Afropop has gone global. Last year, many Afropop numbers debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, including Wizkid’s Tems-assisted “Essence,” Ckay’s “Love Nwantiti” and Fireboy’s “Peru”, with some going on to dominate the chart for weeks at a time. While this is not the first time Afropop will break into wider conversations, it is the first time that these conversations have culminated in a global chart–save for the UK Afrobeats chart.

Officially announced yesterday, Billboard has partnered with Afronation, to launch the United States Chart for Afrobeats music which aims to spotlight the best Afrobeats songs in the United States. The chart will officially begin next week, on 29th March via Billboard.com. 

Billboard to launch new US Afrobeats Songs Chart, ranking the top 50 songs in the country. Starting next week, March 29.

— chart data (@chartdata) March 22, 2022

According to the official announcement, the Billboard US Afrobeats charts will rank the top 50 most influential, popular and well-accepted songs in the country and will be based off formula incorporating official streams on both subscription and ad-supported tiers of leading audio and video music services, plus download sales from top music retailers

In a press statement released via Billboard, Afro Nation founder Obi Asika mentioned that:

“The last decade has seen Afrobeats explode into a worldwide phenomenon, influencing culture and fashion across the globe and I am humbled to have made a contribution to growing the genre alongside many talented, passionate people.” 

Billboard’s SVP of Charts and Development, Silvio Pietroluongo also added that: 

“As with much of the world, Afrobeats has grown tremendously as a genre in America and we are proud to showcase the top songs and artists with this new weekly ranking.”

Featured image credits/Billboard