It’s no news that the Afrobeats is going global, a genre originating from Western regions of Africa has steadily made its way to the global stage and fast becoming a music phenomenon.
Its irresistible beats and vibrant melodies are now influencing some of the biggest names in the international music scene.
For this musical writing piece, we will highlight some global stars who’ve embraced Afrobeats and added a bit of their flair and infectious energy to the sound.
Chris Brown
This is a no-brainer, and the most obvious name, a list can’t be accurate without mentioning Chris Brown.
A notable Afrobeats enthusiast who has a lot of works with Afrobeats artists including his frequent collaborators such as Davido and Wizkid.
From his feature on Davido’s ‘Blow My Mind‘ to his duet with Wizkid on ‘Call Me Every Day‘, Chris smoothly fuses the genre’s groove into his R&B sound. His love for the genre reflects Afrobeats’ ability to mesh effortlessly with other styles.
Beyond these hit tracks, Chris Brown has often expressed his admiration for African music and its artists, both on and off the stage. He has performed alongside Nigerian stars on several occasions, including Wizkid during his Made in Lagos tour, where they thrilled fans with their electrifying synergy. Chris has also collaborated with Lojay on ‘Monalisa (Remix)‘, adding his unique flair to the Afrobeats track.
Future
Future’s collaboration with Tems stands out as one of the most impactful moments in recent music history. Their joint effort on “Wait For U”, which also featured Drake, became an instant classic. The track, featured on Future’s I Never Liked You album, sampled Tems’ beautiful vocals from her song “Higher” and masterfully blended them with Future’s emotive verses and Drake’s introspective delivery. The song was a perfect mix of Afrobeat-inspired melodies and contemporary hip-hop, resonating deeply with listeners across the globe.
“Wait For U” not only topped the charts but also won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023, cementing its place as a cultural and musical milestone. Tems’ ethereal voice added a unique dimension to the track, showcasing how Afrobeat artistry can enhance and elevate hip-hop. This collaboration further solidified Future’s reputation as an artist who bridges genres effortlessly and underscored Tems’ rising global stardom. Together, they created a timeless anthem that continues to captivate fans worldwide.
Tay’c
French-Cameroonian singer Tay’c has carved a niche with his Afro-Love sound, deeply inspired by Afrobeats.
Tay’c has made hits like “Dodo” show his mastery of weaving soulful romance into the genre’s signature bounce. Tay’c’s music really displays how Afrobeats can serve as a versatile base for expressing emotions and storytelling.
His collaborations with African artists, such as ‘Pray‘ featuring Davido, have further deepened his connection to the genre and showcased his appreciation for its roots. Tay’c’s Afro-Love style not only bridges the gap between Afrobeats and francophone audiences but also expands the genre’s reach, proving its adaptability and universal appeal. With his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Tay’c continues to bring a fresh, romantic dimension to Afrobeats.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez‘s collaboration with Rema on the remix of “Calm Down” brought Afrobeats further into mainstream Western pop. Her soft vocals paired perfectly with the track’s relaxed yet danceable rhythm, introducing her fans to the genre while solidifying its global appeal.
The success of the remix was monumental, topping charts in multiple countries and becoming one of the most streamed Afrobeats tracks of all time. Gomez’s involvement also demonstrated how Afrobeats could blend seamlessly with Western pop without losing its essence. The collaboration opened doors for further cross-cultural partnerships, sparking curiosity about the genre among her global audience. With the remix earning award nominations and breaking records, Selena’s work with Rema proved that Afrobeats isn’t just a wave—it’s a cultural movement reshaping the global music scene.
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s contribution to Fireboy DML’s “Peru (Remix)” has been a standout moment in Afrobeats history since its release. The British singer-songwriter who is known to adapt to various sounds, has added another genre to his list. Ed Sheeran has harmonized his vocal style to match the genre’s flow, helping the track become a worldwide hit. His involvement even shows more and more of Afrobeats’ universal adaptability.
Sheeran’s effortless blend with the rhythmic beats and Yoruba-inspired lyrics showcased his versatility while introducing millions of his fans to the vibrancy of Afrobeats. The track’s viral moment on social media platforms like TikTok also amplified its reach, solidifying Peru (Remix) as not just a song but a cultural phenomenon. This collaboration further underscored Afrobeats’ growing influence, proving that the genre can resonate deeply across borders and musical tastes.
Usher
Usher has gracefully embraced the Afrobeat wave, seamlessly blending his signature R&B style with the vibrant rhythms of the genre. His collaboration with Nigerian superstar Pheelz on the track “Ruins” showcased his ability to adapt to Afrobeat’s infectious energy while still maintaining his soulful essence. Usher’s velvety vocals complemented Pheelz’s dynamic production, creating a cross-continental anthem that resonated with fans of both genres. The track was a testament to Usher’s versatility and his willingness to explore global sounds while celebrating the richness of African music.
Another standout moment in Usher’s Afrobeat journey was his stunning live performance alongside Oxlade at the 2023 Global Citizen Festival. Usher embraced Oxlade’s hit song “KU LO SA”, adding his vocal flair and delivering a captivating duet that left fans in awe. This performance highlighted Usher’s respect for Afrobeat artistry and his ability to harmonize effortlessly with African artists. Through these collaborations and performances, Usher continues to bridge the gap between R&B and Afrobeat, further solidifying the genre’s influence on the global stage while championing African music’s rise in mainstream culture.
H.E.R
H.E.R. is making waves in the Afrobeat world, blending her smooth R&B vibes with the irresistible beats of the genre. Her collaboration with Nigerian sensation Wizkid on the track “Smile” from the Made in Lagos album was pure magic. With H.E.R.’s sultry vocals and Wizkid’s chilled-out style, the song became a love anthem that crossed borders, proving that R&B and Afrobeat make the perfect match. It was a track that not only warmed hearts but also brought a fresh twist to both genres.
And if you thought that was it, think again! H.E.R.’s live shows with Tems are nothing short of electric. The chemistry between them is undeniable, with both artists effortlessly blending their unique sounds into a harmonious Afrobeat masterpiece. H.E.R. is truly proving that she’s not just about soulful ballads—she’s about making global hits that bring the best of Afrobeat and R&B together, one track at a time!
Gunna
Gunna’s collaboration with Asake on “Happiness” is a true blend of cultures, merging the trap sound with the vibrant energy of Afrobeats. The track is a perfect example of how Gunna‘s smooth, laid-back style complements Asake’s infectious high-energy delivery. “Happiness” radiates positive vibes, with Gunna’s soothing verses flowing effortlessly over a dynamic, Afrobeat-driven beat. Asake‘s signature sound, with its fusion of highlife and modern rhythms, infuses the song with an unmistakable Nigerian flavor, making it a cross-continental hit that bridges the gap between hip hop and Afrobeats. The collaboration shows Gunna’s ability to seamlessly blend into Afrobeats’ world, proving that genres are meant to evolve and mix.
Then there’s Sarz, the legendary Nigerian producer known for his hit-making skills, who brought his expertise to the track, creating a soundscape that effortlessly fuses both genres. Sarz’s instrumental magic in the background amplifies the entire vibe of the song, giving it an edge while maintaining its smooth groove. The magic of “Happiness” lies in how it effortlessly brings together Gunna’s Southern charm, Asake’s electrifying energy, and Sarz’s innovative production, making it one of those tracks you can’t help but vibe to over and over again. It’s a perfect example of how Afrobeats and trap can coexist, creating a fresh sound that’s bound to make waves worldwide.
Afrobeats isn’t just a sound—it’s a movement. Artists like Chris Brown, Rotimi, Tay’c, Selena Gomez, and Ed Sheeran embracing the genre shows its growing influence. With its vibrant rhythms and cross-cultural appeal, Afrobeats continues to reshape global music, connecting artists and audiences in a celebration of African excellence.
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