10 Highest Charting African Albums On The Billboard 200
African music has long been celebrated for its rich rhythms, vibrant melodies, and powerful storytelling. In recent years, the global music scene has witnessed a surge in the popularity of African artists and genres, with Afrobeats, Highlife, and Juju music captivating audiences around the world. One significant milestone in this global recognition is the presence of African albums on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart.
In this article, we delve into the top 10 highest-charting African albums on the Billboard 200, showcasing the talent and creativity of African musicians. These albums represent a diverse range of styles and influences, from the soulful sounds of Miriam Makeba to the infectious rhythms of King Sunny Ade and the innovative Afrobeat of Burna Boy and Wizkid.
Each album has its own unique story and impact, from breaking into the Billboard 200 to garnering Grammy nominations and winning prestigious music awards. Through these albums, African artists have not only made their mark on the global music scene but have also opened doors for future generations of African musicians to follow.
Join us on a journey through the top 10 highest-charting African albums on the Billboard 200, and discover the rich tapestry of sounds and stories that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
10 Highest Charting African Albums on the Billboard 200
- The Promise of a Future – Hugh Masekela
- Made in Lagos – Wizkid
- Twice As Tall – Burna Boy
- Pata Pata – Miriam Makeba
- Soul Makossa – Manu Dibango
- The World of Miriam Makeba -Miriam Makeba
- Syncro System – King Sunny Ade
- African Giant – Burna Boy
- Sounds From The Other Side – Wizkid
- Juju Music – King Sunny Ade
A Better Time – Davido
1. "The Promise of a Future" by Hugh Masekela - 17, Weeks on Char
Hugh Masekela's eighth studio album, "The Promise of a Future," stands as the highest-charting African album on the Billboard 200. Released in 1968 under the Uni Records label, the album includes Masekela's rendition of the instrumental hit "Grazing in the Grass," which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Re-released on CD in 1993 by the One Way label, the album has been praised as a classic work that played a significant role in propelling Masekela to the pinnacle of his career.
2. "Made in Lagos" by Wizkid: 28, Weeks on Chart
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Wizkid's album "Made In Lagos" holds the second position among the highest-charting African albums on the Billboard 200. Debuting at No. 80 on the chart, it peaked at No. 28, making it the highest-charting Nigerian album on the Billboard 200. Released on October 30, 2020, by Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records, the album features the global hit "Essence," which reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Notably, "Made In Lagos" holds the record as the longest-charting African album in Billboard's history, spending over 67 weeks on the World album chart.
3. "Twice As Tall" by Burna Boy: 54, Weeks on Chart
Burna Boy's fifth studio album, "Twice As Tall," is among the highest-charting African albums on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 54. Released on August 14, 2020, by Spaceship Entertainment, Bad Habit, Atlantic Records, and Warner Music, it achieved several milestones, including being the first Nigerian album to reach one million pure YouTube streams from Nigeria. The album also debuted on the UK albums chart at 11, France at 29, and The Netherlands at 10.
4. "Pata Pata" by Miriam Makeba: 74, Weeks on Chart
Miriam Makeba's 1967 album, "Pata Pata," stands as one of the highest-charting African albums on the Billboard 200, reaching number 74. The album features 11 tracks, including the titular single, which became a global hit, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Pata Pata" is widely regarded as Makeba's signature hit and has been covered by numerous artists worldwide.
5. "Soul Makossa" by Manu Dibango: 79, Weeks on Chart
Manu Dibango's album "Soul Makossa," released in 1972, is among the highest-charting African albums on the Billboard 200, peaking at 79. The album features seven tracks, including the titular single, which became a hit, reaching number 35 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1973. The song is renowned for its chanted vocal refrain "ma-ma-ko, ma-ma-sa, ma-ko ma-ko-sa," which has been adapted and used in songs by various prominent artists, including Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and Rihanna's hit single "Don't Stop the Music."
6. "The World of Miriam Makeba" by Miriam Makeba: 86, Weeks on Chart
Miriam Makeba's third studio album, "The World of Miriam Makeba," is among the highest-charting African albums on the Billboard 200, peaking at 86. Released by RCA Victor and credited with Hugh Masekela as the conductor, the album features 12 songs. It was well-received, showcasing Makeba's talent and appealing to a cross-racial audience in the US and worldwide.
7. "Syncro System" by King Sunny Ade: 97, Weeks on Chart
"Synchro System" is a 1983 album by Nigerian jùjú band King Sunny Adé and His African Beats. It was the second of King Sunny Adé’s three releases for Island Records and peaked at 91 on the Billboard 200, making it one of the highest-charting African albums on the chart. The album garnered King Sunny Adé a Grammy Award nomination, making him the first Nigerian to be nominated for this prestigious award.
8. "African Giant" by Burna Boy: 104, Weeks on Chart
Burna Boy's fourth studio album, "African Giant," is celebrated as one of the most cohesive and original Nigerian albums. Peaking at 104 on the Billboard 200, it stands as one of the highest-charting African albums on the chart. The album also received accolades, winning Album of the Year at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards and earning a nomination for Best World Music Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.
9. "Sounds From The Other Side" by Wizkid: 107, Weeks on Chart
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Wizkid's "Sounds From The Other Side" marks his debut album on the international scene. While it may not have achieved the same level of success as his other projects, it did break into the Billboard 200, debuting at 107, and reached 58 on the Canadian Albums Chart. The album is widely credited with pioneering Afrobeats on the international scene, making an impact on various music charts worldwide.
10. "Juju Music" by King Sunny Ade
"Juju Music" by King Sunny Ade concludes the list of the highest-charting African albums on the Billboard 200, peaking at 111 on the chart. It marked the major label debut of Nigerian jùjú band King Sunny Adé and His African Beats. Upon its release, The New York Times described it as the week's best new dance music. According to AllMusic, the album provided King Sunny Adé with "unprecedented exposure on the Western market" and introduced many music lovers to the sounds of Afro-pop.
