10 Iconic Collaborations Between African Musicians and Artists from Asia and Europe
- orpmarketing
- May 27
- 6 min read
1. Wizkid ft. Skepta – “Ojuelegba (Remix)” (Nigeria/UK, 2015)
History: Nigerian Afrobeats star Wizkid joined forces with British grime artist Skepta for the remix of “Ojuelegba,” from Wizkid’s Ayo album. Their connection, sparked in London’s vibrant music scene, blended Afrobeats’ soulful melodies with grime’s gritty edge, creating a cross-continental hit.
Emotions: This track is raw and triumphant, capturing the hustle of Lagos life and the pride of overcoming odds. It’s the kind of song that makes you feel unstoppable, resonating with dreamers everywhere.
Fans: X posts exploded, with fans calling it “Afrobeats’ global breakout.” Grime fans embraced Wizkid, and the remix’s YouTube video racked up over 20 million views, uniting diverse audiences.
Promotions: Released on SoundCloud and YouTube, the track gained traction through Skepta’s UK clout and Wizkid’s African fanbase. BBC Radio 1Xtra airplay and London club spins cemented its status.
2. Burna Boy ft. Stormzy – “Real Life” (Nigeria/UK, 2020)
History: Nigerian Afro-fusion giant Burna Boy teamed up with British rapper Stormzy for “Real Life,” from the Grammy-winning Twice as Tall. Bonded over shared themes of social justice, the duo crafted a powerful track addressing systemic struggles, produced by Telz.
Emotions: Deeply reflective, the song’s somber tone and poignant lyrics hit like a gut punch, blending pain with hope. It’s a call to action that lingers long after the beat fades.
Fans: Fans on X dubbed it “a lyrical masterpiece,” praising the raw chemistry. The music video, depicting real-world issues, amassed over 15 million YouTube views, sparking global conversations.
Promotions: Promoted via Spotify, YouTube, and virtual concerts, the track shone during Burna’s Grammy campaign. Stormzy’s BBC Live Lounge performance added to its international buzz.
3. Davido ft. Popcaan – “Risky” (Nigeria/Jamaica, 2019)
History: Nigerian superstar Davido collaborated with Jamaican dancehall artist Popcaan for “Risky,” from A Good Time. Inspired by Davido’s love for Caribbean vibes, the track fused Afrobeats’ energy with dancehall’s laid-back swagger.
Emotions: Flirty and fun, “Risky” is a carefree banger with a romantic spark. Its catchy hook and smooth rhythm make you want to dance under neon lights, full of confidence.
Fans: X users called it “an Afro-dancehall vibe,” with TikTok dance challenges going viral. The vibrant music video hit over 30 million YouTube views, uniting fans across continents.
Promotions: Instagram live sessions and YouTube propelled the song, with heavy airplay on African and Caribbean radio. Davido’s European tour with Popcaan as a guest amplified the hype.
4. Fireboy DML ft. Ed Sheeran – “Peru” (Nigeria/UK, 2021)
History: Nigerian rising star Fireboy DML linked up with British pop icon Ed Sheeran for the remix of “Peru.” Sheeran, a fan of Afrobeats, added a pop-infused verse after connecting through mutual industry friends, creating a global hit.
Emotions: Pure joy radiates from “Peru,” with its infectious chorus and upbeat tempo. It’s a track that screams living in the moment, perfect for letting loose and vibing.
Fans: X posts raved about Sheeran’s Twi-singing attempt, with fans calling it “Afrobeats gone global.” Topping UK charts and hitting 200 million YouTube views, it solidified Fireboy’s international rise.
Promotions: The London-shot music video was a promotional powerhouse, backed by Capital FM airplay and Spotify’s “African Heat” playlist. Festival performances by both artists kept it trending.
5. Sauti Sol ft. India Arie – “My Everything” (Kenya/USA, 2020)
History: Kenyan Afro-pop band Sauti Sol collaborated with American soul singer India Arie for “My Everything,” from Midnight Train. The partnership began when India Arie commented on Sauti Sol’s Instagram, leading to a soulful Afro-pop/R&B blend.
Emotions: Warm and intimate, the song’s tender harmonies and romantic lyrics feel like a heartfelt love letter. It’s perfect for quiet moments, wrapping you in a cozy embrace.
Fans: X users noted its “kizomba-like soul,” with YouTube comments calling it “a cross-continental gem.” The track’s millions of streams showed its appeal to both African and American fans.
Promotions: Promoted via YouTube and Instagram, the song leveraged Sauti Sol’s East African fanbase and India Arie’s global reach. Virtual pandemic-era performances kept the momentum alive.
6. Mr Eazi ft. Major Lazer – “Oh My Gawd” (Nigeria/USA, 2020)
History: Nigerian artist Mr Eazi joined American electronic group Major Lazer for “Oh My Gawd,” featuring Nicki Minaj and K4mo, from Music Is the Weapon. The track fused Afrobeats with EDM and dancehall, born from Mr Eazi’s festival encounters with Major Lazer.
Emotions: Electrifying and bold, “Oh My Gawd” is a dancefloor anthem that screams energy. Its pulsating beat and playful lyrics capture the thrill of a wild night out.
Fans: X posts called it “a global party banger,” with TikTok dance challenges exploding. The music video, with over 40 million YouTube views, united Afro and EDM fans.
Promotions: Major Lazer’s global platform and Mr Eazi’s African following drove streams on Spotify’s “Dance Hits.” Club performances and social media campaigns kept it buzzing.
7. Tiwa Savage ft. Sam Smith – “Temptation” (Nigeria/UK, 2020)
History: Nigerian Afropop queen Tiwa Savage collaborated with British soul singer Sam Smith for “Temptation,” from her Celia album. The connection, sparked by mutual admiration through industry ties, blended Afrobeats with Sam Smith’s emotive R&B style.
Emotions: Sultry and captivating, “Temptation” drips with desire and vulnerability. Its smooth rhythm and heartfelt vocals make it a perfect slow-dance track, pulling you into its romance.
Fans: Fans on X praised the “Afrobeats-soul fusion,” with YouTube comments calling it “a match made in heaven.” The song’s millions of streams reflected its global appeal.
Promotions: Promoted via YouTube and Spotify playlists like “Afrobeats Now,” the track gained traction through Tiwa’s African fanbase and Sam Smith’s European following. Virtual performances boosted its reach.
8. Nasty C ft. Ari Lennox – “Black and White” (South Africa/USA, 2020)
History: South African rapper Nasty C teamed up with American R&B singer Ari Lennox for “Black and White,” from Zulu Man with Some Power. Recorded during Nasty C’s U.S. trip, the track was inspired by their shared love for soulful storytelling.
Emotions: Intimate and romantic, the song’s smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics paint a vivid picture of love. It feels personal, like a late-night conversation between lovers.
Fans: X users loved the “SA-meets-soul vibe,” with the music video hitting over 10 million YouTube views. Fans praised Ari’s vocals and Nasty C’s lyrical depth, bridging hip-hop and R&B.
Promotions: Featured on Spotify’s “New Music Friday,” the song gained traction in South Africa and the U.S. Nasty C’s BET Awards performance gave it a global spotlight.
9. Tems ft. Selena Gomez – “Damages (Remix)” (Nigeria/USA, 2021)
History: Nigerian singer Tems collaborated with American pop star Selena Gomez for the remix of “Damages,” from For Broken Ears. Gomez, a fan of Tems’ unique voice, reached out for the collaboration, creating a soulful Afro-pop blend.
Emotions: Reflective and empowering, “Damages” explores heartbreak with a hopeful edge. Tems’ raw vocals and Gomez’s gentle delivery create a haunting, uplifting vibe.
Fans: X posts called it “a soulful Afro-pop gem,” with TikTok videos using the chorus going viral. The remix’s millions of streams showed its appeal to global pop and Afrobeats fans.
Promotions: Promoted via Spotify’s “Today’s Top Hits” and YouTube, the song leveraged Tems’ rising star power and Gomez’s massive fanbase. Social media teasers kept it trending.
10. Black Coffee ft. David Guetta – “Drive” (South Africa/France, 2018)
History: South African DJ Black Coffee joined French EDM superstar David Guetta for “Drive,” featuring Delilah Montagu, from Guetta’s 7 album. Their shared passion for dance music led to a fusion of Afro-house and electronic beats.
Emotions: Hypnotic and uplifting, “Drive” feels like a late-night road trip under the stars. Its pulsing rhythm and soulful vocals make it a dancefloor escape, full of freedom.
Fans: X users hailed it as “Afro-house gone global,” with the track’s 50 million+ streams uniting EDM and Afro-house fans. Fans praised Black Coffee’s signature sound.
Promotions: Promoted through Guetta’s European festival circuit and Black Coffee’s African fanbase, the song dominated dance charts. Spotify playlists like “Dance Hits” and its music video drove its success.
Why These Collaborations Matter
These tracks are more than music—they’re bridges between Africa, Asia, and Europe, blending Afrobeats, Amapiano, and more with global genres. They’ve introduced African sounds to new audiences, from UK grime fans to American R&B lovers, proving music’s power to unite. The emotions—joy, resilience, romance—strike universal chords, while fans on X and TikTok amplify the hype through viral challenges and posts. Promotions via streaming platforms, radio, and live performances have made these songs global anthems.
Next time you’re vibing to one of these hits, you’re part of a worldwide celebration. What’s your favorite African-Asian/European collab? Let’s keep the conversation going!
