By Prosper Mene
Nigerian Grammy-winning 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 single “What You Need” has now spent 30 weeks on the prestigious chart, extending its run this week at No. 33.
With the feat, Tems has surpassed the previous joint record of 29 weeks held by South African pop star Tyla’s “Water” and Nigerian Afrobeats star CKay’s “Love Nwantiti”.
“What You Need,” which peaked at No. 29 on the Hot 100, has enjoyed sustained commercial success in the US market. The track also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Adult R&B Airplay charts.
The milestone adds to Tems’ growing list of international achievements and further underscores the global reach of African music on the Billboard charts.
