In the conversation about who should be called Afrobeats’ biggest supporter from the international music scene (majorly US/UK), names like Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber get mentioned because of their work with Afrobeats artists. Ed Sheeran’s feature on Fireboy DML’s “Peru” catapulted the already blooming song to stadium heights. Justin Bieber had a similar, but grander, effect on Wizkid and Tems’ “Essence”: the record became the first by a Nigerian act to enter the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10. Beyoncé’s “The Lion King” soundtrack album was a huge moment for the culture, featuring Yemi Alade, Mr. Eazi, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and others.
However, at the top of the list of Afrobeats’ biggest allies are Chris Brown and Drake. The former takes first position in most people’s lists, understandably, especially because of his chemistry with Afrobeats superstar Davido. He’s also collaborated excellently with Lojay, Rema, and Wizkid, delivering top-notch performances every single time. Additionally, he’s directly connected with Afrobeats artists, whether by bringing them out at his shows (Wizkid, Davido, Lojay), performing at their shows (Wizkid, Davido), or having them as supporting acts for his tours (Ayra Starr). Without doubt, he is Afrobeats’ biggest supporter. However, I posit that Drake is the most important and influential ally of the culture.
Just recently, the Canadian brought out Rema to 20,000 fans at Finsbury Park for Day 3 of his Wireless Festival headline run. The moment is especially significant on a day that saw Burna Boy and Darkoo grace the main stage earlier, while Odumodublvck played the smaller Old Spice stage.
Ever since we got a surprise “Ojuelegba” remix with Skepta and Drake, the Canadian has not only been in close touch with the genre but has also helped elevate it to the greatest heights possible. Apple Music recently released its 500 most-streamed songs of all time on the platform, and the only Afrobeats representation come thanks to Drake (and Future)—“One Dance” at No. 6 and “Wait For U” at No. 42. Wizkid, Tems, and Afrobeats can only lay claim to charting atop the Billboard Hot 100 because of these records, because of Drake.
Side note: “Wait For U” would never have even happened if Drake didn’t use his “relationship” to clear Tems’ vocals.
Outside of Wizkid and Tems, there are no other major officially released collaborations between Drake and Afrobeats artists, but there has been some contact. It is believed that Tekno and Drake worked together for a while, with Drake posting a photo of himself and the artist on his Instagram. The only fruit from this collaboration is a Swae Lee song featuring Drake and produced by Tekno. Drake also has an unreleased collaboration with Rema that is highly anticipated: “Mention Me.”
Unarguably, Chris Brown was one of the earliest allies of the culture and has consistently supported it over the years. However, Drake has handed Afrobeats stars some of their biggest moments on the global stage, from Grammy nominations to Billboard toppers, streaming milestones, and multiple awards.
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