Damini Ogulu MFR, popularly known as Burna Boy, has solidified his status as one of Africa’s most accomplished musicians with an impressive six entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His highest-ranked song, “Last Last,” peaked at No. 44 and maintained a presence on the chart for 19 weeks.
This achievement highlights his growing influence in the global music scene, especially for an artist who began his international breakthrough with the hit single “YE.” Since then, Burna Boy’s unique sound, which blends Afrobeat with other genres, has earned him numerous awards and sold-out performances at significant venues worldwide, underscoring his impact as a global Afrobeats ambassador.
Burna Boy’s recent success marks yet another milestone as he becomes the Nigerian artist with the most Billboard Hot 100 entries. His latest appearance on the chart is thanks to his collaboration with Coldplay and Little Simz on the track “We Pray,” which debuted at No. 87 in the week of October 19, 2024.
This entry adds to his growing list of achievements, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the international music industry. His ability to maintain a consistent presence on one of the world’s most prestigious music charts speaks to his versatility and the broad appeal of his music, which resonates with audiences across different cultures.
Tems follows closely behind Burna Boy, with five Billboard Hot 100 entries. She made history as the first Nigerian artist to debut at No. 1 on the chart, thanks to her contribution to Future’s “Wait For U.” Her rise to fame has been swift and impactful, as she continues to break barriers and achieve milestones that elevate the status of Afrobeats on the global stage.
Tems’ success not only highlights her talent but also represents a broader trend of Nigerian artists gaining recognition and making significant inroads into the American music market.
Wizkid, another heavyweight in the Nigerian music scene, ranks third among Nigerian artists on the Billboard Hot 100, with four entries. He made history with Drake’s “One Dance,” which reached the No. 1 spot and became the first Afrobeats song to top the chart.
This achievement was a landmark moment for Afrobeats, as it signaled the genre’s growing acceptance and popularity in mainstream music. Wizkid’s contributions have helped pave the way for other Nigerian artists, showing that the global audience is eager for the infectious rhythms and unique sounds that define Afrobeats.
Other Nigerian artists, including Rema, CKay, Fireboy, Davido, and Lojay, have also made their mark with one entry each on the Billboard Hot 100. Rema’s “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez achieved the highest position for an Afrobeats song, reaching No. 3. CKay’s viral hit “Love Nwantiti” peaked at No. 26, while Fireboy’s remix of “Peru” with Ed Sheeran reached No. 54.
Davido and Lojay joined the chart with their feature on Chris Brown’s “Sensational,” which peaked at No. 94. These achievements reflect the increasing global reach of Afrobeats, with Nigerian artists consistently pushing the genre to new heights and broadening its appeal to international audiences.
