Nigerian artists have undoubtedly etched the country’s name on the global stage with their exceptional talent, and international dominance, with Afrobeats musicians leading the charge. These artists captivate audiences with their infectious rhythms and vibrant melodies. A key factor in Afrobeats’ rise has been strategic collaborations between Nigerian artists and global icons. These partnerships have elevated Afrobeats artists and introduced African music to new audiences worldwide. From Wizkid’s chart-topping “One Dance” with Drake to Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning collaborations, these international partnerships have taken Afrobeats to unprecedented heights. They have solidified the genre’s place as a major force in the global music scene. In this article, we will delve into some of the most impactful international collaborations that have propelled Afrobeats to the next level.
Pioneering International Collaborations That Opened Global Doors For Afrobeats
The rise of Afrobeats would be incomplete without acknowledging the international collaborations that amplified its global reach, bridging cultures and cementing its place on the world stage. These partnerships not only introduced Afrobeats to diverse audiences but also showcased the genre’s versatility and universal appeal. From chart-topping hits to iconic performances, they have been instrumental in shaping Afrobeats into a global phenomenon.
When it comes to pioneering international collaborations that opened doors globally for Afrobeats, there are two key groups: The Early Pioneers and The New Wave Pioneers. The Early Pioneers, the OGs, built the foundation by putting Afrobeats on the map with raw talent and limited resources. They delivered timeless classics that still make us groove. The New Wave Pioneers, the trendsetters of the digital era, are riding streaming platforms and social media. They blend Afrobeats with pop, hip-hop, and more, taking it from local dance floors to international stages. Both groups prove that Afrobeats is here to stay and slay!
Early Pioneers
The Early Pioneers of Afrobeats not only shaped the genre but also forged groundbreaking collaborations that pushed its boundaries. Fela Kuti worked with global legends like Ginger Baker of Cream, blending Afrobeat with rock and jazz influences that captivated international audiences. 2Baba, known for his smooth vocals, teamed up with artists like R. Kelly on “Flex” and Beenie Man on “Rumours”, showcasing the versatility of Afrobeats. P-Square, the kings of catchy anthems, collaborated with global stars like Akon on “Chop My Money” and Rick Ross on “Beautiful Onyinye.” These partnerships amplified their reach and elevated their careers. They also paved the way for Afrobeats’ global acceptance, setting the stage for the next wave of artists.
New Wave Pioneers
The new wave of pioneers of Afrobeat’s groundbreaking collaborations can also be credited for reshaping the genre and opening doors for global recognition of African music, particularly in Afrobeats. These trailblazers introduced innovative sounds, blending traditional rhythms with modern elements to create a universally appealing genre. The new-wave collaboration that opened doors for Afrobeats globally involved artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido. Their groundbreaking partnerships with international acts expanded African music’s reach. These efforts redefined a generation’s sound and elevated Afrobeats to a respected global stage, influencing music trends worldwide.
The Global Rise of Afrobeats Through Iconic Collaborations
In 2016, Wizkid teamed up with Drake on the global hit “One Dance,” blending Afrobeats with dancehall and pop. The track topped charts worldwide, introducing Wizkid’s artistry to an international audience. In 2017, Mr. Eazi collaborated with Major Lazer on the remix of “Leg Over,” bridging Afrobeats with electronic dance music and expanding its influence into the EDM scene.
Burna Boy has also led groundbreaking collaborations. His 2019 feature on Stormzy’s “Own It,” alongside Ed Sheeran, merged Afrobeats with grime and pop, becoming a global hit. That same year, Davido worked with Chris Brown on “Blow My Mind,” seamlessly blending Afrobeats and R&B, further solidifying the genre’s global appeal.
Female artists have been pivotal, with Tiwa Savage’s 2020 collaboration with Sam Smith on “Temptation” showcasing her ability to merge African sounds with contemporary pop. In 2019, Yemi Alade contributed to Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift album, celebrating African culture on tracks like “Don’t Jealous Me.”
More recently, Tems has become a global sensation, notably through her Grammy-winning feature on Future’s 2022 hit “Wait For U.” Her haunting vocals brought depth to the track, further elevating Afrobeats. CKay’s viral 2021 remix of “Love Nwantiti” captivated international audiences, underscoring the genre’s universal appeal.
Rema’s 2022 remix of “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez became a global sensation, highlighting Afrobeats’ ability to integrate with pop while maintaining its essence. Similarly, Fireboy DML’s 2021 collaboration with Ed Sheeran on “Peru” introduced Afrobeats to new audiences, blending Yoruba lyrics with Western pop influences.
These collaborations are cultural milestones, proving Afrobeats transcends borders. They inspire young artists to keep advancing the genre, ensuring its vibrant rhythms and deep roots resonate globally.
Here’s a Comprehensive List of Iconic International Collaborations:
Wizkid and Drake – “One Dance” (2016)
Wizkid and Beyoncé – “Brown Skin Girl” (2019)
Burna Boy and Stormzy – “Own It” (2019)
Davido and Chris Brown – “Blow My Mind” (2019)
Fireboy DML and Ed Sheeran – “Peru (Remix)” (2021)
Tems and Future – “Wait For U” (2022)
CKay and DJ Yo! – “Love Nwantiti (Remix)” (2021)
Rema and Selena Gomez – “Calm Down (Remix)” (2022)
Yemi Alade and Beyoncé – The Lion King: The Gift (2019)
Tiwa Savage and Brandy – “Somebody’s Son” (2021)
P-Square and Akon – “Chop My Money” (2012)
P-Square and Rick Ross – “Beautiful Onyinye” (2012)
Burna Boy and Ed Sheeran – “For My Hand” (2022)
Mr Eazi and Major Lazer – “Leg Over (Remix)” (2017)
Burna Boy and Sam Smith – “My Oasis” (2020)
Wizkid and Justin Bieber – “Essence (Remix)” (2021)
Tems and Drake – “Fountains” (2021)
Wizkid and Skepta – “Bad Energy (Stay Far Away)” (2018)
Runtown and DJ Khaled – “Money Bag” (2016)
2Baba and Bridget Kelly – “Let Somebody Love You” (2014)
Ice Prince and French Montana – “I Swear” (2013)
Yemi Alade and Angelique Kidjo – “Shekere” (2020)
Mr Eazi and Tyga – “Tony Montana” (2019)
Wizkid and Chris Brown – “Call Me Every Day” (2022)
Davido and Meek Mill – “Fans Mi” (2015)
Asake and Travis Scott – “Active” (2024)