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Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, has achieved a historic milestone on the United States music charts. Her hit single, "What You Need," has officially become the longest-charting solo song by an African artist in the history of the US Billboard Hot 100. This record-breaking feat was confirmed as the track entered its 30th week on the prestigious chart, a testament to the song's enduring popularity and Tems' growing influence in the international music industry.
The achievement marks a significant shift in the leaderboard for African soloists. Tems has now surpassed the previous record of 29 weeks, which was jointly held by South African star Tyla with her Grammy-winning song "Water" and Nigerian Afrobeats artist CKay with his global hit "Love Nwantiti." By outlasting these successful tracks, Tems has set a new standard for longevity, proving that African music can maintain a consistent presence in the highly competitive American market.
Currently sitting at number 33 on the Hot 100, "What You Need" has demonstrated remarkable stability since its debut, previously reaching a peak position of number 29. The song’s success is not limited to the main singles chart; it has also dominated niche categories, securing the top spot on both the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Adult R&B Airplay charts. These rankings reflect a broad level of support from both radio programmers and streaming audiences across the United States.
This record is the latest in a series of accomplishments for Tems, who has become one of the most recognizable faces of the contemporary African music movement. Her ability to blend R&B, soul, and Afrobeats has garnered her a massive international following and numerous accolades. As "What You Need" continues its run, Tems’ success serves as a powerful indicator of the increasing global appetite for African sounds and the sustained commercial potential of the continent's solo performers.