Afrobeats has officially gone global, and the latest Billboard data proves it. Twelve songs from some of the genre’s biggest names are making waves on the U.S. charts, a testament to the sound’s growing impact beyond the continent. These charting tracks include a mix of breakout solo hits and high-profile collaborations with international artists, reflecting how seamlessly Afrobeats has woven itself into the fabric of global pop. Whether it’s a club banger by Rema or a sultry anthem featuring Tems, the influence of African rhythms is impossible to ignore — and increasingly impossible to resist.
From Nigeria to South Africa, and from London to Los Angeles, the sound of Afrobeats is everywhere. It’s blaring through speakers at festivals, trending across TikTok, and setting the tone for summer playlists around the world. But this isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s the continuation of a cultural movement rooted in decades of African musical innovation. With its infectious energy, rich melodies, and global appeal, Afrobeats has proven that it’s not only here to stay — it’s here to lead.
12 Afrobeats Anthems Taking Over the U.S. Charts
Afrobeats has officially entered the big leagues — and the numbers don’t lie. With a dozen tracks lighting up the U.S. Billboard charts, the genre’s contagious energy and global appeal are impossible to ignore. From chart-climbing bangers to genre-blending collabs, these 12 songs are leading the charge as Afrobeats takes center stage.
1. Calm Down – Rema
Leading the pack is Rema’s global smash, Calm Down. The song made history by spending a record-breaking 58 weeks on the chart, surpassing previous records held by other Afrobeats songs.
“Calm Down” also achieved significant milestones, including peaking at an impressive number three on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the highest-charting song by an Afrobeats artist. Additionally, it topped the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for 58 weeks, becoming the longest-running number-one hit on that chart. The song’s success was further propelled by its remix featuring Selena Gomez, which contributed to its widespread popularity and extended chart longevity. In summary, “Calm Down” holds the record for the longest-charting Afrobeats song on the Billboard Hot 100, with a remarkable 58-week run.
On Spotify, Calm Down is a monumental success, having surpassed 2 billion streams, making it one of the biggest Afrobeats songs on the platform. The original version alone has accumulated 590 million streams, while the Selena Gomez remix has added an additional 1.41 billion streams. These streaming figures not only showcase the song’s wide-reaching popularity but also underline the ability of Afrobeats to break into Western markets while maintaining its authenticity.
2. Water – Tyla
Hot on Rema’s heels is South African sensation Tyla with Water.
Tyla’s breakout single “Water” marked a historic moment for South African music, debuting at No. 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at No. 7 on January 13, 2024, making her the highest-charting African female soloist in the chart’s history. The song’s rise was fueled by its viral TikTok #TylaWaterChallenge, which amassed over 446.8 million views, and its infectious blend of Amapiano, pop, R&B, and Afrobeats. Released on July 28, 2023, “Water” topped the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for 25 weeks, and hit No. 1 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Hot R&B Songs, while its music video garnered over 300 million views by September 2024.
The global impact of “Water” extended beyond charts, earning Tyla the inaugural Grammy for Best African Music Performance, a Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song, and an MTV VMA for Best Afrobeats Video in 2024. Certified quadruple platinum in South Africa and diamond in Brazil, the song’s success elevated Amapiano’s global presence and made Tyla the first African solo artist to surpass 1 billion Spotify streams by February 2025. With 29 weeks on the Hot 100 and a remix featuring Travis Scott, “Water” solidified Tyla’s status as a global star, with the artist celebrating its cultural significance as “a victory for all of Africa” on X, highlighting its role in amplifying African music worldwide
3. Essence – Wizkid ft. Tems
A modern classic, Wizkid’s “Essence,” featuring Tems is widely regarded as one of the songs that pushed Afrobeats into mainstream American consciousness. It became a global phenomenon, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2021, the first Nigerian song to reach the top 10. Released in October 2020 as part of Made in Lagos album, the original track debuted at No. 82, driven by its captivating Afrobeats groove and Tems’ soulful vocals. Its organic rise, amplified by endorsements from figures like Barack Obama, who included it in his 2020 Spotify playlist, led to massive streaming success. By June 2025, the original “Essence” (feat. Tems) surpassed 299 million streams on Spotify, reflecting its enduring popularity and cultural impact.
The remix with Justin Bieber, released in August 2021, turbocharged the song’s Billboard Hot 100 performance, jumping from No. 44 to No. 16 in a week and later hitting the top 10. The remix added 23.2 million U.S. radio impressions and 87,300 unit sales in its debut week, becoming the chart’s highest gainer. On Spotify, the remix (feat. Justin Bieber & Tems) amassed over 83.9 million streams by July 2022, contributing to the song’s global reach. While some fans felt the original’s authenticity didn’t need Bieber’s boost, his involvement undeniably broadened its U.S. audience, with the remix charting in 17 countries’ Spotify Top Songs, including the U.S. and UK.
“Essence” spent 35 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, earned a quintuple platinum certification for over 5 million U.S. units, and dominated the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and U.S. Afrobeats Songs charts. Combined, the original and remix have garnered over 382.9 million Spotify streams, with the original alone nearing 300 million. The song’s blend of Yoruba vocals and universal themes of love resonated worldwide, proving Afrobeats’ commercial viability against Western hits. Its success, with 6.18 million units sold globally, solidified Wizkid and Tems as trailblazers, opening doors for African artists on the global stage.
4. Love Nwantiti – CKay
CKay’s “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah),” released in 2019 as part of his CKay The First EP, became a global sensation, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 80 on October 2, 2021, and peaking at No. 26 in February 2022. Its viral explosion on TikTok, amassing billions of views, propelled its chart performance with millions of streams weekly. The song’s romantic lyrics and rhythmic percussion, combined with remixes featuring artists like Joeboy, Kuami Eugene, and ElGrandeToto, fueled its crossover appeal, spending 30 weeks on the Hot 100 before exiting in April 2022.
On the inaugural Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, launched March 29, 2022, “Love Nwantiti” claimed the No. 1 spot, holding the position for six weeks, the longest-running No. 1 on the chart at the time. Its success was driven by TikTok virality and international remixes, with the North African version featuring ElGrandeToto gaining traction in Europe. The song outperformed heavyweights like Wizkid’s “Essence” (No. 3) and Fireboy DML’s “Peru” (No. 2) on the Afrobeats chart, while CKay’s “Emiliana” also secured No. 10, showcasing his dominance. The track’s soulful vibe and universal appeal made it a landmark for Afrobeats, earning CKay recognition as the first African artist to top this chart.
On Spotify, “Love Nwantiti” became one of the most streamed African songs, surpassing 1 billion streams, a milestone highlighted by its global reach across platforms like TikTok, where it soundtracked over three million videos. The song has accumulated over 1.2 billion Spotify streams, with CKay’s monthly listeners peaking at 20 million, making him the first African artist to hit 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Its success was further cemented by its status as the most certified Afrobeats song globally, with covers in multiple languages and a music video that became the first Afrobeats video to exceed 300 million YouTube views. “Love Nwantiti” not only redefined CKay’s career but also elevated Afrobeats’ global presence, rivaling the chart success of “Essence” and setting a new standard for African music.
5. Last Last – Burna Boy
“Last Last,” was released as the lead single from Burna Boy’s sixth studio album Love, Damini. The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 86 marking his first solo entry as a lead artist on the chart. The song, which samples Toni Braxton’s 2000 hit “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” peaked at No. 44 and remained on the Hot 100 for 19 weeks, driven by its emotional depth and catchy Afrobeats rhythm. The song’s rise was fueled by radio play and the album’s release, with the track climbing to No. 24 on the Radio Songs chart by October 2022, reflecting 22.3 million in total radio audience.
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“Last Last” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and held the top spot for eight weeks, the longest run among the chart’s early leaders after CKay’s “Love Nwantiti.” It remained in the top 10 throughout the 2023 chart year, finishing at No. 5 on the year-end U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. The song’s success was bolstered by its resonance with U.S. audiences, ranking No. 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in October 2022 with a 9% increase in weekly plays, making it the third Afrobeats song to top this chart in a year. Burna Boy’s dominance was evident, with eight top 10 Afrobeats chart entries, including “Last Last” and collaborations like “For My Hand” with Ed Sheeran.
On Spotify, “Last Last” surpassed 100 million streams by September 2022 and reached over 497 million streams by June 2025, contributing to Love, Damini exceeding 100 million streams within weeks of its release. The song’s global appeal, blending heartbreak themes with Afrobeats and dancehall, earned it 3.5 million units sold worldwide and awards like Afrobeats Single of the Year at The Headies 2023. Its cultural impact, amplified by a viral music video with over 28 million YouTube views by July 2022, solidified Burna Boy’s role in elevating Afrobeats, making “Last Last” a cornerstone of his record-setting career as the Nigerian artist with the most Billboard Hot 100 entries (six).
6. Free Mind – Tems
Tems’ “Free Mind,” released on September 25, 2020, as part of her debut EP “For Broken Ears” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 90 on July 26, 2022, marking her first solo entry on the chart. The soulful, introspective track, which Tems co-produced with Omeiza, peaked at No. 46 in October 2022 and spent 19 weeks on the Hot 100, driven by its growing radio airplay and streaming success. Its rise was fueled by Tems’ breakout year, following her features on Wizkid’s “Essence” (No. 9 peak), Drake’s “Fountains” (No. 26), and Future’s “Wait for U” (No. 1), which boosted her solo catalog’s visibility.
“Free Mind” reached No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, making Tems the first woman to top the chart. It held the top spot for one week and spent all 53 weeks of the chart’s first year in the top 10, finishing No. 4 on the 2022 year-end Afrobeats Songs chart. The song also dominated the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart for a record-breaking 17 weeks among female lead artists, with 19.2 million audience impressions in the week ending May 11, 2023, surpassing Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up.” Its success was amplified by a late radio push in 2022, following renewed streaming interest, with the track hitting No. 22 on both R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay charts by June 2022.
On Spotify, “Free Mind” has amassed over 434 million streams by June 2025, accounting for more than half of the 853.7 million total streams for “For Broken Ears”. The song is certified 2x Platinum in the U.S. with 2 million RIAA units, “Free Mind” also earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song in 2023. Its raw emotional resonance and genre-blending sound cemented Tems’ status as a trailblazer, with the track joining “Essence” and others in elevating Afrobeats’ global influence.
7. Peru – Fireboy DML & Ed Sheeran
Fireboy DML’s “Peru” became a global Afrobeats hit, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 92 and peaking at No. 53. Featuring British singer Ed Sheeran in its remix, the song spent 13 weeks on the Hot 100, driven by its catchy melody and cross-cultural appeal. The remix, released December 24, 2021, boosted its U.S. performance, with millions of streams and downloads in the following weeks. The track’s success marked Fireboy’s first Hot 100 entry and underscored Afrobeats’ rising influence.
On the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, launched April 2, 2022, “Peru” debuted at No. 2 and spent 52 weeks on the chart, finishing No. 2 on the 2022 year-end ranking, behind CKay’s “Love Nwantiti.” It held a top 10 position for most of its chart run, peaking at No. 1 for one week in March 2022. The song also performed strongly on other Billboard charts, reaching No. 28 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and No. 30 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay by March 2022, with 10.3 million audience impressions. Its vibrant production, blending Amapiano and Afrobeats, and Sheeran’s strategic involvement amplified its appeal, making it a standout in Fireboy’s catalog.
On Spotify, “Peru” has accumulated over 1.1 billion streams, with the remix featuring Ed Sheeran accounting for a significant portion. By March 2022, it had surpassed 100 million streams, and its momentum continued, with Fireboy’s monthly listeners rising as well. The song’s global success was further evidenced by its No. 2 peak on the Billboard Global 200 and certifications, including triple platinum in the UK and platinum in the U.S. for 1 million units.
8. Shake It to the Max – Moliy
Moliy’s “Shake It to the Max (Fly),” released on December 3, 2024, with Silent Addy and featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng in its February 2025 remix, debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 91 and peaked at No. 65, marking her second chart entry. Driven by a viral TikTok dance challenge, the track’s Afrofusion and dancehall vibe fueled its 8-week Hot 100 run and surge in rhythmic radio airplay. On Spotify, the song surpassed 150 million streams by June 2025, with the remix alone exceeding 100 million, cementing its global appeal.
On the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, “Shake It to the Max” hit No. 1 on May 17, 2025, becoming the first new chart-topper of the year and Moliy’s first No. 1, outlasting competitors like Fireboy DML’s “Peru” with over 20 weeks in the top 10. Certified gold in the U.S. for 500,000 units, the track’s cultural impact was amplified by Moliy’s 2025 BET Awards performance and millions of TikTok dance videos.
9. People – Libianca
Cameroon-born Libianca struck a chord with “People”. Released on December 5, 2022, the song broke through as a powerful Afrobeats anthem, entering the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 94 and peaking at No. 63, her first solo chart entry. The song, inspired by her struggles with cyclothymia and depression, resonated deeply with its raw emotional hook, “I’ve been drinking more alcohol for the past five days, did you check on me?” Its viral TikTok presence and soulful production by Mage the Producer drove 4.5 million U.S. streams in the week during it’s peak, with a significant increase in radio airplay. Spending 12 weeks on the Hot 100, it earned platinum certification for 1 million U.S. units by August 2023, marking a milestone for any Cameroonian artist.
Libianca’s “People” made a strong impact on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, entering at No. 3 in April 2022 and climbing to No. 1 for two weeks in June 2023, securing the No. 6 spot on the 2023 year-end chart. Its heartfelt lyrics, laced with Cameroonian slang, and remixes with artists like Ayra Starr and Omah Lay, sustained its 45-week run in the top 10. The song also dominated the UK Afrobeats chart for eight weeks and peaked at No. 2 in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, a historic achievement for a Cameroonian artist. Backed by a music video capturing Libianca’s emotional depth and over 300 million Spotify streams, “People” stood alongside Afrobeats giants like Tems’ “Free Mind” and Fireboy DML’s “Peru,” amplifying the genre’s global influence and Libianca’s role as an advocate for mental health awareness.
10. Sad Girlz Luv Money – Amaarae, Kali Uchis, Moliy
This feminist anthem released on November 12, 2020, from Amaarae’s debut album “The Angel You Don’t Know”, entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 97 on November 13, 2021, and peaked at No. 80, driven by a remix featuring Kali Uchis released September 16, 2021. The Afropop track, celebrating financial independence and carefree dancing, gained traction through a viral TikTok trend, logging 5.1 million U.S. streams at it’s peak. Its 5-week Hot 100 run marked a historic moment, with Amaarae and Moliy becoming the first Ghanaian artists to chart there. On Spotify, the remix amassed over 200 million streams by June 2025, while the original hit 50 million, totaling over 250 million streams.
On the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, launched April 2, 2022, “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” debuted at No. 5 and peaked at No. 3, spending 35 weeks on the chart and ranking No. 7 on the 2022 year-end list. Its bold lyrics and Moliy’s infectious post-chorus resonated globally, with the remix charting in 12 countries. The song’s success, amplified by its music video and Kali Uchis’ bilingual verse, solidified its status alongside Afrobeats hits like Libianca’s “People” and Fireboy DML’s “Peru,” highlighting the genre’s growing global dominance.
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11. Sittin’ On Top of the World – Burna Boy
On June 1, 2023, Burna Boy launched “Sittin’ on Top of the World” as the flagship single from his seventh album, I Told Them…, blending nostalgic flair with modern Afrobeats. The track samples Brandy and Mase’s 1998 hit of the same name and later received a remix featuring 21 Savage. Its genre-bending sound—melding Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop under producer Skread’s direction—helped it debut on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 80 in September 2023. Though it remained on the chart for just three weeks, the remix pushed its radio performance to impressive heights, hitting No. 2 on Rhythmic Airplay and generating 6.8 million radio impressions.
In the U.S., the single made an immediate impact on the Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart, debuting at No. 5 and peaking at No. 4 during a 20-week run that earned it the No. 15 spot on the 2023 year-end rankings. The remix’s Grammy nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2024 further cemented its global reach. The song climbed to No. 38 on the UK Singles Chart and, along with the album, topped charts in 69 countries. By mid-2025, it had accumulated over 200 million Spotify streams, with the 21 Savage version contributing an additional 50 million. Online, fans on X (Formerly Twitter) praised its feel-good replay value, while the lyric video—set against visuals from Burna Boy’s Love, Damini tour—hit 10 million views on YouTube by August 2023.
12. Push to Start – Tyla
Tyla made another bold statement with “Push 2 Start,” which arrived on October 11, 2024, as part of the deluxe edition of her debut album Tyla +. The genre-blending track—where reggae rhythms meet Amapiano flair and silky R&B—quickly caught fire. Produced by Ari PenSmith, Rayo, and Mocha, it marked her second solo appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 88 on February 1, 2025. That milestone made her only the second African female artist, after the legendary Miriam Makeba, to score multiple solo entries on the Hot 100.
Backed by infectious choreography and clever, car-themed lyrics like “pushing on my buttons with no hesitation,” the track built momentum in the U.S. with millions of streams, digital downloads, and massive air play in the following weeks of it’s release. A remix featuring dancehall heavyweight Sean Paul, released on February 14, 2025, gave it an extra push, helping it stay on the chart for 12 weeks. On Spotify, the song had racked up over 396 million streams by June 2025 and moved 2.64 million units worldwide.
“Push 2 Start” also dominated the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, debuting at No. 4 on October 26 and snatching the top spot from Tyla’s own mega-hit “Water” by the end of December. It held No. 1 for an impressive 14 weeks and closed 2024 as the year’s top Afrobeats song—while “Water” followed close behind at No. 2. The track also made waves across other charts: No. 2 on World Digital Song Sales, No. 6 on Rhythmic Airplay, and No. 20 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Live performances at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards and the 2025 Women in Music event—where she picked up the Impact Award—further fueled the hype.
The Takeaway
Afrobeats isn’t just emerging anymore — it has officially taken its place on the global stage. With stars like Rema, Tyla, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tems making waves on U.S. charts, the genre is ushering in a new era of worldwide influence. Through high-profile collaborations, viral TikTok moments, and undeniable musical talent, these artists are redefining global pop — and this moment on the Billboard charts is only the start.
From Billboard charts to dance floors in Lagos, London, and Los Angeles, the Afrobeats sound is not just being heard — it’s being celebrated. What once thrived in West African clubs and local playlists has become a global soundtrack. As the genre continues to evolve, it’s not just joining the global pop conversation — it’s leading it.
The post Afrobeats in America: The 12 Songs Dominating the US Billboard Charts appeared first on tooXclusive.
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