Afrobeats ascent into the global mainstream has been turbocharged by a string of high-profile collaborations with international artists, and 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for this trend. Building on the momentum of past pairings, like Drake with Wizkid on “One Dance,” or Selena Gomez joining Rema for “Calm Down”, Afrobeat artists are increasingly locking in with global superstars, amplifying their reach and cementing the genre’s dominance. Let’s explore the current buzz, the “Highly anticipated collaboration” from fans, and what this means for Afrobeats trajectory.
The numbers back this up. Streaming figures for Afrobeats have surged, Spotify reported a 550% increase in listens between 2017 and 2022. Artists such as Burna Boy, Asake, and Tems are not just breaking records but selling out arenas worldwide. These international collaborations provide exposure to wider audiences and help integrate Afrobeat into mainstream global music culture. Wizkid’s Essence remix with Justin Bieber helped the track achieve global recognition, while Davido and Lojay’s collaboration with Chris Brown on Sensational earned a Grammy nomination in 2025. The impact is clear: these collaborations drive visibility, increase crossover appeal, and open new markets.
Now, let’s talk about the juicy part—the “Highly anticipated collaboration” that could define Afrobeats next global leap.
First up, pop powerhouse Dua Lipa. She’s dominated dance, pop, and even dabbled in Latin music, but an Afrobeat crossover? That could be the unexpected twist of 2025. With her massive global following and relatively untapped presence in African markets, an alliance with Tems seems like a no-brainer. Tems’ sultry, soulful delivery paired with Dua’s polished pop melodies could create something effortlessly cool—imagine ‘Higher’ getting a Dua-infused remix, tailor-made for both radio dominance and late-night playlists.
Another potential link-up? Post Malone. The man has seamlessly blended hip-hop, rock, and even country, so adding Afrobeat to his repertoire wouldn’t be a stretch. A collab with Fireboy DML? honestly, that makes perfect sense. Fireboy’s smooth, R&B-tinged Afrobeat style would complement Post’s melancholic hooks, it’s clear the U.S. market is primed for more Nigerian stars, and Post Malone could be the perfect bridge.
Then there’s the wildcard, Billie Eilish. A name you wouldn’t expect in an Afrobeat conversation, yet fans suggest a collaboration with Omah Lay would be the best combo. At first glance, their styles seem worlds apart, but think about it, Omah Lay’s moody, atmospheric Afrobeat vibes (‘Soso’, anyone?) could beautifully blend with Billie’s signature ethereal vocals. The result? A genre-bending masterpiece that introduces Afrobeat to the indie-pop crowd.
And let’s not forget Kendrick Lamar with AraTheJay, the Ghanaian rising star blending highlife and Afrobeat. If this happens, expect a track rich in lyrical depth, where Kendrick’s razor-sharp storytelling meets AraTheJay’s soul-stirring melodies, potentially a ‘Sankofa’ remix with conscious bars woven into its fabric.
What This Means for Afrobeats’ Growth
The increasing number of collaborations between Afrobeat artists and Western stars signals the genre’s growing influence on global music trends. These partnerships help Afrobeat gain mainstream recognition while showcasing its adaptability across different musical styles.
Rema’s Calm Down surpassed a billion streams on Spotify largely due to its remix with Selena Gomez, proving how these collaborations can accelerate an artist’s global reach.
However, as Afrobeat integrates further into the global market, there is the question of whether the genre risks being diluted. While international collaborations provide immense opportunities, it’s crucial for Afrobeat artists to maintain their unique sound and cultural identity. The success of Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido demonstrates that authenticity remains key, Afrobeat thrives not by blending in, but by standing out.
Whether or not these rumored collaborations come to life, one thing is clear: Afrobeat is no longer a rising genre, it is a major player in the global music industry. The coming year will only reinforce that status, with each new partnership expanding its influence and cementing its place in mainstream music.
