In a bold and thought-provoking statement, Grammy-winning rapper and fashion mogul Kanye West has suggested that American rappers could benefit significantly from studying and learning from their Nigerian counterparts. According to Kanye, Nigerian artists, particularly in the realms of Afrobeat and afropop, are revolutionizing the global music scene and have unparalleled influence, which could offer American hip-hop artists valuable insights into musical innovation, global appeal, and entrepreneurial success.
Kanye, who has often been vocal about his admiration for global cultures and trends, made the comments during a live interview at a recent fashion event, where he was discussing the future of music and its intersection with business. American rap is huge, no doubt, but Nigerian artists are changing the game. Their sound is crossing borders in ways that American music hasn’t been able to, Kanye said. The world is embracing their style, their culture, their authenticity, and it’s something American rappers need to look at and learn from.
His praise for Nigerian artists is hardly new. Over the past few years, Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Tems have steadily made their presence felt on the international stage, breaking records, collaborating with global superstars, and even winning prestigious awards. Burna Boy, for instance, won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021, while Wizkid’s collaborations with Drake and Beyoncé have seen his reach grow exponentially outside of Africa.
Kanye pointed out that the success of Nigerian artists isn’t just limited to their music but also to their entrepreneurial ventures and business acumen. “It’s not just about the music, Kanye explained. “Nigerian artists are building brands, launching businesses, and leveraging their global influence to create opportunities for themselves and their communities. He specifically referenced Wizkid’s business ventures, Burna Boy’s multiple endorsement deals, and the success of Nigerian fashion brands, which are increasingly influencing the global market.
One of the key elements Kanye highlighted was the authenticity Nigerian artists bring to the global stage. While American rappers have historically represented specific urban cultures, Nigerian musicians have been able to weave their cultural roots into the mainstream without compromising their identity. Kanye argued that Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, who frequently blends Afrobeat rhythms with reggae and pop influences, and Tems, who merges soul, R&B, and afropop, have crafted unique sounds that speak to a diverse, international audience.
I’ve always said, music is about feeling, Kanye continued. The way Nigerian artists evoke emotion with their music, the way they connect with people across cultures, that’s something we can learn from. They’re making music that’s universal, and that’s what every artist should strive for.
In his remarks, Kanye also acknowledged the challenges Nigerian artists face, including limited resources in their home country compared to the massive infrastructure available in the U.S. Despite these hurdles, Nigerian musicians have been able to break through to the global stage through digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, where African music has seen massive growth in recent years.
Kanye’s call for American rappers to adopt lessons from Nigerian artists goes beyond musical influence; he also stressed the importance of fostering global collaborations. Instead of looking at it like competition, American rappers should be collaborating with African artists, Kanye advised. When we work together, the possibilities are endless. It’s about creating a global movement, not just a local scene.
This isn’t the first time Kanye has advocated for a more inclusive, globally conscious approach to music. In previous interviews, he has spoken about the need to bridge gaps between different musical genres and cultures, suggesting that artists should step outside of their comfort zones to experiment with sounds and themes from all over the world.
While Kanye’s comments may stir debate in the hip-hop community, there’s no denying the profound impact Nigerian artists have had on the global music landscape. As the world becomes more interconnected through technology and social media, music is no longer bound by borders, and Nigerian artists have become powerful ambassadors of African culture. Kanye’s message is clear: American rappers need to recognize the wave of global music transformation led by Nigerian artists and learn from their approach to music, business, and cultural influence. By doing so, they can push the boundaries of creativity, expand their reach, and connect with audiences in new and meaningful ways. The future of music, Kanye believes, is one where artists from all corners of the globe come together to innovate, share, and create in an ever-evolving cultural exchange.
