Tems has cemented her status as a global icon, becoming the first African female artist to secure seven entries on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The milestone was achieved this week when her track “What You Need” made a surprise debut at No. 93, according to reports. This latest entry pushes her career total to seven, placing her in a three-way tie with fellow Nigerian superstar Burna Boy and the South African rock group Seether for the most appearances by any African artist in the chart’s history.
Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, is no stranger to the upper echelons of the US charts. In 2022, she became the first African artist to debut at No. 1 with “Wait For U,” her high-profile collaboration with Future and Drake.
Her chart history now includes “Wait For U” (with Future & Drake), “Essence” (with Wizkid), “Free Mind,” “Fountains” (with Drake), “Lift Me Up,” “Love Me Jeje” and “What You Need,”
The singer’s reign at the top of the leaderboard may soon be undisputed. Following the release of J. Cole’s final studio album, The Fall Off, last Friday, Tems is featured on the standout track “Bunce Road Blues” alongside Future.
Industry analysts expect the song to debut on the Hot 100 next week, which would give Tems her eighth entry and move her into sole possession of the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 hits by an African artist.
This achievement follows a stellar start to 2026 for Tems, whose debut album Born in the Wild continues to perform strongly on R&B charts globally.
