Afrobeats is a unique genre that perfectly blends hip-hop and dancehall with its deep African roots in Highlife and Jùjú music. Originating from Nigeria and Ghana in the mid-2000s, it has since broken out and spread to the diaspora with the musical wits of the likes of Wizkid and Burna Boy.
The UK, in particular, is entangled with these deep roots. Artists like Kojo Funds, Sneakbo, and Jorja Smith have been seen to infuse their sound with native raps to create afrobeats derivatives like Afroswing (also known as Afrobashment, Afrobbean or Afro-trap), developed in the mid-2010s.
This interest and appreciation for Afrobeats has built a flourishing connection between UK and African artists. As the link-up continues to evolve, here are some of our best collaborations so far.
Sam Smith – My Oasis ft. Burna Boy
Perhaps the most unlikely link-up of all, English singer and songwriter, Sam Smith teams up with Nigerian Afrobeat superstar, Burna Boy for the brand new single called “My Oasis”
Kojo Funds – I Like ft. WizKid
London born, Ghanaian British rapper Kojo Funds, came with a major bang “I like” featuring the talented global superstar Wizkid. His music is one with a blend of West African and Caribbean sounds with hip hop, dancehall, road rap, and pop.
Snakehips & Jess Glynne – Lie For You ft. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie & Davido
This brand new, mid-tempo song “Lie to You” is a great one for your listening pleasure. Talented musician Snakehips teams up with Jess Glynne, A Boogie wit Da Hoodie & Davido to bring this afrobeats jam to life.
Mr Eazi – London Town ft. Giggs
Released in 2018, Mr. Eazi teams up with one of UK’s finest rappers, Giggs aka The landlord. It is evident the Banku music exponent has spent quality time in the UK improving his art. This was for the second single in his EP, Lagos to London released the same 2018.
Jorja Smith ft Burna Boy – Be Honest
British singer, Jorja and Nigerian afrobeats star Burna beat the heat in this video for “Be Honest.” From Jorja, this track marks the first new solo music since her 2018 debut album, Lost and Found. She has also collaborated with Burna Boy on “Gum Body,” a track off his album, African Giant.
DJ Spinall ft. Kojo Funds – What Do You See
Baddest Nigerian Disc Jockey, DJ Spinall presents this afro-pop jam dubbed “What Do You See”. He features Kojo Funds on this classic song produced by Killertunes, a Nigerian AfroBeats Record Producer and songwriter.
Sneakbo ft Moelogo – Pree Me
Nigerian born, UK based afrobeats superstars Sneakbo and Moelogo link up on this melodic song “Pree Me”. As expected, the duo created a magical performance laced to perfection by Moelogo lighting the track up with his fire raps.
Share with us your fave collaborations too!
Also Read: UK First-Ever Official Afrobeats Chart
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