Nigerian music superstar Davido has shed light on the deep admiration that American artists Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj have for African music and culture. According to the award-winning singer, both artists hold Africa in high regard, embracing its vibrant rhythms and cultural essence in their collaborations.
In a recent interview with Hot 107.9 FM in Atlanta, Davido revealed how his international counterparts have shown a growing preference for incorporating Afrobeats into their music. He explained that Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown often request the inclusion of African musical elements in their projects, which highlights the increasing global influence of Afrobeats.
Davido shared insights from his recent collaboration with Nicki Minaj on the track If It’s Okay, describing how the song is heavily infused with Afrobeats. He explained that Nicki specifically requested a sound that would reflect the African flavor and culture. “My recent collaboration with Nicki Minaj, If It’s Okay, has a lot of Afrobeats influence because she wanted full African flavor on it,” Davido said. “These days, foreign artists want to do our musical styles, so it is easier for me to work with them.”
The artist also spoke about his experience working with Chris Brown on the track Sensational. While Davido initially wanted to create an American-style record for the collaboration, Chris Brown insisted on infusing the song with Afrobeats and even encouraged Davido to sing in Pidgin English, a popular lingua franca in Nigeria.
“When we were recording Sensational with Chris Brown, I was trying to make it American, but he insisted I include Afrobeats,” Davido recounted. “He asked me to sing in Pidgin. My dancers were the video vixens in Sensational. They even went on tour with Chris Brown. Chris Brown loves African culture, and Nicki does too.”
Chris Brown’s connection to Africa extends beyond his collaborations with Davido. The American R&B star has worked with several African artists, including Wizkid, Rema, Fireboy DML, and Lojay. He has also shared stages with Ayra Starr and South Africa’s rising sensation Tyla, further cementing his admiration for the continent’s music scene.
Nicki Minaj, on the other hand, has worked with Nigerian artists such as Mr. Eazi, Skales, and Davido, showcasing her willingness to embrace the African sound in her projects. Her collaborations demonstrate the universal appeal of Afrobeats and its ability to bridge cultural gaps between Africa and the rest of the world.
Davido’s remarks reflect a broader trend in the music industry, where African music has gained widespread recognition and appreciation on a global scale. The rise of Afrobeats has positioned Africa as a major player in the international music scene, with artists like Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage leading the charge.
The influence of African culture in global music is not limited to its sound. Elements of African fashion, dance, and language have become prominent features in music videos and performances by international artists. This cultural exchange has helped elevate Africa’s creative industries while fostering a sense of pride and identity among its people.
For Davido, collaborations with global stars like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj are not just about producing hit songs; they represent a celebration of African culture and a testament to the power of music as a unifying force. By incorporating Afrobeats into their projects, these artists contribute to the genre’s evolution and help introduce it to new audiences around the world.
Chris Brown’s insistence on using Afrobeats in Sensational and Nicki Minaj’s dedication to capturing authentic African sounds in If It’s Okay highlight the respect and admiration they have for the genre. Their actions underscore the growing recognition of Africa as a hub of musical innovation and creativity.
Davido’s dancers, who appeared as video vixens in Sensational and even went on tour with Chris Brown, serve as another example of how African talent is making waves internationally. From dancers to producers and songwriters, Africa’s influence is evident in various facets of the music industry.
As Afrobeats continues to gain momentum, it serves as a powerful platform for African artists to share their stories and culture with the world. The genre’s infectious rhythms and unique sound have captured the hearts of millions, and its impact is only expected to grow in the coming years.
For Davido, his journey as an ambassador of African music is far from over. With each collaboration and performance, he strives to showcase the richness of Africa’s cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of creativity. His experiences with artists like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj demonstrate the transformative power of music and its ability to bridge cultural divides.
The partnership between African and international artists reflects a mutual appreciation for each other’s artistry and culture. It is a testament to the unifying power of music and its potential to inspire, uplift, and connect people from all walks of life.
Davido’s contributions to the global music landscape have not only elevated his career but have also paved the way for other African artists to thrive on the world stage. As he continues to break barriers and build bridges through his music, his legacy as one of Africa’s greatest musical exports remains firmly intact.
