Successful International Collaborations That Made Nigerian Musicians Millions

1.1K

In the current Afrobeats era, it is evident that collaborations are highly profitable. When two Nigerian artists, or even better, a Nigerian and an international star, collaborate, the results often extend beyond just music. They spark cultural waves, break streaming records, fill arenas, and, most importantly, generate serious money.

The rise of Afrobeats is closely tied to the evolution of Nigerian music collaborations. These joint efforts have produced some of the best Afrobeats collaborations the world has ever seen. Each partnership not only involves beats and vibes but also involves million-dollar collaborations that enhance careers, provide opportunities for endorsements, and establish lasting legacies.

Let’s dive into the biggest international collaborations that brought Nigerian musicians more millions with their hit songs.

 

Best Afrobeats Collaborations

1. Wizkid & Drake – One Dance (2016)

No list of Nigerian musicians’ million-dollar collabs is complete without this global hit. Wizkid co-wrote and featured on Drake’s One Dance, which became the most-streamed song on Spotify in 2016. This song was the first to reach 1 billion streams, and it is recorded in the Guinness World Records. It also spent 15 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Wizkid’s royalty earnings skyrocketed, and his global recognition sealed international endorsement deals. This collab positioned Wizkid as a pioneer of Afro-fusion on the world stage.

 This song is still regarded as one of the most iconic Nigerian music collaborations of all time.

2. Davido & Chris Brown – Blow My Mind (2019)

Another magical event occurred when Nigerian music collaborations ventured into R&B territory. Davido’s Blow My Mind, featuring Chris Brown, was a cultural and financial success. The video hit 1 million YouTube views within 11 hours of release. This increased Davido’s visibility in the U.S. market, prompting him into endorsement conversations with global brands. Touring with Chris Brown also boosted Davido’s global fees. This song was not just a hit but a million-dollar collaboration that showcased Afrobeats’ crossover potential.

3. Burna Boy & Stormzy/Ed Sheeran – Own It (2019)

Burna Boy’s feature on Stormzy and Ed Sheeran’s track cemented his UK dominance. This was a classic example of Nigerian musicians’ million-dollar collabs paying off beyond Africa. The single also topped the UK Singles Chart. Burna Boy’s booking fees surged across Europe, and his endorsement value climbed, with him later securing deals with Pepsi and fashion brands. This song was among the best Afrobeats collaborations, seamlessly blending genres.

READ MORE: 

• Richest Yoruba Musicians in Nigeria: Who’s Making Millions?
• Nigerian Musicians with the Biggest Endorsement Deals
• How Nigerian Musicians Monetise Social Media for Wealth & Fame

4. Tiwa Savage & Brandy – Somebody’s Son (2021)

Women in Afrobeats have also reaped significant benefits from collaborations. Tiwa Savage’s collaboration with American R&B legend Brandy produced one of the most talked-about hit songs from Nigerian artists. Critically examining this collaboration, these women infused the song with African magic, as it was perfect and had people streaming and talking. This song charted across Africa and received significant radio play in the U.S. It also boosted Tiwa’s appeal as a crossover female star, reinforcing her global tour opportunities and brand partnerships.

This remains one of the biggest Nigerian music collaborations for female artists.

5. Rema & Selena Gomez – Calm Down Remix (2022)

The best Afrobeats collaborations often come from bridging Afrobeats with pop culture. Rema’s Calm Down remix with Selena Gomez did precisely that. This remix version reached number one on both the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs and the Billboard Global Excl. US charts and peaked at number three on the Global 200 chart. It peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking Rema’s first top-ten hit and Gomez’s ninth. It reached number one on the Canadian Hot 100 chart on the 13th of May 2023, and according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the remix was the second-best-selling global single of 2023.

The song broke records as one of the most-streamed African songs ever, massively expanding Rema’s fan base in Latin America and the U.S. He also became a headliner for major international festivals.

This collab proved how Nigerian music collaborations can transform an artist’s financial future.

 

Why Collaborations Bring Millions

• Shared Fan Bases = Bigger Streams

Every collab merges fan bases. When two or more stars collaborate, it results in increased streaming numbers and views. That’s why hit songs from Nigerian collaborations often dominate charts.

• Global Recognition

International collabs place Nigerian artists on bigger stages. Whether it’s the U.S., UK, or Latin America, these collabs break cultural boundaries and open up million-dollar collabs in touring and endorsements.

• Increased Booking Fees

An artist who delivers one of the biggest Nigerian music collaborations can instantly raise performance fees. A $20,000 booking fee can jump to $100,000 or more once a global collab hits.

• Endorsements and Brand Deals

Brands love visibility, and Nigerian music collaborations that trend globally make artists attractive to beverage, fashion, and tech companies. These endorsements often out-earn the music itself.

• Long-Term Royalty Earnings

Streaming royalties, publishing rights, and licensing deals from the best Afrobeats collaborations continue paying artists years after release.

 

Conclusion: Why Collaborations Remain Key

Without Nigerian music collaborations, the story of Afrobeats would be incomplete. From Wizkid’s global takeover with Drake to Rema’s record-breaking moment with Selena Gomez, collabs have proven to be financial jackpots.

Beyond the beats, these are Nigerian musicians’ million-dollar collaborations that shift culture, build wealth, and expand the industry’s global footprint. In simple terms: collabs are not just music, they’re a strategy for fame and fortune.

 

FAQs About Collaborations That Made Nigerian Musicians Millions

1: Which are the biggest Nigerian music collaborations of all time?

Wizkid & Drake’s One Dance, Rema & Selena Gomez’s Calm Down remix, and Davido & Chris Brown’s Blow My Mind are among the biggest Nigerian music collabs of all time.

2: Do Nigerian artists earn more from local or international collabs?

Both pay well, but international collabs often bring bigger global streams, endorsements, and tour opportunities.

3: How much do Nigerian musicians make from collaborations?

Earnings vary, but major collabs can generate millions through streaming, royalties, touring, and endorsements.

4: Are collaborations better for upcoming artists or established stars?

Both upcoming artists and established stars benefit. Rising stars gain exposure, while established stars refresh their brand and tap into new markets.

5: Why are collaborations important in Afrobeats?

They help artists share audiences, grow globally, and turn songs into million-dollar collabs with lasting cultural and financial impact.