Billboard entries, arguably, have become one of the clearest markers of how far African music has travelled from a localised niche sound to global mainstream.
Songs and albums are tabulated based on relative weekly popularity in the United States and globally. That is, a particular song’s performance is measured by combining streaming numbers, sales, and radio airplay across all major music platforms, which is why earning an entry on the chart is considered a major industry milestone. 
So when an artist appears on a Billboard chart, it goes beyond popularity but also showcases their song’s reach.
Here is a list of African music artists who have made it to Billboard charts.
1. Burna Boy – 7
Burna Boy is Africa’s most consistent face on the Billboard Hot 100. From solo hits to heavyweight features, here are his seven entries:
‘WGFT’ (with Gunna) (2025): #16
‘We Pray’ (with Coldplay, et al.) (2024): #87
‘Just Like Me’ (with 21 Savage & Metro Boomin) (2024): #67
‘Talibans II’ (with Byron Messia) (2023): #99
‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World’ (feat. 21 Savage) (2023): #80
‘Last Last’ (2022): #44
‘Loved By You’ (feat. Justin Bieber) (2021): #87
2. Tems – 6
Tems’ Billboard journey is built on powerful collaborations and undeniable presence. Her entries includes a no 1 hit with Future and Drake and stayed number 1 for 41 weeks.
- ‘Wait For U’ Future Featuring Drake & Tems #1
- ‘Essence’ Wizkid Featuring Justin Bieber & Tems 2022 #9
- ‘Fountains’ Drake Featuring Tems #26
- ‘Free Mind’ 2022 #46
- ‘Move’ Beyonce Featuring Grace Jones & Tems 2022 #55
- ‘Raindance’ Dave & Tems 2026
ALSO READ: 4 African Artists With 1 Billion Spotify Streams
3. Wizkid – 5
Wizkid has quietly built one of the strongest Billboard legacies among African artists. With several Hot 100 entries led by the global success of ‘Essence’, he’s been instrumental in pushing Afrobeats into the U.S. mainstream.
With five entries, here songs of his that made the chart:
- ‘One Dance’ (with Drake &Kyla) (2016): #1
- ‘Essence’ (Justin Bieber Tems) (2021): #9
- ‘Forever Be Mine’ (with Gunna) (2025): #68
- ‘Call Me Everyday’ (with Chris Brown) (2022): #76
- ‘Brown Skin Girl’ (with Beyonce, Blue Ivy, Saint JHN) (2019): #76
4. Hugh Masekela – 4
Long before Afrobeats became a global wave, Hugh Masekela was already there. His 1968 classic ‘Grazing in the Grass’ topped the Billboard Hot 100, making him one of Africa’s earliest and biggest chart successes in the U.S.
His songs which made it to the Billboard Hot 100 are:
- ‘Grazing in the Grass’ (1968) #1
- ‘Up, Up and Away’ (1967):
- ‘Don’t Go Lose It Baby’ (1984): #2
- ‘Bring Him Back Home’ (1987):
5. Tyla — 3
Tyla’s Billboard rise was fast and loud. Water turned into a global smash, earning her multiple Hot 100 entries and making the award-winning artist one of the most successful African female solo acts on the chart in recent times.
Her chart topping songs include:
- ‘Water’ (2023): #7
- ‘Channel’ (2025): #43
- ‘Push 2 Start’ (2025): #88
6. Miriam Makeba — 2
Miriam Makeba was a true pioneer. Her hit ‘Pata Pata’ charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in the 1960s, cementing her legacy as one of the first African women to break into the U.S. mainstream.
- ‘Pata Pata’ (1967): #12
- ‘An Evening With Belafonte’ (1965)
7. Moliy — 2
Moliy’s feature on ‘Shake It To The Max (Fly)’ helped her secure a Hot 100 entry, which contributed to the Ghanaian singer marking a major career milestone. Her song ‘Sad Girls Luv Money’ has also made the Hot 100, making her appear on the Billboard charts twice.
‘Sad Girlz Luv Money (remix)’ ( Amaarae & Kali Uchis) (2021): #80
‘Shake It to the Max (FLY)’ (Silent Addy et. al) (2025) #1
African Artists with Only One Entry on Billboard Top 100
Manu Dibango — 1
Manu Dibango’s influence crossed borders long before streaming platforms were introduced. His classic single, ‘Soul Makossa’, charted on Billboard and is referred to as one of the most sampled African songs ever.
CKay — 1
CKay’s Billboard moment was a viral sensation. ‘Love Nwantiti’ crossed over to the Hot 100 and stayed there for weeks, turning him into one of the most recognisable Afrobeats singers worldwide.
Amaarae — 1
With a charting entry tied to her global hit Sad Girls Luv Money, the alternative-pop singer has contributed to carving out a unique lane for African pop on U.S. charts.
Rema — 1
Rema’s Billboard run is driven by youthful dominance and massive records. ‘Calm Down’ became one of the biggest African songs ever on the Hot 100, earning him multiple entries and long chart stays.
Davido — 1
Davido’s Billboard entry was the globally loved ‘Sensational’ featuring Chris Brown. A song that stayed for 8 weeks on the chart. The two-time Grammy-nominated artist keeps reinforcing his global star power by constantly releasing great songs.
Lojay — 1
Lojay’s contribution to Sensational also put him in league with African artists to have been on Billboard entries. He has released many more hit songs, like Monalisa.
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