Ranking Afrobeats Albums with the Highest Billboard 200 Positions
Introduction: From Local Airwaves to Global Charts
The Billboard 200 is one of the most prestigious music charts in the world, ranking the 200 most popular albums in the United States each week. Compiled by Billboard magazine and powered by Luminate (formerly Nielsen Music), the chart measures album popularity through a combination of physical and digital sales, on-demand streaming, and track-equivalent albums (TEA). For artists, appearing on the Billboard 200 is a major milestone—it reflects both commercial success and widespread listenership, particularly in the highly competitive U.S. market.
Afrobeats has evolved from a regional sound into a global force, captivating audiences worldwide with its infectious rhythms, genre-blending creativity, and vibrant storytelling. This meteoric rise is reflected in the growing number of Afrobeats albums making their mark on the Billboard 200—a feat once considered elusive for African artists. From Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning momentum to Wizkid’s crossover success, and Asake’s record-breaking debuts, these albums not only represent personal triumphs but also signal the genre’s firm establishment in mainstream music spaces.
Charting on the Billboard 200 means more than just numbers; it signifies global reach, cultural impact, and commercial recognition. Each Afrobeats album that enters the chart pushes the boundaries of the genre, reaching new listeners and setting fresh benchmarks for African music. As more artists from Nigeria, Ghana, and across the continent continue to release high-quality, globally resonant projects, Afrobeats is no longer just influencing the global sound—it’s becoming the sound. Here’s a look at the top Afrobeats albums that have climbed the Billboard 200 and helped shape this thrilling new era.
Below is a list of the top 10 highest-charting Afrobeats albums on the Billboard 200, ranking the most popular albums in the United States based on multi-metric consumption, including album sales, track equivalent albums, and streaming equivalent albums.
Top-Charting Afrobeats Albums on the Billboard 200
Burna Boy – Love, Damini (2022)
Peak Position: #14
Details: Released on July 8, 2022, via Atlantic Records, Burna Boy’s “Love, Damini” is a 19-track masterpiece that solidified his status as a global Afrobeats icon, becoming the highest-charting Nigerian album on the Billboard 200 with a peak position of No. 14. The album, featuring collaborations with artists like J Hus, Ed Sheeran, and Khalid, debuted with approximately 25,000 equivalent album units in its first week, according to Luminate data. Its lead single, “Last Last,” became a breakout hit, peaking at #44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and holding the #1 spot on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart for multiple weeks. The album’s streaming performance was robust, amassing over 1 billion streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music within months of release, driven by the viral success of “Last Last” and other tracks like “For My Hand” featuring Ed Sheeran, which further boosted its global appeal.
The commercial success of “Love, Damini” on the Billboard 200 was underpinned by its strong streaming numbers and cultural resonance, reflecting Burna Boy’s ability to blend Afrobeats with pop and hip-hop influences. The album spent multiple weeks on the Billboard 200, charting for over 20 weeks, a testament to its sustained popularity. On Spotify, “Love, Damini” garnered over 500 million streams in its first year, with “Last Last” alone contributing significantly to its 1.5 billion global streams across platforms by mid-2023, as reported by industry sources. The album’s performance was bolstered by Burna Boy’s international tours and media appearances, which amplified its visibility. Its chart longevity and streaming dominance highlight the growing global influence of Afrobeats, with *Love, Damini* setting a benchmark for Nigerian artists on the Billboard charts.
Wizkid – “Made in Lagos” (2020)
Peak Position: #28
Details: Released on October 30, 2020, by Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records, Wizkid’s “Made in Lagos” is a landmark Afrobeats album that achieved a peak position of #28 on the Billboard 200, marking a significant milestone for African music on the global stage. The 14-track album, featuring collaborations with artists like Tems, Burna Boy, and Skepta, debuted with approximately 15,000 equivalent album units in its first week, according to Luminate data. Its standout single, “Essence” (featuring Tems and later remixed with Justin Bieber), became a global phenomenon, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart for multiple weeks. The album’s streaming performance was exceptional, amassing over 1 billion streams on Spotify alone, with “Essence” and the remix accounting for over 400 million of those streams, cementing its status as a cultural and commercial juggernaut.
“Made in Lagos” also holds the record as the longest-charting African album on Billboard’s World Albums Chart, spending over 67 weeks on the chart and peaking at #1. Its sustained chart presence on the Billboard 200, where it charted for over 30 weeks, was driven by its crossover appeal and strong streaming numbers across platforms like Apple Music, where it garnered an additional 500 million streams by 2023. The album’s blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop resonated with global audiences, further amplified by the “Essence” remix featuring Justin Bieber, which boosted its visibility in North America and Europe. Wizkid’s strategic collaborations and high-profile performances, including appearances at major festivals, contributed to the album’s longevity, with total global streams surpassing 2 billion across platforms by 2024. “Made in Lagos” remains a defining work in the global rise of Afrobeats, showcasing Wizkid’s influence and the genre’s mainstream potential.
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Burna Boy – “I Told Them…” (2023)
Peak Position: #31
Details: Released on August 25, 2023, via Spaceship Entertainment, Bad Habit, Atlantic Records, and Warner Music, Burna Boy’s “I Told Them…” achieved a peak position of #31 on the Billboard 200, further solidifying his dominance in the Afrobeats genre. The 15-track album, featuring collaborations with artists like 21 Savage, J. Cole, and Byron Messia, debuted with approximately 20,000 equivalent album units in its first week, according to Luminate data. Standout tracks like “Sittin’ on Top of the World” (with 21 Savage) and “Talibans II” (with Byron Messia) gained significant traction, with “Sittin’ on Top of the World” peaking at #3 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart and amassing over 90 million streams on Spotify alone. The album’s streaming performance was robust, accumulating over 800 million global streams across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube within its first year, driven by its fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and dancehall influences.
“I Told Them…” maintained a strong presence on the Billboard 200, charting for over 15 weeks, a testament to Burna Boy’s growing global fanbase and the album’s cross-genre appeal. Its streaming success was bolstered by viral moments, including high-profile music videos and Burna Boy’s international tour, which included sold-out shows in the U.S. and Europe. On Apple Music, the album has garnered over 600 million streams, while YouTube views for tracks like “Talibans II” exceeded 45 million, as reported by industry sources. The album’s chart performance and streaming numbers reflect Burna Boy’s ability to blend African rhythms with global sounds, further elevating Afrobeats’ prominence on the world stage. “I Told Them…” not only reinforced Burna Boy’s commercial prowess but also highlighted the genre’s increasing influence, with its cultural resonance driving sustained engagement across streaming platforms.
Davido – “Timeless” (2023)
Peak Position: #37
Details: Released on March 31, 2023, through Davido Music Worldwide, Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment, Davido’s “Timeless” debuted at #37 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest-charting album of his career and a significant milestone for Afrobeats on the global stage. The 17-track album, featuring collaborations with artists like Skepta, Asake, The Cavemen, and Musa Keys, sold over 17,000 equivalent album units in its first week, according to Luminate data. The lead single “Unavailable” (featuring Musa Keys) became a standout, peaking at #1 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart and amassing over 200 million streams on Spotify. The album’s streaming performance was historic, tallying 14.4 million streams on Spotify Nigeria in its debut week, surpassing Burna Boy’s “Love, Damini” for the biggest debut week on the platform, and breaking records for the most streams in a single day for an African album on Apple Music globally.
Timeless also set multiple streaming records, including the fastest African album to surpass 10 million streams on Boomplay (achieved in 24 hours) and over 12 million streams in its first 24 hours on Audiomack, the highest for any Nigerian or African album on the platform. The album charted for two weeks on the Billboard 200, a testament to its commercial success, and was named #39 on Billboard’s Top 50 Best Albums of 2023 Staff List, praised as a “triumph” and Davido’s finest work, blending amapiano, Afrobeats, and highlife. Its global impact was further evidenced by 22 million streams on Boomplay Nigeria in its first week and 4.1 million streams on YouTube Nigeria, setting a new record for the biggest debut week on the platform. Supported by the Timeless North American Tour and high-profile performances, such as on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”, Timeless solidified Davido’s position as a global Afrobeats ambassador, with total streams exceeding 1 billion across major platforms by 2025.
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Burna Boy – “Twice as Tall” (2020)
Peak Position: #54
Details: Released on August 14, 2020, via Spaceship Entertainment, Bad Habit, Atlantic Records, and Warner Music, Twice as Tall debuted at No. 54 on the Billboard 200, earning around 10,900 album-equivalent units in its first week—approximately 5,000 of which were traditional album sales. The album also soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s World Albums chart, underscoring its global resonance. In the U.S., it achieved this breakthrough while blending Afrobeats with hip-hop, pop, and dancehall, delivered through a powerful message of Black resilience, unity, and cultural pride.
On streaming platforms, Twice as Tall was a juggernaut. In its first month, the album racked up over 175 million total streams, including 34.5 million on Spotify, 25 million YouTube streams, 50 million on Audiomack, plus strong numbers across Apple Music and Boomplay. With streaming also converting to chart impact, the album not only topped Apple Music charts in 59 countries and iTunes charts across 13 nations—including the UK—but also became the first Nigerian album to surpass one million pure YouTube streams from Nigeria, reflecting its domestic and global dominance. These combined chart performance and streaming milestones contributed to Twice as Tall winning Best Global Music Album at the 2021 Grammys, cementing Burna Boy’s status as a true global icon.
Tems – “Born in the Wild” (2024)
Peak Position: #56
Details: Released on June 7, 2024, via RCA Records and Since ’93, Tems’ debut album “Born in the Wild” peaked at No. 56 on the Billboard 200, marking her first entry on the chart and the highest-charting debut by a Nigerian female artist, surpassing Ayra Starr’s “The Year I Turned 21” (No. 195). The 18-track album, featuring collaborations with J. Cole (“Free Fall”) and Asake (“Get It Right”), debuted with 16,500 equivalent album units in the U.S. for the tracking week of June 7-13, according to Luminate data. Its lead singles, “Me & U” and “Love Me JeJe,” significantly boosted its performance, with “Love Me JeJe” peaking at #3 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart and #9 on Hot R&B Songs, while “Me & U” reached #3 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart and won Outstanding International Song at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards. The album garnered over 5 million streams on its first week of release, and its three lead singles—“Me & U” (89 million), “Not an Angel” (15 million), and “Love Me JeJe” (8.4 million)—accumulated 114 million Spotify streams prior to release.
Born in the Wild also made waves globally, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums Chart, No. 52 in Canada, and within the top 30 in the UK, Netherlands, and Switzerland, while becoming the first Nigerian project to chart on Portugal’s Album Chart. In Nigeria, it reached No. 3 on the TurnTable Albums Chart, marking Tems’ first top-10 project there. The album’s streaming success was bolstered by its critical acclaim, earning a Metacritic score of 86/100. The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album, while “Love Me JeJe” won Best African Music Performance. Additionally, “Burning” received nominations for both Best African Music Performance and Best R&B Song. Total global streams exceeded 500 million across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube by late 2024, driven by Tems’ genre-blending mix of Afrobeats, R&B, and highlife, and supported by her Born in the Wild World Tour, which included sold-out shows across Europe, North America, and Australia. The album’s chart performance and streaming dominance underscore Tems’ rising global influence, positioning her as a trailblazer for African artists beyond the Afrobeats label.
Wizkid – “More Love, Less Ego” (2022)
Peak Position: #59
Details: Released on November 11, 2022, by Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records, Wizkid’s “More Love, Less Ego” debuted at No. 59 on the Billboard 200, reinforcing his consistent presence on global charts following the success of Made in Lagos. The 13-track album, featuring collaborations with artists like Ayra Starr, Don Toliver, and Skepta, earned approximately 13,000 equivalent album units in its first week in the U.S., according to Luminate data. Its lead single, “Bad to Me,” became a standout, peaking at #1 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart and amassing over 200 million streams on Spotify. The album’s streaming performance was strong, accumulating over 600 million global streams across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube within its first year, driven by tracks like “2 Sugar” (featuring Ayra Starr) and “Money & Love,” which resonated with fans for their Afrobeats and R&B fusion.
“More Love, Less Ego” charted for over 10 weeks on the Billboard 200, reflecting Wizkid’s sustained global appeal, and peaked at #2 on Billboard’s World Albums Chart, spending multiple weeks in the top 10. On Spotify, the album garnered over 300 million streams in its first six months, with “Bad to Me” alone contributing significantly to its 1 billion total streams across platforms by late 2024, as reported by industry sources. The album’s success was amplified by Wizkid’s international performances, including headlining shows at Madison Square Garden and festivals in Europe, which boosted its visibility. More Love, Less Ego continued to showcase Wizkid’s ability to blend Afrobeats with pop and hip-hop influences, further solidifying his role in the genre’s global rise, though it faced comparisons to *Made in Lagos* due to its more introspective tone. Its chart performance and streaming numbers highlight Wizkid’s enduring influence in pushing Afrobeats to mainstream audiences worldwide.
Asake – Mr. Money with the Vibe (2022)
Peak Position: #66
Details: Released on September 8, 2022, through YBNL Nation and Empire, Asake’s debut album “Mr. Money with the Vibe” peaked at No. 66 on the Billboard 200, marking a significant milestone for the rising Afrobeats star. The 12-track project, blending amapiano, Afrobeats, and Fuji influences, debuted with 13,200 equivalent album units in its first week in the U.S., according to Luminate data. Standout tracks like “Terminator” and “Organise” drove its success, with “Terminator” peaking at #1 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart and amassing over 100 million streams on Spotify. The album’s streaming performance was remarkable, garnering over 600 million streams on Spotify alone within its first year and surpassing 1 billion global streams across platforms like Apple Music, YouTube, and Boomplay by 2024, bolstered by its viral appeal and Asake’s energetic delivery.
Mr. Money with the Vibe also achieved significant chart success globally, reaching #2 on the Billboard World Albums Chart and charting for over 20 weeks on the Billboard 200, reflecting Asake’s rapid rise in popularity. On Apple Music, the album amassed over 200 million streams in its first six months, while YouTube views for tracks like “Sungba” (remix featuring Burna Boy) exceeded 75 million. Supported by Asake’s sold-out international tours, including performances at O2 Academy Brixton, the album’s chart longevity and streaming dominance underscored its cultural impact, cementing Asake’s status as a leading figure in the global Afrobeats movement.
Asake – Work Of Art (2023)
Peak Position – #66
Details: Asake’s sophomore album Work of Art made a compelling impact both on the Billboard charts and across streaming platforms. Upon its release on June 16, 2023, the album debuted at No. 66 on the US Billboard 200, selling around 13,000 units in its first week—marking Asake as the first Nigerian artist to chart in the top 100 with his first two studio albums . Additionally, the album claimed the impressive No. 4 spot on the Billboard World Albums chart . Across the pond, it reached No. 20 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 59 in Ireland, further solidifying its global reach.
On streaming platforms, Work of Art enjoyed significant traction: it debuted at No. 2 on Spotify’s Global Albums chart and No. 5 on the Spotify US Top Albums chart . The flagship single “Amapiano” (feat. Olamide) not only debuted at No. 1 on the Spotify Nigeria daily chart but also amassed over 100,000 streams in under 24 hours, and racked up 87.7 million streams on Audiomack . Another standout, “Lonely at the Top” (feat. H.E.R.), became the first track from the album to hit 100 million streams on Audiomack, and dominated Nigerian radio and TurnTable Official Top 100, leading the latter for 12 consecutive weeks . Overall, the album was reported as the most streamed Nigerian album of 2023 so far by Nigeria’s TurnTable charts.
Rema – Rave & Roses (2022)
Peak Position: #81
Details: Released on March 25, 2022, through Mavin Records and Jonzing World, Rema’s debut album Rave & Roses peaked at No. 81 on the Billboard 200, marking a historic achievement as the first album by a Nigerian artist to have a single, “Calm Down” (featuring Selena Gomez), chart on the Billboard Hot 100, where it reached #3. The 16-track album, blending Afrobeats, pop, and trap, debuted with approximately 12,000 equivalent album units in its first week in the U.S., according to Luminate data. The remix of “Calm Down” became a global sensation, amassing over 1 billion streams on Spotify alone and peaking at #1 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart for a record-breaking 58 weeks. The album’s overall streaming performance was monumental, surpassing 2 billion global streams across platforms like Apple Music, YouTube, and Spotify by 2024, with “Calm Down” driving much of its success after earning platinum certification in multiple countries, including the U.S.
Rave & Roses charted for over 15 weeks on the Billboard 200 and reached No. 3 on the Billboard World Albums Chart, reflecting Rema’s crossover appeal. In Nigeria, the album set streaming records, including over 100 million streams on Spotify Nigeria in its first month, the highest for any African album at the time. On Apple Music, it garnered over 300 million streams in its first year, while YouTube views for “Calm Down” exceeded 800 million by late 2023. Supported by Rema’s global tours, including performances at Coachella and sold-out shows in Europe, the album’s cultural impact and streaming dominance solidified its place in Afrobeats history. *Rave & Roses* not only elevated Rema as a global star but also highlighted the genre’s growing influence, with its chart performance and unprecedented streaming numbers setting new benchmarks for Nigerian music on the world stage.
King Sunny Adé – Syncro System (1983)
Peak Position: #91
Details: Released in 1983 through Island Records’ Mango imprint, King Sunny Adé’s “Syncro System” peaked at No. 91 on the Billboard 200, a groundbreaking achievement that introduced Nigerian jùjú music to a broader Western audience. The album, a vibrant blend of traditional Yoruba rhythms, talking drums, and modern instrumentation, debuted with modest sales but resonated due to its innovative sound and Adé’s virtuosic guitar work. Unlike contemporary Afrobeats albums, Syncro System predates modern streaming platforms, so equivalent album units were not tracked in the same way; however, its physical sales and cultural impact were significant for its time, with tracks like “Synchro System” and “Mo Ti Mo” gaining traction on radio and in global music circles. The album’s influence helped pave the way for African music’s global rise, earning critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination in 1984, the first for a Nigerian artist.
Syncro System spent several weeks on the Billboard 200, a rare feat for an African album in the 1980s, and also reached the Billboard World Music Albums Chart, where it peaked in the top 10. While streaming data is unavailable due to its pre-digital era release, the album’s enduring legacy is evident in its continued popularity, with reissues and vinyl sales contributing to thousands of units moved globally in subsequent decades. Its impact was amplified by King Sunny Adé’s international tours, including performances at major venues like the Apollo Theatre, which exposed Western audiences to jùjú’s intricate polyrhythms. Syncro System remains a cultural milestone, with its chart performance and critical success marking a pivotal moment for Nigerian music’s global acceptance, setting the stage for future Afrobeats artists to dominate international charts.
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Conclusion: Afrobeats’ Chart-Topping Journey Is Just Beginning
The growing presence of Afrobeats albums on the Billboard 200 is a testament to the genre’s unstoppable global rise. Once considered a niche sound beyond the African continent, Afrobeats is now a dominant force shaping the mainstream. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, Davido, and Rema have not only broken into the chart—they’ve rewritten the rules, proving that language and geography are no barrier to worldwide appeal. With each new chart entry, the genre carves out a bigger space in global music conversations, attracting major-label investments, brand partnerships, and collaborations with international superstars.
This momentum signals more than just commercial success—it represents cultural influence. As Afrobeats albums continue to debut and climb on the Billboard 200, they amplify African voices, style, and storytelling to audiences across the globe. The achievements so far are impressive, but the ceiling is far from reached. With streaming platforms, social media virality, and an ever-expanding fanbase, Afrobeats isn’t just having a moment—it’s building a legacy. The charts are only the beginning.
