Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has officially etched his name into U.S. music chart history, becoming the Nigerian artist with the most entries on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The Grammy-winning singer achieved this feat with the debut of his latest studio album, No Sign of Weakness, which entered the chart at number 200 this week.
With this fifth entry, Burna Boy surpasses his long-time musical peer Wizkid, who previously shared the record with four entries on the prestigious U.S. albums chart. Though the debut position for No Sign of Weakness may seem modest at face value, it marks a significant milestone in Burna Boy’s career and in the broader narrative of African music’s rise on the global stage.
According to Billboard, No Sign of Weakness moved 8,800 album-equivalent units in the United States during its first tracking week, securing the final spot on the Top 200 chart. Despite being the lowest-charting debut for any Nigerian album to appear on the list, the project’s inclusion underscores Burna Boy’s consistency and enduring appeal in the American market.
Industry watchers have noted that the relatively weak debut is not necessarily a reflection of the album’s quality or popularity, but rather a consequence of Billboard’s revised charting methodology. Under the new rule, only streams and sales generated within the United States are considered for placement on the Billboard 200. This significant change has presented a challenge for many international acts, particularly Afrobeats stars who traditionally rely on strong fanbases in regions such as Nigeria, Ghana, the UK, and Canada to boost their global chart presence.
Prior to this change, Nigerian artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid had benefited from a broader accounting of their global streaming numbers, which played a crucial role in helping their albums debut higher on the Billboard 200. With that advantage removed, the metrics now demand localized U.S. success—either through targeted marketing, radio play, touring, or U.S.-centric digital promotion.
Still, Burna Boy’s ability to make the list under the new rules speaks volumes about his foothold in the American market. No Sign of Weakness, though only modestly performing in terms of U.S. units sold, joins a lineup of past successful projects including African Giant, Twice As Tall, Love, Damini, and Outside—all of which made previous appearances on the same chart.
Music analyst Emmanuel Ekpo, in a statement to Africa Live News, noted, “This entry is more than just a number. It’s proof that Burna Boy remains one of the most influential African voices in the global music scene. Even with limited support from Billboard’s older global streaming system, he’s still making waves.”
No Sign of Weakness, Burna Boy’s latest body of work, sees him continue his blend of Afro-fusion—mixing highlife, reggae, hip-hop, and pop into an unmistakably unique sound. While early reviews have been mixed, many fans and critics have praised the album’s lyrical maturity and musical experimentation.
“It’s not the flashiest debut, but it’s authentic. That’s always been Burna’s brand,” said U.S.-based Nigerian music journalist Kemi Awoniyi. “His numbers may be down under this new system, but the impact remains strong. He’s still a cultural force.”
The album’s commercial performance has also sparked conversations on the growing challenges African artists face in the U.S. market. While Afrobeats continues to gain global recognition, the shift in Billboard’s rules has raised concerns about how international stars are measured and supported within the American industry.
“There’s a conversation to be had about the fairness of these new metrics,” said Awoniyi. “For an artist like Burna Boy, whose reach extends far beyond the U.S., it’s unfortunate that global traction no longer contributes meaningfully to Billboard 200 standings. African fans have historically been the backbone of these chart successes.”
Despite the lower-than-expected debut, Burna Boy remains in elite company. In comparison, many top U.S. artists fail to secure consistent entries on the Billboard 200, let alone reach five appearances. This record places him firmly at the top of Nigeria’s international music success ladder and cements his status as a pioneering force in bridging African music with mainstream Western audiences.
Burna Boy’s Billboard chart dominance also signals a broader shift in African music’s positioning in the world market. With artists like Tems, Davido, Asake, and Ayra Starr gaining momentum, the pressure to adapt to U.S.-focused streaming strategies may intensify. However, Burna Boy’s latest achievement proves that African talent can still thrive—even under more stringent rules.
As fans continue to stream No Sign of Weakness and share their opinions on social media, Burna Boy’s camp remains silent on the Billboard numbers, choosing instead to let the music speak for itself.
Whether or not the album climbs higher in the coming weeks, one fact is now indisputable: Burna Boy has become the most-charted Nigerian artist in U.S. Billboard 200 history. And with his unwavering ambition and loyal fanbase, it’s likely this won’t be his last record-breaking moment.
