Tems makes history as first African female artist with 7 entries on Billboard Hot 100
Grammy-winning Nigerian star Temilade Openiyi, famously known as Tems, has set a new record as the first African female artist to secure seven entries on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
The historic milestone was reached this week, February 10, 2026, after her track “What You Need” debuted at number 93 on the prestigious chart, bringing her career total to seven appearances.
With this feat, Tems has officially caught up with Burna Boy and the South African rock band Seether, tying them for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries by any African artist.
This is not her first time rewriting the record books; in 2022, she became the first African artist to debut at number one on the chart with the global hit “Wait For U,” a collaboration with Future and Drake.
Her momentum shows no signs of slowing down, as she has recently enjoyed a string of successful collaborations and solo releases that have solidified her dominance in the American music market.
Tems is already poised to take the lead as the sole record holder as early as next week, with the highly anticipated debut of J. Cole’s “Bunce Road Blues,” which features both her and Future.
The singer’s consistent chart presence marks a significant era for African women in music, proving that Afrobeats and R&B from the continent have a permanent and powerful home on the global stage.
