Entertainment

10 African Artists with the Biggest Music Collaborations

African music has transcended continental boundaries, with artists forging powerful partnerships with global superstars that have reshaped the international music landscape. From Afrobeats to Amapiano, these collaborations have not only topped charts worldwide but have also introduced African sounds to millions of new listeners. Here are ten African artists whose international collaborations have made the biggest impact.

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1. Wizkid (Nigeria)

When discussing African artists with major international collaborations, Wizkid stands at the pinnacle. His partnership with Drake on the track that brought him global prominence remains one of the most successful crossover moments in African music history. The collaboration dominated charts in multiple countries and became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.

His track featuring Tems became the first Nigerian song in history to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200, with a remix featuring Justin Bieber released in August 2021. The song achieved Platinum status in the United States and Canada, marking the first time an African song accomplished this feat in both countries, and received Gold Certification in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Beyond these landmark achievements, Wizkid has collaborated with Beyoncé, earning his first Grammy Award, and has worked with Chris Brown, Skepta, and numerous other international stars, cementing his status as Africa’s most successful musical export.

2. Burna Boy (Nigeria)

The self-proclaimed African Giant has lived up to his name through powerful international collaborations. Burna Boy made history with a Grammy win and has worked with British rapper Dave on successful tracks. His collaboration with Coldplay’s Chris Martin showcased his ability to blend political consciousness with mainstream appeal.

Burna Boy packed The O2 Arena in London during his 2021 gig, where he made a dramatic entrance in a spaceship wearing a white NASA jacket and boots, demonstrating his massive international appeal.

3. Davido (Nigeria)

The Atlanta-born Nigerian superstar has built one of the most extensive collaboration portfolios in African music. His partnership with Chris Brown has been particularly fruitful, producing multiple hits including their breakthrough collaboration that quickly amassed over 10 million views within three weeks.

Davido revealed that he and Chris Brown have recorded over 20 songs together, stating “We can put out two albums right now”. The artists are set to embark on a joint tour and release a collaborative EP in 2026. Davido has also worked with Popcaan, Young Thug, and Nicki Minaj, showcasing his versatility across genres.

4. Tems (Nigeria)

Rising star Tems has quickly established herself as a force in international collaborations. Her breakthrough came through her work with Wizkid, which opened doors to collaborations with Drake, Future, and Rihanna. She has also worked with Selena Gomez on remixes that expanded her reach into pop audiences.

Tems burst onto the music scene in 2020 when she released her debut EP and gained notoriety when she joined forces with Wizkid, demonstrating how one successful collaboration can launch an international career.

5. Tyla (South Africa)

The South African sensation made waves with her Grammy-winning breakout single, which was produced by Ghanaian producer Sammy SoSo. Following the viral success of her behemoth single, one of the biggest songs of 2023, all eyes were on Tyla in 2024. Her collaboration with Travis Scott further solidified her place as a defining force in pop music rooted in South African heritage.

6. Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Diamond Platnumz is one of the current African artists with the most collaborations with artists from across many genres. The Tanzanian superstar has worked extensively with artists from the Caribbean, America, and across Africa, making him one of the continent’s most internationally connected artists.

7. Rayvanny (Tanzania)

The Tanzanian Bongo Flava star has made significant strides in international collaborations, most notably with Colombian superstar Maluma. Their collaboration on the track that celebrates African and Latin cultures became a massive hit, earning Rayvanny recognition at the East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards for Best Global Collaboration.

Rayvanny is the only Tanzanian artist to ever win a BET Award, taking home the Best New International Act: Viewers’ Choice Award in 2017. His willingness to cross cultural and linguistic boundaries has made him one of East Africa’s most internationally recognized artists.

8. Black Coffee (South Africa)

If being international had a synonym in South Africa, it would be Black Coffee. The talented DJ is not only South Africa’s most successful DJ internationally but also one of the most respected DJs in the world. He has collaborated with Drake, Usher, and numerous other international celebrities, taking South African house music to global audiences and packing arenas worldwide.

9. Master KG (South Africa)

Master KG earned global recognition after the release of his biggest hit featuring Nomcebo Zikode. The song was recently revealed to be among the most Shazamed songs in the world and has gotten love from celebrities including Cristiano Ronaldo, Janet Jackson, and Chance The Rapper, demonstrating how one viral collaboration can create a global phenomenon.

10. Nasty C (South Africa)

Named as the continent’s most streamed rapper, Nasty C has earned international recognition through collaborations with notable names including T.I. and DJ Whookid. His work with American R&B singer Ari Lennox showcased his ability to blend South African hip-hop with American soul, creating intimate and romantic tracks that resonate across continents.

The Cultural Impact

These collaborations represent more than just musical partnerships—they symbolize a cultural exchange that has elevated African music to unprecedented heights. As audiences grow, questions remain about who is profiting, with calls for ensuring that African artists and creators receive a fair share of the profits that their work generates.

Such exchanges not only promote African sounds but also introduce global listeners to diverse musical heritage, encouraging record labels to invest in similar projects and further bridging creative gaps.

From Lagos to Los Angeles, from Nairobi to New York, these ten artists have proven that African music is not just a trend but a powerful force reshaping global pop culture. Their collaborations have opened doors for the next generation of African artists, ensuring that the continent’s diverse sounds will continue to dominate international airwaves for years to come.

As the world dances to Africa’s beats, these artists stand as pioneers who dared to dream beyond borders and created music that speaks a universal language of rhythm, melody, and cultural pride.