Nigerian music icon, D’banj, has unveiled the pivotal role American rapper and music mogul Kanye West played in amplifying the Afrobeats genre on the global stage.
In a captivating episode of the ‘Listen’ podcast, the singer disclosed that Kanye West was “the first international artist to embrace Afrobeats,” a move that marked a turning point for the genre’s acceptance in the Western music industry.
Recounting his first meeting with West in Dubai, D’banj revealed, “The first time I met Kanye West in Dubai, he told me that he had enquired about Afrobeats from students in the university. So, he actually wanted to pick up the sound.”
He went on to explain how West’s fascination with African rhythms led to the historic signing of him and music producer Don Jazzy to Kanye’s Good Music label.
“He was interested in the sound. That was what gave us (Don Jazzy and me ) the deal and the opportunity to be signed to his record label (Good Music). So, Kanye is the first person [international artist] to buy into it (Afrobeats). Not just buy into it but is taking it to the next level.”
Recall that D’banj’s 2012 global hit, Oliver Twist, which featured a cameo appearance by Kanye West, stands as a testament to this groundbreaking collaboration that propelled Afrobeats to international acclaim.