Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, has made music history by becoming the first African female artist to record seven entries on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart. The milestone was reached with the latest entry of her song What You Need, which debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 93, bringing her total charted songs to seven. This landmark achievement has not only solidified her global influence but also reinforced her status as one of Africa’s most successful musical exports.
Tems’ breakthrough on the Billboard Hot 100 began with her contribution to Wizkid’s global hit Essence, which initially peaked at number nine following a remix version featuring Justin Bieber. From that early success, she steadily built her presence on the prestigious chart through a combination of high profile collaborations and acclaimed solo work. Her unique sound blends Afrobeats, R&B, and alté influences, making her one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music.
Tems’ latest entry, What You Need, comes from her surprise extended play Love Is a Kingdom, released on November 21, 2025, without prior promotional buildup. The EP’s success underscores her strength as both a songwriter and producer, as she wrote and co produced the project herself. The song’s debut on the Billboard Hot 100 marks her seventh entry, tying her with fellow Nigerian superstar Burna Boy and South African rock band Seether for the most Hot 100 appearances by any African artist in history.
Early success and growth on the Billboard charts
Tems’ journey to this historic achievement has been remarkable. Her contributions to Billboard Hot 100 entries include collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, such as Future and Drake on the chart topping single Wait for U, which debuted at number one in 2022. That landmark moment made her the first African artist ever to debut atop the Hot 100, a feat that significantly broadened her global profile.
Other tracks credited to Tems on the Billboard Hot 100 include the remix of Essence featuring Wizkid and Justin Bieber, Fountains featuring Drake, Free Mind, Move featuring Beyoncé and Grace Jones, and Raindance with British rapper Dave. Each of these appearances reflects her versatility and crossover appeal in genres ranging from Afrobeats to R&B and hip hop.
Her solo song Free Mind also holds particular significance, as it became one of the era’s most successful solo entries for an African female artist. The consistency of Tems’ chart presence demonstrates her ability to engage audiences across different markets and musical styles, contributing to her long term relevance in the global music scene.
Tems’ rapid rise comes after years of dedication to her craft. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she began her career releasing independent singles before gaining international recognition with Wizkid’s “Essence” in 2020. Since then, she has signed with RCA Records and continued to release projects that have resonated globally, including her debut studio album Born in the Wild in 2024, which charted internationally and received critical acclaim.
In addition to her Billboard achievements, Tems has won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait for U” and Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe.” Her accolades underline the artistic depth and cultural impact she has brought to the global stage, particularly as Afrobeats continues to shape mainstream music trends.
What this record means for African music
Tems’ accomplishment carries broader significance for African artists as a whole. Her seven entries on the Billboard Hot 100 mark a historic moment for continental representation in the highly competitive U.S. music market. It signals the increasing demand for African sounds worldwide and highlights the growing influence of Afrobeats and related genres on global pop culture.
This milestone also exemplifies the ongoing success of Nigerian music exports alongside other global markets. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and others have helped pave the way, but Tems’ achievement stands out as a breakthrough for African women in music, showing that female artists from the continent can reach and sustain high levels of commercial success internationally.
Looking ahead, Tems is expected to break the tie for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries by an African artist outright with the anticipated debut of J. Cole’s Bunce Road Blues, featuring her and Future, on upcoming Billboard charts. If that track enters the chart, she will hold the record outright, further solidifying her place in music history.
In a music industry that is more interconnected and global than ever, Tems’ Billboard Hot 100 record is not just a personal achievement. It represents the expanding reach of African artists, the strength of cross genre collaboration, and the undeniable impact of global audiences tuning into African talent.