Burna Boy Makes History as First African Artist with 7 Billboard Hot 100 Entries

When Burna Boy declared himself the “African Giant” in 2019, many thought it was an audacious self-branding statement. Fast forward a few years, and the Grammy-winning Nigerian singer has cemented that title on a global scale. From selling out the world’s biggest arenas to consistently pushing Afrobeats onto mainstream platforms, Burna Boy continues to blaze a trail that no African artist has ever walked before. His latest milestone proves this yet again; he is now the first African artist to record seven entries on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

 

Burna Boy’s Historic Achievement

The record-breaking moment came after his collaborative single with American rapper Gunna, “WGFT,” off Gunna’s new album The Last Wun, debuted at number 96 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100. This latest entry pushed Burna Boy’s career tally to seven, making him the African artist with the most entries in the history of the prestigious chart.

Beyond the raw numbers, this feat also marks a level of consistency that few international acts can boast of. Burna Boy has now achieved Billboard Hot 100 entries for five consecutive years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. This streak underscores his ability to remain relevant, evolve his sound, and continuously deliver music that resonates across continents.

 

From Port Harcourt to the World

Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Burna Boy’s journey to global stardom has been anything but ordinary. He broke out in Nigeria in 2012 with his hit single “Like to Party,” but his actual crossover moment came years later with the release of African Giant (2019). That album earned him his first Grammy nomination and put him on the radar of international audiences.

The turning point, however, was his 2022 global smash hit “Last Last,” a heartbreak anthem infused with Afrobeats rhythms and a Toni Braxton sample that peaked at number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song became a global cultural moment, earning radio play across Europe, America, and beyond, while introducing millions of new listeners to his artistry.

Breaking Records Across Charts

Burna Boy’s Billboard Hot 100 triumph is only one chapter in his record-breaking career. The “Ye” crooner also holds the record for the most entries by an African artist on both the UK Singles Chart (26 entries) and the Canadian Hot 100 (11 entries). These achievements confirm his status as Africa’s most commercially successful music export to date.

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Notably, his first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 came in 2021 when he featured on Justin Bieber’s “Loved By You.” That collaboration gave him his debut on the chart and set the stage for his eventual solo domination. Since then, he has continued to stack hits and collaborations with the world’s biggest stars, from Ed Sheeran to 21 Savage.

 

The Globalisation of Afrobeats

Burna Boy’s latest achievement is not just about personal glory; it also reflects the unstoppable rise of Afrobeats on the global stage. Over the past decade, Nigerian music has travelled far beyond the continent, with artists like Wizkid, Davido, Tems, and Rema also achieving significant international success.

However, Burna Boy stands out as the artist who has consistently bridged the gap between African music and Western mainstream platforms. His unique blend of Afro-fusion, mixing Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop, has made him relatable to global audiences while retaining his African authenticity.

Industry analysts believe Burna Boy’s continued presence on the Billboard Hot 100 cements Afrobeats’ status as more than just a passing trend. It signals the genre’s permanent integration into global pop culture.

 

Fans Celebrate, Critics Acknowledge

Following the announcement of his latest record, fans flooded social media with celebratory posts, calling Burna Boy the “true African Giant”. Even critics who had previously downplayed his global influence acknowledged the magnitude of the feat.

 

What’s Next for Burna Boy?

As Burna Boy continues to write new chapters in his career, attention now turns to what records he might break next. With multiple Grammy nominations and one win already under his belt, he remains a strong contender for future awards. His ability to headline major festivals, sell out arenas, and collaborate with global superstars suggests his Billboard journey is far from over.

For Burna Boy, the mission has always been bigger than himself. In interviews, he often emphasises that his success should inspire young African artists to dream beyond borders. By becoming the first African with seven Billboard Hot 100 entries, he has once again raised the bar for what is possible.

Burna Boy, true to the title of his latest album, shows no signs of weakness.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many Billboard Hot 100 entries does Burna Boy have?

Burna Boy currently has seven entries, making him the African artist with the most appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

2. What was Burna Boy’s first Billboard Hot 100 entry?

His first appearance came in 2021 with Justin Bieber’s “Loved By You.”

3. Which Burna Boy song has charted the highest on Billboard Hot 100?

His solo hit “Last Last” peaked at number 44 in 2022, making it his highest-charting song to date.

4. How many consecutive years has Burna Boy appeared on the Billboard Hot 100?

Burna Boy has appeared on the chart for five straight years (2021–2025).

5. What other records does Burna Boy hold internationally?

He has the most entries by an African artist on the UK Singles Chart (26) and the Canadian Hot 100 (11).

6. Why is Burna Boy’s Billboard achievement significant?

It underscores his consistency, global influence, and the growing acceptance of Afrobeats as a dominant force in world music.

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