Nigerian superstar Temilade Openiyi professionally known as Tems has set a new Billboard Hot 100 record for the longest-charting solo African song.
Her hit single “What You Need” has now logged 30 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100, surpassing the previous record of 29 weeks held by Tyla’s “Water” and CKay’s “Love Nwantiti”.
The hit jam is currently #33 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100. With the song now 30 weeks and counting, it is now the longest for a solo African act in Hot 100 history
The song also reached #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Adult R&B Airplay charts
The milestone adds to Tems’ growing global run. She first entered the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo artist in July 2022 with “Free Mind,” which later peaked at #46 and set a record as the longest-running #1 by a female artist on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart (17 weeks).
While Tyla’s “Water” still holds the higher Hot 100 peak at #7, Tems’ new record highlights sustained streaming and radio support over months rather than just a high debut.
