Nigerian music icon Dapo Oyebanjo, famously known as D’Banj, has given props to Kanye West for playing a pivotal role in introducing Afrobeats to the global stage. Speaking on a recent episode of the Listen podcast, the ‘Oliver Twist’ hitmaker opened up about how the American rapper’s early interest in Afrobeats helped catapult the genre to the Western world.
D’Banj revealed that his first encounter with Kanye West happened in Dubai, where the rapper expressed curiosity about the emerging Afrobeats sound. According to D’Banj, Kanye’s interest stemmed from conversations with university students, who had introduced him to the genre.
The first time I met Kanye West in Dubai, he told me that he had enquired about Afrobeats from students in the university. He was genuinely interested in the sound shared.That curiosity was what led to Don Jazzy and me signing with Good Music. Kanye didn’t just buy into the genre; he elevated it to the next level.
D’Banj’s deal with Kanye’s record label, Good Music, marked a significant milestone in Afrobeats history, setting the stage for its eventual domination of global music charts. The Nigerian superstar’s hit single Oliver Twist became an international sensation, proving that Afrobeats could hold its own in the global music scene.
As the genre continues to thrive with artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido making waves worldwide, D’Banj’s acknowledgment of Kanye West’s early contribution reminds fans of the collaborative efforts that helped Afrobeats become the global phenomenon it is today.
This candid revelation highlights how cross-cultural collaborations and mutual respect have shaped the genre’s success, solidifying its place as one of the most influential music movements in recent history.
