Grammy Award-winning Afrobeats star Tems has emerged as the most streamed African artist in the first quarter of 2026, according to a newly released industry report.
Tems Tops Streaming Chart
The Nigerian singer amassed over one billion streams across platforms, cementing her dominance in the global music scene and highlighting the continued rise of Afrobeats.
West African Artists Dominate Rankings
Tems leads a chart heavily dominated by West African artists, followed closely by South Africa’s Tyla, who recorded 755.6 million streams.
Nigerian superstar Wizkid comes in third with 696.1 million streams, while Asake secured fourth place with 643.1 million streams.
Afrobeats heavyweight Burna Boy rounds out the top five with 641.7 million streams.
Other Top 10 Artists
The rest of the top 10 features a mix of established and fast-rising stars across Africa, including:
- Ayra Starr
- Rema
- Amr Diab
- Seyi Vibez
- Omah Lay
Afrobeats’ Global Influence
The rankings reflect the growing global influence of Afrobeats and African music, with streaming numbers continuing to rise across international markets.
Industry Growth Continues
Music analysts say the strong performance by African artists signals sustained growth in digital consumption, international collaborations, and global fan engagement.
As streaming platforms expand their reach, African artists are increasingly commanding global attention and shaping mainstream music trends.
