Nasty C has praised Wizkid for playing a major role in boosting the global popularity of African music.
Speaking during a podcast interview, the “Zulu Man With Some Power” rapper stated that Wizkid’s 2016 collaboration with Canadian superstar Drake on the hit song One Dance helped open international doors for modern African artists.
According to Nasty C, the success of the collaboration gave Afrobeats massive global exposure and made the genre far more profitable.
He explained that the impact became so significant that some rappers reportedly began moving away from hip-hop to focus on Afrobeats.
“Wizkid and Drake collaboration on ‘One Dance’ opened the door for African artists. After the collaboration, African music received a significant boost. During some of my interviews in Nigeria and Ghana, the hosts told me that some rappers were even switching to Afrobeats because of how lucrative it has become after Wizkid’s collaboration with Drake,” he said.
Reports note that Drake’s “One Dance,” which also featured British singer Kyla, became the first song in Spotify history to surpass one billion streams, earning a Guinness World Record.
The track, which blends Afrobeats, dancehall, and pop sounds, is widely regarded as one of the records that pushed Afrobeats further into the global spotlight.
Drake also previously acknowledged Wizkid’s major contribution to the song.
Wizkid received credits on the track as a co-songwriter, co-producer, and featured performer.