Tems Surpasses Tyla, CKay to Set New Billboard Hot 100 Record

Kehinde Adeleye

Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has set a new record for the longest-charting solo song by an African act on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Her hit song, What You Need, has spent another week on the chart, bringing its total run to 30 weeks and surpassing the previous record of 29 weeks held by South African singer Tyla’s Water and Nigerian singer CKay’s Love Nwantiti.

What You Need is currently ranked number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, having peaked at number 29.

The achievement further extends Tems’ presence on one of the United States’ most prominent music charts, which ranks songs based on factors including streaming, radio airplay and sales.

Beyond its performance on the Hot 100, the song has also reached number one on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Adult R&B Airplay charts.

The milestone adds to Tems’ growing international recognition and highlights the continued presence of African music on major global music charts.