Global Domination: Tems and Burna Boy Make History as African Artists with Most Billboard Hot 100 Entries

 

​The global takeover of Afrobeats and African music has reached a new, historic summit. On February 18, 2026, the duo of Tems and Burna Boy officially shattered long-standing records to become the African artists with the most entries in the history of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. This milestone not only cements their status as global superstars but also signals a permanent shift in the landscape of mainstream music, where African sounds are no longer a "niche" but a dominant force.

​The Breakthrough: Breaking the Tie with Seether

​For several years, the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries by an African act was held in a three-way tie. Both Tems and Burna Boy were deadlocked at seven entries each alongside the legendary South African rock band, Seether.

​However, the release of American rap legend J. Cole’s highly anticipated album, The Fall-Off, provided the catalyst for the record-breaking surge. Both Nigerian stars featured prominently on the project, earning them their 8th career entries and pushing them into a shared lead for the continent.

​The Songs That Made History

​The latest Billboard chart dated February 21, 2026, reflects the following historic debuts:

1. ​"Bounce Road Blues" – J. Cole ft. Tems & Future: Debuted at an impressive No. 34.
2. ​"Only You" – J. Cole ft. Burna Boy: Debuted at No. 78.

​With these entries, the "African Giant" and the "Leading Vibe" have officially rewritten the history books, proving that their appeal spans continents and genres.

​Tems: The Queen of the Billboard Charts

​Tems' trajectory since her 2020 breakout with Wizkid on "Essence" has been nothing short of meteoric. In 2026 alone, she has already logged three entries on the Hot 100—more than any other African artist this year so far. Her 2026 run includes "Raindance" with Dave, her solo effort "What You Need," and the latest J. Cole collaboration.

​Tems' Billboard Hot 100 Journey (8 Entries):

• ​"Wait For U" (with Future & Drake) – Peak: No. 1
• ​"Essence" (Wizkid ft. Tems & Justin Bieber) – Peak: No. 9
• ​"Free Mind" – Solo hit
• ​"Fountains" (with Drake)
• ​"Move" (Beyoncé ft. Grace Jones & Tems)
• ​"Raindance" (with Dave)
• ​"What You Need" – Solo entry
• ​"Bounce Road Blues" – Latest entry

​Tems also holds the distinction of being the first African female artist to top the chart and the first to amass eight entries, breaking a glass ceiling for women in the African music industry.

​Burna Boy: The Unrivaled "African Giant"

​While Tems has set records for speed, Burna Boy has set records for consistency. By appearing on the 2026 charts, Burna Boy has become the first African artist to have at least one song on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive years (2021–2026).

​His ability to stay relevant in the U.S. market year after year is a testament to his "Afro-fusion" sound, which blends traditional African rhythms with modern hip-hop and dancehall.

​Burna Boy's Consistent Climb (8 Entries):

1. ​Loved By You (with Justin Bieber) – 2021
2. ​Last Last – 2022 (Solo smash)
3. ​Sittin' On Top Of The World – 2023
4. ​Talibans II (with Byron Messia) – 2023
5. ​Just Like Me (with 21 Savage & Metro Boomin) – 2024
6. ​We Pray (with Coldplay) – 2024
7. ​WGFT (with Gunna) – 2025
8. ​Only You (with J. Cole) – 2026

​The Wider Impact on Afrobeats

​This record is more than just a win for two individuals; it represents the "institutionalization" of Afrobeats in the United States. Other Nigerian acts like Wizkid (5 entries), Rema (2 entries), and Davido (1 entry) have all contributed to this momentum. However, Tems and Burna Boy have uniquely positioned themselves as the go-to collaborators for the biggest names in American rap and pop, from Beyoncé to J. Cole.

​As we move further into 2026, the question is no longer if an African artist will chart, but how many entries they will secure. With Tems' debut album Born in the Wild still performing strongly and Burna Boy's legendary work ethic, the number 8 is likely just a pit stop on their way to double digits.