Nigerian Artists Who Have Debuted on the Billboard Hot 100

Over the past decade, Afrobeats has evolved from a continental sound into a global force. One of the clearest indicators of this rise is the growing presence of Nigerian artists on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 — the benchmark chart for singles performance in the United States.

From historic No. 1 debuts to record-breaking runs, Nigerian stars have not only entered the chart but have made significant impact. Here’s a comprehensive look at the Nigerian artists who have debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, how many times they’ve appeared, and their highest peak positions.

Wizkid

Wizkid was among the earliest Nigerian artists to make a major impact on the Billboard Hot 100. His first appearance came through a global collaboration: Drake’s 2016 smash hit One Dance, on which Wizkid was featured alongside Kyla. The song soared to No. 1 on the chart, marking a historic moment not only for Wizkid but for Afrobeats as a whole.

He later returned to the chart as a lead artist with Essence, featuring Tems. The song steadily climbed after the release of its Justin Bieber remix, ultimately peaking at No. 9. Across his career, Wizkid has earned a total of five Hot 100 entries, with his highest peak remaining the chart-topping One Dance.

Burna Boy

Burna Boy’s journey on the Hot 100 reflects persistence and global expansion. His first chart appearance came through featured collaborations before he secured a solo breakthrough with Last Last in 2022. The single became his biggest solo hit in the United States, peaking at No. 44 and cementing his place as a consistent transatlantic force.

Over time, Burna Boy has accumulated eight total entries on the Billboard Hot 100, tying for the most among Nigerian artists. His appearances include collaborations with international acts such as Justin Bieber, J. Cole, and Coldplay. Although he has yet to break into the Top 10, his repeated chart presence underscores his sustained influence in the global market.

Tems

Tems’ Billboard Hot 100 breakthrough came in spectacular fashion. She first appeared on the chart through Wizkid’s Essence, which peaked at No. 9 and became one of the most important crossover Afrobeats records in U.S. chart history.

However, her most historic moment arrived in 2022 when she featured on Future’s Wait For U alongside Drake. The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Tems one of the first African artists to debut atop the chart. She later scored a solo entry with Free Mind, which peaked at No. 46 after gradually gaining traction. In total, Tems has earned eight Hot 100 entries, tying Burna Boy for the most by a Nigerian artist, with her highest peak standing at No. 1.

Rema

Rema’s Billboard story is defined by one monumental hit. He debuted on the Hot 100 with Calm Down, a song that gained global momentum before reaching even greater heights with a remix featuring Selena Gomez. The track ultimately peaked at No. 3, becoming one of the highest-charting songs ever by a Nigerian lead artist and one of the longest-running Afrobeats records in Hot 100 history.

To date, Rema has recorded two entries on the chart, with Calm Down remaining his highest peak and most defining U.S. breakthrough.

CKay

CKay’s arrival on the Billboard Hot 100 was powered by the viral success of Love Nwantiti. The song, originally released in 2019, experienced a massive resurgence on TikTok and streaming platforms, eventually earning him his first Hot 100 entry. It peaked at No. 26, marking a significant achievement for a largely independent Afrobeats record at the time.

So far, CKay has one Billboard Hot 100 entry, with Love Nwantiti standing as both his debut and highest-charting record.

Fireboy DML

Fireboy DML made his Hot 100 debut with the remix of Peru, featuring Ed Sheeran. The collaboration expanded the song’s international reach and helped it enter the U.S. chart, where it peaked at No. 54. While brief, the appearance signaled Fireboy’s growing global footprint.

He currently has one Hot 100 entry, with Peru marking both his debut and highest peak.

Davido

Davido entered the Billboard Hot 100 with Sensational, a collaboration featuring Chris Brown and Lojay. The song peaked at No. 94, giving him his first appearance on the U.S. singles chart. Though he has long been a major force in Afrobeats globally, this marked his formal breakthrough onto the Hot 100.

To date, Davido has one entry, with Sensational representing his highest peak.

Lojay

Lojay also earned his first Billboard Hot 100 credit through Sensational. As a featured act on the track alongside Davido and Chris Brown, he secured a No. 94 peak, marking his debut on the chart. While still early in his international journey, the entry positioned him among the growing list of Nigerian artists making measurable impact in the U.S. market.

The Bigger Picture

The increasing number of Nigerian artists on the Billboard Hot 100 signals more than just commercial success, it represents a cultural shift. Afrobeats is no longer a niche export; it is now embedded in mainstream global pop.

With artists like Burna Boy and Tems leading in total entries, Wizkid paving early pathways, and Rema achieving one of the highest peaks by a Nigerian lead act, the trajectory remains upward.

As streaming continues to erase geographical boundaries, it’s clear that Nigerian artists are not just debuting on the Billboard Hot 100, they are reshaping it.