The "Leading Vibe" has officially reached a new summit. Nigerian singer-songwriter and global powerhouse Tems has made history this week, securing her seventh entry on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
With this milestone, she officially ties the "African Giant" Burna Boy and South African rock legends Seether for the record of the most entries by an African act in the chart's history. Even more significant, Tems is now the first-ever African female artist to reach this prestigious mark.
The Song That Sealed the Deal
The historic entry comes via her latest single, "What You Need," which debuted at number 93 on the chart this week. The track, a standout from her surprise November 2025 EP Love Is a Kingdom, gained massive momentum following a captivating COLORS performance in late January 2026.
A Resume of Global Dominance
Tems’ journey on the Billboard charts has been nothing short of legendary. Her seven entries represent a masterclass in both solo artistry and high-profile collaborations:
1. "Wait For U" (with Future & Drake) – Reached #1
2. "Essence" (Wizkid ft. Tems & Justin Bieber) – Reached #9
3. "Free Mind" – Her record-breaking solo hit
4. "Fountains" (with Drake)
5. "Move" (Beyoncé ft. Grace Jones & Tems)
6. "Raindance"
7. "What You Need" – The historic 7th entry
Can She Take the Lead?
The record-breaking may not stop here. Industry insiders are already looking toward next week’s charts, where J. Cole’s "Bunce Road Blues" (featuring Tems and Future) is projected to debut. If the track enters the Hot 100, Tems will move to 8 entries, standing alone as the most-charted African artist of all time.
Why This Matters for Afrobeats
Tems’ achievement isn't just a personal win; it’s a victory for the entire continent. It proves that African artists are no longer just "guests" on the global stage—they are the main event. From her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild to her two Grammy wins, Tems continues to redefine what is possible for a woman in the music industry.
Stay tuned to our EIIAFRICA Afrobeats Top 20 updates every Saturday to see where Tems, Burna Boy, and the rest of the heavyweights land this week.