Nigeria’s Billboard Hot 100 Trailblazers: Who’s Making History in the U.S. Charts
The global rise of Afrobeats is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a chart-topping reality. As of February 2026, Nigerian artists are not just appearing on the Billboard Hot 100; they are rewriting its history, turning what was once considered a “local” sound into a dominant global force.
From Grammy winners to breakout stars, here’s a look at the Nigerian acts with the most entries on the world’s most competitive singles chart:
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Burna Boy – 8 entries
Known as the “African Giant,” Burna Boy has become one of Africa’s most consistent presences on the Hot 100. In early February 2026, he surpassed a tie with South African rock band Seether to claim one of the highest totals for an African artist. Notably, he has achieved Hot 100 entries for six consecutive years (2021–2026). His latest entry, “Only You,” featuring J. Cole, solidified his elite status.
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Tems – 8 entries
Tems has matched Burna Boy’s tally, cementing her place as one of Africa’s most successful female exports. She made history as the first African female artist to top the Hot 100 with her feature on Future’s “Wait For U” in 2022. In 2026 alone, she added hits like “Raindance” and “Bounce Road Blues,” proving her global staying power.
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Wizkid – 5 entries
A pioneer of Afrobeats’ international crossover, Wizkid remains a heavyweight presence. His anthem “Essence,” featuring Tems and later remixed with Justin Bieber, reached the Top 10, peaking at No. 9. He also reached No. 1 as a featured act on Drake’s global hit “One Dance,” marking a watershed moment for African representation in the U.S. market.
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Rema – 2 entries
Rema holds the record for the longest-charting African song in Billboard history with “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez. Peaking at No. 3, the track spent 57 weeks on the chart, surpassing the previous African longevity record set by “Essence.” It remains the highest-charting song by a Nigerian lead artist.
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Davido – 1 entry
Davido earned his first Hot 100 appearance with “Sensational,” a 2024 collaboration with Chris Brown, marking yet another milestone for Afrobeats in mainstream U.S. music.
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Lojay – 1 entry
Also debuting with “Sensational,” Lojay joined the growing list of Nigerian artists making waves across the Atlantic.
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Fireboy DML – 1 entry
Fireboy DML charted with “Peru,” boosted by a remix featuring Ed Sheeran, helping cement Afrobeats’ streaming-era dominance.
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CKay – 1 entry
The viral hit “Love Nwantiti” made CKay a global sensation, with social media and playlist virality securing his Billboard Hot 100 spot.
Records and Milestones
- Longest-charting Nigerian song: Rema’s “Calm Down” (57 weeks).
- Highest-charting Nigerian artist on Billboard as a lead: Rema with “Calm Down” at No. 3.
- No. 1 Hot 100 features: Tems (“Wait For U,” 2022) and Wizkid (“One Dance,” 2016).
Just a few years ago, Nigerian names on U.S. charts were rare. Today, they are chart leaders, record breakers, and cultural trailblazers. Afrobeats has evolved from a local rhythm into a global pop phenomenon, and the artists leading the charge are leaving an indelible mark on music history.
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