By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Renowned Nigerian artist D’Banj has credited American rapper Kanye West with playing a pivotal role in bringing Afrobeats to global prominence.
Speaking on the ‘Listen’ podcast, D’Banj described Kanye West as the first international artist to recognize and promote Afrobeats, significantly influencing its rise on the global stage.
D’Banj shared the story of his first encounter with Kanye in Dubai, where the rapper expressed genuine interest in African music. Kanye revealed that his interest was sparked by university students who introduced him to the Afrobeats sound.
This meeting would later lead to D’Banj and Don Jazzy signing with Kanye’s Good Music record label, a move that provided a crucial platform for the genre.
“The first time I met Kanye West in Dubai, he told me that he had enquired about Afrobeats from students in the university. So, he actually wanted to pick up the sound,” D’Banj recounted.
“That was what gave us [Don Jazzy and me] the deal and the opportunity to be signed to his record label [Good Music]. So, Kanye is the first person [international artist] to buy into it [Afrobeats]. Not just buy into it but take it to the next level.”
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D’Banj’s comments highlight Kanye’s instrumental role in creating pathways for Afrobeats artists to reach international audiences. The genre, a fusion of traditional African rhythms with global music elements, has grown into a cultural phenomenon, influencing music charts and festivals worldwide.
With artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido achieving mainstream success, Afrobeats continues to shape the global music landscape.
Afrobeats is a contemporary music genre originating from West Africa, characterized by its eclectic blend of African rhythms, high-energy beats, and influences from jazz, funk, hip-hop, and electronic music.
The genre has transcended African borders, becoming a dominant force in global music, thanks to both African artists and international collaborations that introduced it to new audiences.
