Following Afrobeats’ global breakthrough, a wave of cross-cultural collaborations has emerged, pairing Nigerian artists with Latin music sensations on Afropop tracks to craft innovative fusions, explore the vibrant genre, and elevate the genre to new heights.
Artists from both cultures have merged their crafts to propel Afrobeats towards global commercial success.
Here are 10 notable Latin-Nigeria Afrobeats collaborations.
1. Burna Boy- Rollercoaster Ft. J Balvin
Off Burna Boy’s commercially and critically acclaimed album Love, Damini, Rollercoaster featuring the immensely commercially successful J. Balvin. The two heavyweights join forces for a smooth Afropop tune that is easily one of the standout records on the album.
2. Oxlade-Ku Lo Sa Ft. Camila Cabello
To further drive the success of his globally acclaimed single Ku Lo Sa, Oxlade recruits the ethereal Camila Cabello, whose seductive vocals add a new layer of depth and sensuality to Ku Lo Sa. The collaboration brings together the best of Afrobeats and Latin pop.
3 Ayra Starr – Woman Commando Ft. Anitta & Coco Jones
Off Ayra Starr’s critically acclaimed album, The Year I Turned 21, is the upbeat Amapiano bop Woman Commando, which features international pop stars Anitta and Coco Jones. However, it is Anitta who is the star of the show bringing her signature Brazilian flair and sultry vocals to the record. Her performance adds an extra layer of confidence and sass as the trio delivers a global dance anthem.
4. Asake – Whine Ft. Ludmilla
Asake recruits Ludmilla on the scintillating mid-tempo bop Whine, igniting an intoxicating Afro-Brazilian collaboration that electrifies the dancefloor. Ludmilla’s verse brings a unique flair to the record, blending seamlessly with Asakе’s signature Yoruba-infused melodies and injecting, the record with her distinctive Latin spark. The result is an addictive anthem that catapults Asake’s quest for international appeal to new heights.
5. Mr Eazi – Lenko Ft. J Balvin
As Mr Eazi pursued global dominance, the Nigerian sensation joined forces with reggaeton superstar J Balvin, yielding a monumental collaboration that seamlessly merged Afrobeats and Latin rhythms.
6. J Balvin – Arcoiris Ft. Mr Eazi
If there was any proof that the chemistry between J Balvin and Mr Eazi was no fluke, this record is it. ‘Arcoiris’ combines Nigeria’s vibrant Afrobeats and Colombia’s infectious reggaeton, producing a chart-topping and culture-expanding anthem. The record would go on to earn Mr Eazi a win at the 21st edition of the annual Latin Grammy Awards.
7. Rvssian- Santa Ft. Rauw Alejandro & Ayra Starr
Jamaican producer Rvssian struck gold with Santa. He called on Puerto Rican superstar Rauw Alejandro and Nigerian star Ayra Starr, whose electrifying verse took the song to international success.
8. Ozuna & Omah Lay- So So
After scoring an internationally acclaimed hit record with So So, Omah Lay tapped Puerto Rican star Ozuna for a remix to the song that made him a star globally.
9. Feid – Babalu Ft. Rema
Feid’s Babalu became an unstoppable force when he enlisted Nigerian hitmaker Rema, whose effortless verse infused the track with Afrobeat swagger.
10. CKay – Skoin Skoin Ft. Bianca Costa
Ckay’s pours his feelings into this emotionally charged single off his sophomore EP, Boyfriend, where he embodies an individual frustrated with his partner. He recruits Brazilian sensation Bianca Costa, whose sultry vocals bring a captivating contrast, lending her seductive Portuguese-delivered verse to the record.
