According to Vanguard News, Nigerian superstars Tems and Burna Boy have etched their names deeper into music history by becoming the African artists with the most entries on the Billboard US Hot 100. This milestone was reached after both artists debuted tracks from J. Cole’s highly anticipated album, The Fall-Off. Tems entered the chart at No. 34 with the Future-assisted “Bounce Road Blues,” while Burna Boy secured the No. 78 spot with “Only You.”
The achievement brings both artists to a total of eight career entries each on the prestigious chart. This move officially nudges them past the previous record held by the South African rock band Seether. Tems, in particular, is having a stellar start to the year, marking this as her third Billboard entry of 2026 alone.
For Burna Boy, the feat is a testament to his incredible consistency. He has now appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive years, starting from 2021. This sustained presence in the U.S. mainstream market is a first for any African artist, signaling that Afrobeats is no longer just a “trend” but a staple in global music consumption.
The ripple effect of these chart positions extends beyond the artists themselves. It validates the commercial viability of African collaborations for A-list American rappers like J. Cole. As the genre continues to expand, these records serve as a benchmark for the next generation of Nigerian talent eyeing global dominance.
* Premium Times (Online): “Tems and Burna Boy are proving that Afrobeats has moved from a sub-genre to a global powerhouse on the Billboard charts.”
* The Punch (Official Site): “The dual entry of Tems and Burna Boy on the Hot 100 underscores the unwavering demand for the Nigerian sound in the United States.”
Echotitbits take:
This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about territory. By surpassing a long-standing record held by a rock band, Tems and Burna Boy are shifting the definition of “Global Music.” Watch for Tems’ upcoming solo projects to potentially break into the top 10, as her “feature run” has built the perfect launchpad for a massive solo commercial era.
Source: Vanguard News — https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/tems-burna-boy-set-new-billboard-hot-100-record-for-african-artistes/ February 18, 2026
Photo Credit: Vanguard News
