10 Afropop Collaborations that Defined 2021

The power of collaborations cannot be overemphasized, and this year is no different.

Through the decades, we’ve seen many artists team up to deliver a memorable hit that leaves fans swooning.
For instance when Tiwa Savage and Wizkid linked on Malo, Nasty C and Davido on Coolest Kid in Africa, Yemi Alade and sauti sol on Africa they all created special and memorable music moments that live on years later.

Here are some of the top collaborations that defined the year 2021.

1)Niko Sawa By Nviiri The Storyteller and Bien

Already a heartbreak anthem that has eched itself on the heads and hearts of kenyans, Niko Sawa is what happens when 2 prolific songwriters come together in the studio.

The lyrics are heartfelt and relatable, the duo's vocals blend so well in the track as they both reminisce their times with an ex after a break up.

Niko Sawa never grows old only adding to Nviiri's catalogue of classics such as pombe sigara.

2) Wavy by Khalighraph and Sarkodie

Khalighraph kicked off 2021 with an excellent Rap Performance full of heavy bars and puchlines served with a fast paced delivery on Wavy.
Sarkodie didnt also hold back going toe to toe with Khalighraph as he spit fire on his verse.
The track was a win for African HipHop as two of It's best rappers demonstrate their greatness across the 4 minutes play time.

3) ‘Essence’ by Wizkid and Tems

Easily overlooked as part of the body of work that is ‘Made in Lagos’, the creative direction of the song becomes complete with accompanying visuals that portray WizKid and Tems as lovers.
Tems intoxocating tone was a highlight for many in these groovy and seductive jam.

A global hit in its rights, Wizkid and ‘star girl’ Tems dominate global music.
Essence broke countless of records globally and is nominated for a grammy for best global music performance.


4) ‘Somebody’s Son’ by Tiwa Savage and Brandy

A twist on ‘The Boy is Mine’, Tiwa Savage teams up with American singer Brandy to deliver a female power anthem.
Soulfull harmonies and vocal performances are fully present across this afropop smash hit only driving its message deeper in our hearts

Tiwa resonated heavily with women on this feel good bop full of hope and reassurance never to settle and remain optimistic in the pursuit of love.

5) ‘Monalisa’ by Lojay and Sarz

Sometimes less is more. Creatively harnessing the song’s title albeit repetitive, Lojay gives one of the catchiest choruses in recent times.

Teaming with Sarz, the pair complement each other in ways words cannot describe.

6) ‘High’ by Adekunle Gold and Davido

The good boy turned bad Adekunle Gold teams up with Davido to deliver a tribute to alcohol with reckless abandon.

Taking the amapiano route, Gold retains relevance in the ever-shifting music landscape.‘High’ – Adekunle Gold, Davido

The good boy turned bad Adekunle Gold teams up with Davido to deliver a tribute to alcohol with reckless abandon.

Taking the amapiano route, Gold retains relevance in the ever-shifting music landscape.

7) ‘Running (To You)’ by Chike and Simi

This collaboration affirms the adage ‘two (good) heads are better than one.’
The perfect standalone track of Chike gets the ‘Simi’ treatment, further expanding its listenership and breaking cultural boundaries for Chike.
This love song dominate instagram stories, tiktok and weddings all due to its infectious melody and Simi's angelic vocals.


8) Long Distance by Victoria Kimani and Kidi

What an Underrated Bop this one is.
Long Distance maintains a mid tempo eargasmic experience through its 3 short minutes as Vicky and Kidi lust over each other in the lyrics promising each other a good time when they see each other.
The songs replay value and quality is insane, i highly recommend.


9) ‘Coming’ by Naira Marley and Busiswa Gqulu

Released in the first quarter of the year, Naira Marley extends his trail of controversial songs with unabashed lyrics, over-the-top braggadocio, and raunchy visuals with some silly special effects.

Marley and Busiswa did not shy away from their sexual intentions. Though it may not be the go-to track on your playlist for obvious reasons, it reigns supreme in nightclubs.


10) ‘Kolo’ – Ice Prince and Oxlade

Reminiscent of collaborations between rappers and R’n’B singers in the early 2000s, Ice Prince extends his legacy by sharing the spotlight with Oxlade, who possesses all the skills of an OG.

With the chorus rendered in pidgin, it has captured the attention of many music lovers, making it a staple on most playlists.

Do you agree with my list? What's your favorite collaboration this year?
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