2024 is the year of collaboration. Only in the first quarter of the year, and seemingly sonic sworn rivals have formed a two-man band, legendary flagbearers of the culture have teamed up for the first time, echoing the rhetoric that creative co-dependence is the ultimate survival pack for Afrobeats.
Now more than ever, artistic collaborations are inevitable. It is the latest modus operandi adopted by the music industry—a viable one.
Here are Ten of the best Afrobeats collaborations of 2024 (so far).
Simi x Tiwa Savage – Men Are Crazy
Since forever, Fans and music listeners alike have been in a cut-throat conversation about how Afrobeats female artists do not like working together. And while the rhetoric was a bit misaligned, there were some justifications. However, very recently, Simi and Tiwa Savage put those talks to rest via their ‘Men Are Crazy’ single.
Men Are Crazy was a thing of majestic beauty. Two Queens at the top of their game, locking voices for the first time in their careers and creating a hit while at it. The single is a sonic delight that also cosplays as a cultural reset. What’s there not to love?
Kold Af x Aema – ‘No Pity’
‘Anarchy for Patriarchy’ would have been a befitting title for Kold Af and Aema’s joint body of work, ‘No Pity’. The three-track Extended Play is an extension of the remarkable possibilities loomed in the underground. Both singers, coupled with featured acts, bring a unique piece offering to the Afrobeats soundscape.
Ayo Maff x Fireboy Dml – Dealer
Ayo Maff’s ‘Dealer’, is a classic example of one of the prime benefits of collaboration – when ‘lil bank’ meets ‘big bank’, you have a blown-out payout. ‘Dealer’ sees Afrobeats superstar, Fireboy Dml grant a stellar verse to the budding singer’s requiem for a coping mechanism. The single is hands-down one of the best collaborations that the year 2024 has offered thus far.
10Ten x Qing Madi – Problem Choke
Sonic haven. This is how I would like to describe ‘Problem Choke’. A&R honcho, 10Ten tapped the explosive vocal abilities of fast-rising star, Qing Madi to deliver one of the best recordings of the year, if not the best.
Ruger x Bnxn – RnB
Talk about a duet nobody ever saw coming. For a while, fans of both Bnxn and Ruger have been at loggerheads, trading online curses at the other party. But when both stars released their joint body of work, RnB, tentative white flags were shown. The quality of music in RnB made it further ridiculous nurturing senseless comparisons, as both acts displayed the essence of creative collaboration.
Azantii x Psycho YP – Naija Funk
The recently released ‘Naija Funk’ has been hailed since its release as one of the best songs of the year. Nothing could be more accurate. The single is as catchy as it is a solid contender for best collaboration of the year. Azantii and Psycho Yp sure understand the beauty of teamwork.
Joeboy x Qing Madi – Adenuga
Popular crooner, Joe Boy enlists Qing Madi ( who has been having an incredible run so far) for the Afro-pop track single titled ‘Adenuga’. Adenuga sees both Joeboy and Qing Madi delivering at their very best.
Young Jhn x Kizz Daniel x Seyi Vibez – Big Big Things
Young Jhn hardly misses when he is solo and even better is he when grouped with other stars. His single ‘ Big Big Things’ is a total banger! One of the biggest hits of the year for sure. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez re-unite on the single, duplicating their quintessential prowess.
Vibez inc x Seyi Vibez x Muheez
Seyi Vibez has come a long way from a signed artist to his current apotheosis as a label owner (Vibez Inc.). Now in charge of his turf, the star singer unveiled his latest signee Muheez on the impressive street pop number ‘Instagram’. The record is an amazing testament to the power of collaboration, as Seyi leaves room for his artist to soar, while shining himself.
Victony x Asake
‘Stubborn’ is a masterclass on the positive effects of collaboration. The single debunks the belief that hazardous occurrences are more likely to occur when many chefs are in the kitchen.
Victony, Asake, alongside the production inputs of Sarz, Ktizo, Western Weiss, and 1mind Birth one of the best works of the year.
