Los Angeles, United States – February 11, 2026 — Grammy-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter Tems has etched her name in music history by becoming the first African female artist to achieve seven entries on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The milestone was confirmed following the latest Billboard chart update, which saw Tems secure an additional placement on the all-genre singles ranking. This latest entry brings her total to seven distinct songs that have charted on the Hot 100, surpassing previous records held by other African female acts and solidifying her position as a trailblazer for the continent’s music industry on the global stage.
Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, first burst onto the international scene with her breakout feature on Wizkid’s 2020 global smash “Essence,” which peaked at No. 9 on the Hot 100 and spent a record-breaking 57 weeks on the chart. That collaboration not only introduced her to millions worldwide but also helped pave the way for Afrobeats’ explosive rise in the United States and beyond.
- Her subsequent solo and feature work has consistently demonstrated her versatility, vocal prowess, and songwriting depth. Among her seven Hot 100 entries are:
- “Essence” (with Wizkid and Justin Bieber remix)
- “Wait For U” (Future featuring Drake and Tems), which reached No. 1
- “Burning” (her debut solo entry)
- “Free Mind” (a viral sleeper hit that gained traction years after release)
- “Damages”
- “Me & U”
Her most recent chart entry (as per the latest tracking week)
The achievement is particularly significant given the historical underrepresentation of African female artists on major U.S. charts. Prior to Tems, no female artist from the African continent had reached seven Hot 100 appearances. Her record highlights the growing influence of Afrobeats and African music in mainstream American pop culture, following in the footsteps of male counterparts such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema, who have also amassed multiple chart entries.
Industry observers note that Tems’ success is built on a combination of critical acclaim, streaming dominance, radio airplay, and strong sales performance. Her music often blends soulful R&B, Afro-fusion, and introspective lyricism, resonating with a wide audience both in Africa and the diaspora. The singer’s ability to secure high-profile collaborations with artists such as Future, Drake, Selena Gomez, and Rihanna has further amplified her reach.
Tems’ breakthrough has also been recognised with major accolades. She won the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to “Wait For U” in 2023, becoming one of the first African artists to win in a competitive category at the Grammys. She has since earned additional nominations and widespread praise for her artistry.
The Billboard Hot 100 is one of the most influential music charts globally, ranking the top 100 songs in the United States based on a weighted formula that includes streaming activity, radio airplay, and digital sales. Achieving multiple entries on the chart is a rare feat for any artist, and even rarer for those originating from outside the traditional Western music markets.
Tems’ historic milestone has sparked widespread celebration across social media platforms, with fans, fellow artists, and music executives hailing her as a pioneer for African women in global music. Nigerian music stakeholders have described the achievement as a “proud moment for the country and the continent,” underscoring the increasing export value of Nigerian talent.
In recent interviews, Tems has spoken about her commitment to authenticity and her desire to represent African stories and sounds on the world stage. Her growing discography, including her debut album Born in the Wild (released in 2024), continues to receive acclaim for its emotional depth and production quality.
The singer’s seventh Hot 100 entry not only cements her status as one of the most successful African artists in U.S. chart history but also signals the continued mainstream breakthrough of Afrobeats and African music at large. As Tems continues to release new music and tour internationally, industry watchers expect her chart presence to expand even further in the months ahead.
Her accomplishment serves as both inspiration and proof of the limitless potential of African talent when given global exposure. For now, Tems stands alone as the first African female artist to reach the seven-entry mark on the Billboard Hot 100—a record that is likely to stand for years to come.
