Nigerian music icon Davido has unveiled an intriguing truth about his celebrated American counterparts, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj, highlighting their deep-seated admiration for Africa and its culture.
During an exclusive interview with Hot 107.9 FM in Atlanta, Davido offered rare insights into how these global stars are captivated by the continent’s pulsating music and cultural richness.
He shared how both Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj lean heavily into the dynamic energy of Afrobeats when collaborating with him, deliberately choosing its vibrant pulse over traditional Western sounds.
Speaking about his collaboration with Nicki Minaj on “If It’s Okay,” Davido revealed, “My recent collaboration with Nicki Minaj, ‘If It’s Okay,’ has a lot of Afrobeats influence because she wanted full African flavor on it. These days, foreign artists want to do our musical styles, so it is easier for me to work with them.”
He also reflected on working with Chris Brown, saying, “When we were recording ‘Sensational’ with Chris Brown, I was trying to make it American, but he insisted I include Afrobeats. He asked me to sing in Pidgin. My dancers were the video vixens in ‘Sensational.’ They even went on tour with Chris Brown. Chris Brown loves African culture, and Nicki does too.”
Chris Brown’s appreciation for African music is evident in his collaborations with artists like Wizkid, Rema, Fireboy, Lojay, and Davido. He has also toured with Ayra Starr and South African sensation Tyla.
Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj has partnered with Mr. Eazi, Skales, and Davido, seamlessly blending her sound with the spirit of Africa.