Why Tems Is Leading as the Best African Artist of 2026 So Far

Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has continued to dominate the global music scene in 2026, making a strong case as the best African artist of the year so far.

Although 2026 has been relatively quiet for some African artists, Tems has remained at the top, breaking records, performing on big stages, and gaining more international recognition.

From major shows to award nominations and chart success, she has built one of the most impressive runs of the year.

Strong Global Performances

Tems has continued to perform on some of the biggest stages across the world, expanding her global reach.

In 2026, she:

• Performed songs from Born in the Wild and her surprise EP Love Is a Kingdom at major international events
• Maintained headline performances across Africa, Europe, and North America
• Performed at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center alongside legends like Stevie Wonder and John Legend

She is also expected to:

• Perform at the 2026 BET Awards on June 28
• Continue her global tours and festival appearances
• Begin new performances ahead of her expected second studio album

Award Recognition

Tems has also remained one of the most recognised African artists in global awards this year.

So far in 2026, she:

• Earned three nominations at the 2026 BET Awards
• Got a BET Her nomination for “First”
• Received a Viewer’s Choice nomination for “Raindance” featuring British rapper Dave

She is still expected to compete for more awards as the year continues, with more nominations likely before year-end.

Chart Success and Records

Tems has also had a major impact on global music charts in 2026.

Her achievements include:

• Becoming the first African female artist with seven Billboard Hot 100 entries
• Extending her Billboard Hot 100 record with “What You Need”
• Scoring her first UK No. 1 single with “Raindance” featuring Dave
• “Raindance” entering the Billboard Hot 100 and passing 500 million Spotify streams
• Continued strong streaming performance across global platforms

She is also expected to release her second studio album later in 2026, which could bring even more chart success.

More Than Just Numbers

Beyond awards and charts, Tems has grown into one of Africa’s biggest cultural voices. She continues to represent Nigerian music on major global platforms while maintaining her unique sound and identity.

Her ability to mix strong songwriting, international success, and artistic quality has made her one of the most important voices in modern African music.

Halfway through 2026, Tems continues to stand out with top performances, award recognition, and global chart dominance. With more music and major moments still ahead, she remains one of the strongest contenders for the best African artist of 2026 so far.