Tems Makes History: The First African Female Artist with 7 Billboard Hot 100 Entries

 

​The global music landscape is witnessing a seismic shift as Nigerian singer-songwriter Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, continues her unprecedented streak of international dominance. In a historic milestone recorded on February 10, 2026, Tems officially became the first African female artist to secure seven entries on the prestigious U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. This achievement not only solidifies her status as a global powerhouse but also places her at the summit of African music alongside industry titans.

​The Milestone: "What You Need" and the Seventh Entry

​The record-breaking moment was triggered by the debut of her latest track, "What You Need," which entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 93 this week. While a debut at 93 might seem modest to some, for Tems, it represents the cumulative power of her discography and her unique ability to resonate with the American market.

​With this seventh entry, Tems has now equaled the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries by an African artist, tying with the "African Giant" Burna Boy and the legendary South African rock group Seether. This feat is particularly significant because it marks the first time a female artist from the continent has reached such heights, effectively breaking the glass ceiling for African women in the global mainstream.

​A Journey of Consistency: Tems’ Road to 7 Entries

​Tems' journey to the top of the Billboard charts has been a masterclass in strategic collaborations and solo brilliance. Her presence on the chart began with her breakout contribution to Wizkid’s global anthem "Essence," which famously peaked at number 9. Since then, she has become the "go-to" artist for global superstars, delivering hauntingly beautiful vocals that transcend genres.

​Her list of Billboard Hot 100 entries includes:

1. ​"Wait For U" (Future feat. Drake & Tems) – A historic number 1 debut.
2. ​"Essence" (Wizkid feat. Tems) – The song that introduced her to the world.
3. ​"Fountains" (Drake feat. Tems) – A standout track from Certified Lover Boy.
4. ​"Free Mind" – A solo sleeper hit that spent over 30 weeks on the chart.
5. ​"Move" (feat. Grace Jones) – A legendary cross-generational collaboration.
6. ​"Raindance" – A high-charting 2025 release.
7. ​"What You Need" – The latest entry securing her place in history.

​The "Tems Effect": Why She Is Unstoppable

​What makes Tems’ success so remarkable is her versatility. She isn't just an "Afrobeats" artist; she is an R&B and Soul force. In 2022, she made history as the first African artist to debut at number one on the Hot 100 with "Wait For U," and she recently bagged her second Grammy award at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Her ability to maintain solo momentum while remaining a highly sought-after collaborator is what industry experts call the "Tems Effect."

​Furthermore, Tems is on the verge of claiming the sole title of the African artist with the most entries. With the upcoming release of J. Cole’s "Bunce Road Blues," which features Tems and Future, she is widely predicted to secure her eighth entry as early as next week.

​Breaking Records and Setting New Standards

​Beyond the numbers, Tems’ achievements are redefining what is possible for African creatives. By tying with Burna Boy, she has proven that the global appeal of African music is not gender-limited. She currently leads the leaderboard for Nigerian acts on the Billboard Hot 100, sitting above Wizkid (5 entries), Rema (2 entries), and others like Davido and Fireboy DML (1 entry each).

​Her success is also a win for the Nigerian "Jesus Baby" persona she proudly wears, showing that authenticity and staying true to one's roots can lead to global acclaim. As she continues to collect accolades and break records, Tems is no longer just a rising star; she is a legendary architect of the new global sound.

​Conclusion: The Future of Tems and Afrobeats

​As we look toward the rest of 2026, it is clear that Tems is just getting started. Her record-breaking seventh entry on the Billboard Hot 100 is a testament to her talent, work ethic, and the growing influence of African music worldwide. For fans and aspiring artists alike, Tems serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right voice and the right vision, the world is truly your stage.