RismadarVoice Reporters, May 25, 2026
South African rapper, Nasty C has lauded Nigerian superstar, Wizkid, saying the Afrobeats icon played a key role in expanding the global reach of African music.
Speaking during a recent podcast interview, the Zulu Man With Some Power rapper said Wizkid’s 2016 international collaboration with Canadian artist Drake on the hit song “One Dance” marked a turning point for African artists seeking global recognition.
According to him, the success of the record significantly boosted the visibility and commercial appeal of Afrobeats worldwide, influencing industry trends and even career decisions among some musicians across the continent.
“Wizkid and Drake’s collaboration on ‘One Dance’ opened the door for African artists,” Nasty C said. “After that collaboration, African music received a significant boost. In some interviews I had in Nigeria and Ghana, I was told that even rappers started switching to Afrobeats because of how lucrative it became after Wizkid’s involvement with Drake.”
The 2016 global hit, which also featured British singer Kyla, made history as the first song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify and is widely regarded as a defining moment in the international rise of Afrobeats. The track blended Afrobeats, dancehall, and pop influences, helping introduce African sounds to a broader global audience.
Drake has previously acknowledged Wizkid’s contribution to the song, with the Nigerian artiste credited as a co-songwriter, co-producer, and featured performer.
Over the years, “One Dance” has remained a cultural milestone, often cited as one of the songs that accelerated Afrobeats’ transition from a regional sound to a global music force.
