Tems joins Tyla as only female artists to top Afrobeats Power Ranking twice

Tems Tops Afrobeats Power Ranking Again, Signaling a New Era for Female Stars

Nigerian superstar Tems has once again reached the pinnacle of the NotJustOk Afrobeats Power Ranking marking her second No. 1 finish in less than six months. The milestone places her in rare company, making her only the second female artist to top the chart twice, and reinforcing her position as one of the most dominant forces in contemporary Afrobeats.

Beyond the headline, this achievement underscores both Tems’ sustained commercial momentum and a broader shift at the top of the genre. The NotJustOk Afrobeats Power Ranking, launched in January 2025, is not a simple popularity chart. It is a comprehensive, data-driven index that evaluates streaming performance, chart success across global markets, social media engagement, release consistency, touring activity, and overall cultural impact. In this context, returning to No. 1 is less about a fleeting hit and more about sustained influence across multiple fronts.

What makes this moment particularly significant is its place within a larger narrative unfolding in Afrobeats. The 2025–2026 ranking cycle has quietly redefined female representation at the top of a genre historically dominated by male superstars. Three women have now claimed No. 1 positions, and two have done so more than once pointing toward a structural evolution rather than an isolated trend.

South Africa’s Tyla set the tone early, topping the chart in its inaugural February 2025 edition before returning to No. 1 in December of the same year. Ghana’s Moliy followed with a breakthrough win in July 2025, expanding the geographic diversity of the genre’s leading voices. Now, Tems joins Tyla as a repeat chart-topper, solidifying a new tier of female excellence at the summit of Afrobeats.

Repeating at No. 1 in this ranking system is no small feat. Each month, 50 artists are evaluated against a composite of metrics that reward not just visibility, but consistency and cultural resonance. Sustaining the level of engagement required to reclaim the top position signals a depth of artistry and market presence that extends beyond any single release.

The latest chart also highlights the strength of the current generation shaping Afrobeats’ global expansion. With Ayra Starr rising to No. 2, the upper tier of the ranking reflects a youthful, dynamic cohort redefining the sound and reach of the genre.

Taken together, these developments suggest that Afrobeats is entering a new phase one where female artists are not just participating at the highest level, but actively setting the pace.