Hot 100 ranks the most popular songs in the United States based on streaming, radio airplay, and sales. Tems’ sustained performance on this chart underscores the growing commercial impact and global reach of African music within the mainstream U.S. market. Her trajectory suggests she will continue to extend her lead, solidifying her position as a pivotal figure in the international expansion of Afrobeats and African talent.
