Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems being the first Nigerian female act to have a single sell over 10 million units in the United States with Future’s WAIT FOR U is another reminder of how international collaborations are opening global doors for Nigerian artists, turning Afrobeats into a dominant force on the world stage.

These partnerships are proof that our music can compete at the highest level. Here are some standout moments where international collabs became game changers:

1. Wizkid and Drake: “One Dance” (2016)When Wizkid teamed up with Drake, the result was a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit that stayed on top for 10 weeks. It gave Afrobeats its first major taste of global chart domination and introduced Wizkid to millions of listeners worldwide.

2. Burna Boy and Beyoncé: Lion King: The Gift (2019)
Burna Boy’s contribution to Beyoncé’s African-inspired album showcased Afrofusion’s versatility to a global audience. The project reinforced the cultural power of African sounds in mainstream pop.

3. Davido and Chris Brown: “Blow My Mind” (2019)
This collab marked a high point in Afrobeats’ crossover into R&B. With Chris Brown lending his star power, Davido’s track became a continental and diaspora favourite, cementing his global appeal.

4. Tems, Future and Drake: “WAIT FOR U” (2022)
This record-breaking track, which earned Tems her first Grammy Award, did more than showcase Tems’ sultry vocals. Its recent diamond certification proves that Nigerian artistry has true staying power in the world’s biggest music market.

5. Rema and Selena Gomez: “Calm Down” remix (2022)
Arguably one of the biggest Afrobeats crossover hit yet, the remix broke streaming records, spent over a year on the Billboard Hot 100, and pushed Rema into global superstar status.