South African rapper Nasty C has credited Nigerian superstar Wizkid with playing a key role in the global rise of Afrobeats, following his collaboration on Drake’s 2016 hit One Dance.
Speaking during a podcast interview, the rapper said the track marked a major turning point for African music on the international stage and helped open doors for contemporary African artists.
He explained that the success of the collaboration introduced Afrobeats to a wider global audience, increasing its visibility and commercial appeal.
According to him, the impact of the song was so significant that it influenced shifts within the African music industry, with some artists exploring Afrobeats due to its rising global demand and profitability.
Nasty C noted that conversations during his interviews in Nigeria and Ghana also highlighted how the genre gained momentum following the success of One Dance.
The 2016 record, which featured Wizkid and British singer Kyla alongside Drake, remains one of the most successful global hits in streaming history and is widely credited with pushing Afrobeats into mainstream international markets.
The track, which blends Afrobeats, dancehall, and pop influences, is recognised as a milestone moment for African representation in global music.
Wizkid is credited as a co-writer, co-producer, and featured artist on the award-winning song, which continues to be referenced as a cultural bridge between African and global sounds.
