Nigerian music icon D’banj has credited American rapper and music executive Kanye West as the pioneer in embracing Afrobeats on the global stage.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Listen podcast, D’banj, popularly known as the Koko Master, revealed how Kanye’s interest in African music led to his and Don Jazzy’s groundbreaking deal with West’s record label, GOOD Music.
“The first time I met Kanye West in Dubai, he told me that he had enquired about Afrobeats from students in the university. So, he actually wanted to pick up the sound,” D’banj shared. “That was what gave us [Don Jazzy and me] the deal and the opportunity to be signed to his record label [GOOD Music].”
D’banj praised Kanye for not only recognizing the potential of Afrobeats but also actively promoting the genre. “Kanye is the first person [international artist] to buy into it [Afrobeats],” he stated. “Not just buy into it but take it to the next level.”
In 2012, Kanye West appeared in the music video for D’banj’s global hit, Oliver Twist, further cementing his support for the genre.
The collaboration between Kanye and D’banj marked a significant milestone in the global recognition of Afrobeats. Today, the genre has become a global phenomenon, with artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido enjoying international acclaim.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, D’banj said, “Kanye’s love for African music opened doors for us, and the rest is history.”
The acknowledgment underscores Kanye West’s early role in championing Afrobeats, a genre now celebrated worldwide.
