The story of Nigerian music's rise on the world stage gained another landmark moment this week as Burna Boy set a new record on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart, further cementing the country's growing influence in global entertainment.
The Grammy-winning artiste has become the African performer with the highest number of appearances on the Billboard Hot 100, one of the music industry's most closely watched rankings. With nine entries to his name, Burna Boy now stands alone at the top of the continental record books.
The achievement comes at a time when Nigerian artistes continue to expand their reach across international markets, major festivals, award platforms and global sporting events. For Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, the latest milestone is the result of years of sustained chart success rather than a single breakthrough moment.
His newest Billboard entry is Dai Dai, the official song of the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The track, recorded alongside Colombian music star Shakira, debuted at No. 75 on this week's Billboard Hot 100 chart, providing the crucial entry that pushed him ahead of fellow Nigerian singer Tems, who had previously shared the record with him at eight appearances.
The collaboration itself had been years in the making. Before the song's release, Shakira had openly spoken about her desire to work with the Nigerian superstar, praising both his artistry and distinctive vocal style.
Reflecting on the project, she said creating the melody, lyrics and overall concept came naturally. According to her, Burna Boy's contribution completed the record, describing his vocals as "the cherry on top" and adding that his voice elevated the song to another level.
The visibility of Dai Dai received an additional boost when Burna Boy and Shakira delivered a live performance of the track during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, placing the collaboration before a worldwide audience and reinforcing the international appeal of both artistes.
The new record is not the only historic accomplishment attached to Burna Boy's latest chart appearance. The Nigerian singer has also become the first African artiste to record at least one Billboard Hot 100 entry in six consecutive years, spanning 2021 to 2026.
That remarkable run reflects a consistency few global acts achieve and highlights the staying power of Nigerian music in one of the world's most competitive entertainment markets.
Burna Boy's Billboard Hot 100 entries now include:
- Loved By You (2021)
- Last Last (2022)
- Sittin' On Top Of The World (2023)
- Talibans II (2023)
- Just Like Me (2024)
- We Pray (2024)
- WGFT (2025)
- Only You (2026)
- Dai Dai (2026)
While the record belongs to Burna Boy, the wider significance extends beyond one artiste. Each new chart milestone adds to the growing global recognition of Nigeria's creative industry, a sector that continues to project the country's talent, culture and innovation to audiences around the world.
With nine Billboard Hot 100 entries and a six-year streak now attached to his name, Burna Boy's latest achievement is another reminder that Nigerian music is no longer knocking on the door of the global mainstream, it is helping define it.
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