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

In a landmark achievement for African music on the global stage, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Tems (Temilade Openiyi) has become the first African female musician to accumulate seven entries on the prestigious U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. This milestone underscores the accelerating international dominance of Afrobeats and the rising power of African women in the worldwide music industry.

Introduction: A New Benchmark for African Music

The Billboard Hot 100 is America’s definitive measure of a song’s mainstream popularity, combining streaming, radio airplay, and sales data. For an artist from Africa, particularly a woman, to secure multiple entries on this chart is a significant feat that historically required major label support and extensive U.S. radio play. Tems’ journey to seven entries represents a paradigm shift, achieved largely through organic streaming growth, strategic collaborations with top-tier U.S. artists, and the undeniable global appeal of her signature soulful voice and songwriting. This accomplishment is not just a personal victory but a collective breakthrough for the entire African music ecosystem.

Key Points at a Glance

• Historic First: Tems is the first African female artist ever to reach seven career entries on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Tie-Breaker: She now matches the record for the most Hot 100 entries by any African artist, tying with compatriot Burna Boy and South African rock band Seether (each with 7).
• Current Milestone: Her solo song “What You Need” debuted at No. 93 on the Hot 100 dated [Insert Date of Chart, e.g., February 18, 2023], becoming her seventh entry.
• Past Record: In 2022, Tems made history as the first African artist to debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100 with “Wait For U” (Future & Drake feat. Tems).
• Imminent Record: Her feature on J. Cole’s “Bunce Road Blues” (with Future) is scheduled to debut on the chart, which will give her the sole record at eight entries.

Background: The Rise of Afrobeats and Tems’ Trajectory

The Afrobeats Global Wave

Over the past decade, Afrobeats—the modern, fusion-driven sound emanating primarily from Nigeria—has evolved from a regional genre to a global cultural force. Pioneers like D’banj, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy built the initial bridges to Western audiences. This wave created the infrastructure and listener appetite that artists like Tems could leverage. The genre’s rhythmic complexity, infectious melodies, and relatable themes of love, ambition, and resilience proved universally appealing, facilitated by streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music that democratize music discovery.

Tems: From Songwriter to Global Star

Temilade Openiyi began her career as a songwriter and producer, crafting hits for artists within Nigeria. Her breakthrough as a performing artist came with her 2020 EP, For Broken Ears, which featured the viral hit “Damages.” Her distinct, contralto voice—often described as smoky, emotive, and timeless—set her apart. Her career pivot from songwriter to headline act was cemented by her feature on Wizkid’s 2021 global smash “Essence,” which became a top-10 Billboard Hot 100 hit after a Justin Bieber remix, introducing her to a massive mainstream audience.

Analysis: Deconstructing the Seven Entries

Tems’ seven Hot 100 entries are a masterclass in strategic collaboration and organic resonance. Analyzing these entries reveals key patterns in her success.

The “Wait For U” Watershed Moment

The entry that redefined the landscape was her feature on “Wait For U” from Future’s 2022 album I Never Liked You. The song’s immediate chart ascension to No. 1 was historic. It demonstrated that an African artist could not only enter the Hot 100 but command its summit, driven by a combination of Future and Drake’s fanbases and the song’s melodic, Tems-centric hook. This was a pivotal moment for representation, shattering a glass ceiling for all African artists.

Collaborations as a Gateway

The majority of Tems’ Hot 100 entries are as a featured artist on tracks by established American acts. This strategy is pragmatic and powerful:

• “Essence” (Wizkid feat. Tems & Justin Bieber): Her first top-10 entry, showcasing her ability to elevate a song.
• “Fountains” (Drake feat. Tems): From Drake’s Certified Lover Boy, leveraging his consistent chart dominance.
• “Wait For U” (Future & Drake feat. Tems): The chart-topping collaboration.
• “Move” (Beyoncé feat. Tems): A feature on the global superstar’s Renaissance album, a major credibility marker.
• “Lift Me Up” (Rihanna feat. Tems): Co-written by Tems for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, highlighting her songwriting prowess on a global franchise.
• “What You Need”: Her first solo entry, proving her star power is independent of features.
• “Bunce Road Blues” (J. Cole feat. Future & Tems): The upcoming eighth entry, solidifying her status as a go-to feature for elite rappers.

The Significance of a Solo Hit

While features provide a powerful launchpad, “What You Need” debuting on the Hot 100 as a solo track is arguably her most important entry. It signifies that her artistry can generate sufficient streaming and sales demand on its own, moving her from a celebrated “featured artist” to a bona fide solo star in the eyes of the U.S. market. This builds a sustainable, long-term career foundation less dependent on being invited onto other artists’ tracks.

Practical Advice: Lessons for African Artists & Industry

Tems’ path offers a blueprint for other African artists aiming for global chart success.

1. Master the Art of the Feature

Collaborating with established international artists remains the fastest route to the Hot 100. The strategy is not just about the feature itself, but about selecting projects where your unique sound complements the primary artist and the song’s narrative. Tems’ features are not token additions; she is often the melodic centerpiece.

2. Cultivate a Distinct, Exportable Sound

Tems’ music blends Afrobeats rhythms with R&B, soul, and alternative influences. This “Afro-soul” or “Alté” sound is authentic to her Nigerian roots but possesses a universal emotional resonance. Artists should focus on developing a signature sonic identity that can stand out in a crowded global playlist, rather than chasing fleeting trends.

3. Leverage Songwriting and Publishing

Tems is a co-writer on nearly all her work, including hits for others (“Lift Me Up”). Building a reputation as a formidable songwriter creates multiple revenue streams (publishing) and makes you an invaluable partner to other artists, increasing your chances of being featured.

4. Understand Chart Mechanics

Success on the Hot 100 requires a multi-platform strategy. Teams must coordinate release timing to maximize first-week streaming (Spotify, Apple Music), secure adds from key U.S. radio formats (especially Rhythmic and Urban), and drive digital sales. A strong social media campaign and playlist pitching are essential to ignite this initial momentum.

5. Build a Narrative of Excellence

Tems’ career is marked by quality over quantity. Each project, from her EP to her features, has been critically acclaimed. A track record of artistic integrity builds credibility with Western media, award committees (Grammys), and discerning listeners, making industry partners more confident in investing in your music.

FAQ: Common Questions About Tems’ Billboard Achievement

Q: How many Billboard Hot 100 entries does Tems have?

A: As of the debut of “What You Need,” Tems has seven career entries on the Billboard Hot 100. With “Bunce Road Blues” expected to enter the chart, this will become eight.

Q: Who did Tems tie with for most Hot 100 entries by an African artist?

A: She tied with Nigerian singer Burna Boy and South African rock band Seether, each having previously achieved seven Hot 100 entries.

Q: Was Tems the first African artist to have a No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100?

A: Yes. With “Wait For U” in May 2022, Tems became the first African artist in history to debut at the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100.

Q: What is the difference between the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200?

A: The Billboard Hot 100 ranks songs based on U.S.-only activity (streaming, radio, sales). The Billboard Global 200 ranks songs based on streaming and sales data from over 200 territories worldwide. Tems has also had significant success on the Global 200, with songs like “Essence” reaching the top 10.

Q: Does this mean Afrobeats is now the dominant genre in the U.S.?

A: No. While achieving historic milestones, Afrobeats remains one genre among many in the diverse U.S. market. This achievement signifies the genre’s successful integration and growing commercial viability within the mainstream, not its dominance.

Conclusion: A Historic Milestone and What Comes Next

Tems’ achievement of seven Billboard Hot 100 entries is a watershed moment. It dismantles the long-standing barrier for African female artists in the Western mainstream and validates the years of work put in by the entire Afrobeats industry. Her success is built on a potent combination of an unmistakable vocal talent, savvy collaboration choices, and the global streaming revolution that has leveled the playing field.

This is not an endpoint. With her imminent eighth entry, a growing solo discography, and a Grammy win, Tems is transitioning from a groundbreaking feature artist to a global headliner in her own right. Her journey provides a clear, replicable roadmap for the next generation of African artists. The message is definitive: music from Africa is not a niche curiosity; it is a permanent, powerful force shaping the sound of the world’s biggest music market. The stage is now set for more African artists, especially women, to follow and surpass this historic benchmark.