Davido highlights collaboration with Western artists embracing African music
Davido praised Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj for embracing Afrobeats, noting a trend of Western artists using African music.
During the conversation, Davido explained that both Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj have shown a preference for blending Afrobeats with their signature styles, rather than sticking to traditional Western genres.
He emphasized that this was especially apparent in his recent project with Nicki Minaj, the track “If It’s Okay,” which, according to Davido, carries a noticeable Afrobeats influence. The American rapper, he revealed, was keen to incorporate “full African flavor” into the song, something that speaks to the growing global appeal of Afrobeats and African musical traditions.
“My recent collaboration with Nicki Minaj, ‘If It’s Okay,’ has a lot of Afrobeats influence because she wanted full African flavour on it,” Davido explained. “These days, foreign artists want to do our musical styles, so it is easier for me to work with them.”
The Nigerian singer further elaborated that the appeal of Afrobeats is becoming undeniable, with many international stars now seeking to blend the infectious rhythms and sounds of Africa into their own music.
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Davido also recalled his experience working with Chris Brown on their track “Sensational.” Initially, the idea had been to create a song with more of an American sound, but Chris Brown had other plans. According to Davido, the American artist was adamant that the song should incorporate Afrobeats elements. “When we were recording ‘Sensational’ with Chris Brown, I was trying to make it American, but he insisted I include Afrobeats. He asked me to sing in Pidgin,” Davido explained.
The insistence on infusing African culture into the track was not just limited to the music but extended to the visuals as well. In the music video for “Sensational,” Davido revealed that his dancers, who are also part of his core team, were featured as the video vixens. Furthermore, these dancers later joined Chris Brown on his tour, a gesture that underscores Brown’s appreciation for African culture and the talent within the African music industry.
Chris Brown’s admiration for African culture is not just reflected in his collaborations with Davido. The artist has actively sought to work with a diverse range of African musicians, from Nigerian stars like Wizkid, Rema, and Davido, to artists from other parts of the continent, such as Fireboy DML and Lojay. Through these collaborations, Brown has positioned himself as one of the prominent figures in the global push to elevate African music and incorporate it into mainstream Western genres.
Moreover, Chris Brown has continued to show his support for African artists by touring with some of them. He has shared stages with Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and South African star Tyla, both of whom have garnered significant attention for their music. This cross-cultural exchange is indicative of a larger trend within the global music industry, where African talent is becoming more central to the conversation.
The integration of Afrobeats into Western music is part of a broader cultural shift that has been gaining momentum in recent years. With the international success of artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, African music has firmly established itself on the global stage. The genre’s infectious rhythms, vibrant melodies, and unique storytelling styles have captured the attention of music lovers across the world, making it a driving force in the modern music scene.
For Davido, working with artists like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj is a reflection of this ongoing cultural exchange. He has long been an advocate for promoting African music, and his collaborations with Western artists help bring African sounds to new audiences.
“These days, foreign artists want to do our musical styles,” he remarked, a statement that highlights the changing dynamics within the music industry. What was once considered a niche genre is now at the forefront of global music trends, and artists like Davido are at the helm of this movement.
Hoewever, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj’s embrace of African music and culture highlights the growing global recognition of Afrobeats and its influence on mainstream music. Through their collaborations with artists like Davido, they not only celebrate African culture but also contribute to the ongoing evolution of the music industry.
As more Western artists incorporate African sounds into their work, the global music landscape continues to grow more diverse and interconnected, marking a significant cultural shift in the industry.
