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Burna Boy Takes the Lead on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Artists Chart for 2023

BY JO Mensah November 26, 2023 11:44 AM EDT
Burna Boy
Burna Boy Photo source: Instagram/@burnaboygram

Nigerian sensation Burna Boy has claimed the top spot on the year-end Billboard US Afrobeats Artists chart for 2023.

This marks Burna Boy’s second appearance on the prestigious list, having secured the second position in the previous year.

Burna Boy’s dominance is evident in his 26 entries on the weekly U.S. Afrobeat Songs chart. This chart is a dynamic blend of U.S. sales and streaming activity, showcasing the country’s most popular 50 Afrobeats songs. His consistent presence underscores his influence and resonance within the American music scene.

The leading track on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for 2023 is the captivating “Calm Down,” a collaboration between Rema and international star Selena Gomez. The song captivated the hearts of fans and garnered praise from music critics, contributing significantly to Rema’s inclusion in the esteemed year-end rankings.

The journey to the top for Burna Boy has been a testament to his musical prowess and global appeal. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional African sounds with contemporary beats has created a unique musical identity that resonates worldwide. This achievement solidifies his status as a trailblazer in the Afrobeats genre.

Burna Boy wins at Billboard Awards

Meanwhile, Burna Boy took home the Top Afrobeats Artiste award at the just-ended Billboard Music Awards (BBMA) and dedicated the honor to all African musicians.

Expressing gratitude, the Twice As Tall crooner said the future of the industry remains bright and urged the world to patiently wait for the “bigger vision.”

The ceremony held on Sunday, November 19, 2023, also crowned Rema and Selena Gomez’s Calm Down (remix) as the best Afrobeats song.