Are Song Remixes Still Relevant In 2025?

In recent weeks, social media discussions have revolved around the upcoming remix of Fido’s smash hit Joy is Coming, featuring Kizz Daniel. 

As the conversations started to cool, another version of the song featuring Wande Coal hit the internet this past weekend, quickly reigniting the debates. While some fans are excited about the Kizz Daniel remix, others are skeptical, questioning its necessity. However, as the music industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: remixes are more important than ever.

Remixes have been a staple of the music industry since time immemorial. However, their significance has grown exponentially recently, particularly for African artists and Afrobeats. 

Are remixes helping or hurting Afrobeats in 2025?

Historically, remixes came about in the 1970s and 1980s as DJs and producers attempted to reimagine songs for dance audiences. The remixed versions often combined different genres in a bid to introduce their audience to new music. 

Since then, remixes have become a potent strategic tool for artists to propel their songs to new heights both commercially and creatively.

For African artists, remixes are not just a tool to trend. Remixes are a pathway to international recognition and success. A prime example is the remix of Wizkid’s Essence featuring Justin Bieber, which became the first Nigerian song to crack the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. This remix shattered the ceilings for Afrobeats and introduced the genre to a new and widespread global audience. 

Similarly, Rema’s Calm Down remix with Selena Gomez broke records, becoming the first African artist-led song to amass 1 billion streams on Spotify and cemented Afrobeats’ place on the global stage. These accomplishments highlight the potency of remixes to expand the reach of African music.

From a commercial standpoint, remixes have proven to be potent tools to boost streaming numbers and improve chart performance. Remixes often tend to outperform the original version, especially when a popular artist with a much bigger audience is featured. 

Remixes also provide an avenue for artists to tap into new markets. By collaborating with international stars, African artists can break into regions like North America, Europe, and Asia, where their music might not have initially gained traction.

From an artistic perspective, remixes offer an opportunity to reimagine a song and present it in a fresh, innovative way. Asake’s Lonely at the Top remix featuring H.E.R, for example, reimagined the original song into an acoustic piece, presenting the song differently.

Unfortunately, not every remix is a surefire hit. For every Calm Down remix, there is a Soso and Ku Lo Sa remix that failed to do anything worthy of note. These failures usually tend to be questions about the necessity of remixes. 

Some others might argue that remixes can dilute the originality of a song or feel like a cash grab—especially a song like Joy Is Coming that’s already a certified smash hit. Yet, as the music industry becomes increasingly competitive, artists have recognised the strategic value of remixes to extend the life of the song and keep them relevant until they can find the next hit. 

Remixes have always been a staple of the music industry; looking forward to 2025, it is guaranteed to stay that way. Remixes are and will undoubtedly remain a potent tool for African artists. As the global appetite for African music continues to grow, remixes will play a crucial role in sustaining momentum. 

The forthcoming remix of Joy is Coming featuring Kizz Daniel—or Wande Coal—is poised to be a banger. The song is already an anthem; the addition of these artists is simply the catalyst needed to catapult its streaming numbers to new heights.