Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, has once again rewritten history, becoming the first African female artist to achieve seven entries on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Her latest song, What You Need, debuted at No. 93, pushing her total appearances on the prestigious chart to seven and placing her among Africa’s most globally successful music exports.
Tems’ Billboard journey began in 2021 with her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence,” a breakout global hit that introduced her voice to the world.
She later had a career-defining moment with “Wait for U,” featuring Future and Drake, which debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
With seven total entries, Tems now ties Burna Boy and South African rock band Seether for the highest number of Billboard Hot 100 appearances by an African act.
Beyond the numbers on the chart, Tems has built a rare global résumé. She remains the first Nigerian artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a two-time Grammy Award winner, and the first African female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, a milestone achieved through Wait For U and honoured with an official plaque.
From Lagos to the world’s biggest charts, Tems’ rise continues to feel surreal — a quiet, genre-bending journey that has now placed her permanently in global music history.
For many fans, this moment isn’t just a win for Tems — it’s a statement for African women everywhere: the ceiling has officially been shattered.
