Billboard has included Tems in its “Hottest R&B Artists of 2026 Right Now” staff roundtable, a mid-year rundown spotlighting the genre’s standout performers based on chart success, vocal performance, cultural buzz, touring, and business ventures. She’s featured on the piece’s lead image alongside Raye, Leon Thomas, and Durand Bernarr, with Billboard noting the staff will hand down final rankings at year’s end.
The nod caps a defining stretch for Tems in 2026. She’s landed three Hot 100 entries this year, the most of any African artist, with “Bunce Road Blues” alongside J. Cole and Future, her solo cut “What You Need,” and “Raindance” with Dave. “What You Need” also gave her a fourth career No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, extending a run that started with Wizkid’s “Essence” in 2021.