A meme has emerged online describing Chris Brown as an Afrobeats artist. While made in obvious jest, it contains a truth: no mainstream foreign artist has supported and accommodated Nigeria’s evolving music scene like he has. This was reflected in his recent appearance on the remix to Lojay’s 2021 monster hit, Monalisa off the 2021 collaborative LV N ATTN EP with producer Sarz. Inspired by this, we have curated an oral history of Chris Brown’s history of Afrobeats collaborations.
Wizkid Ft Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and French Montana – Shabba
Year: 2016
Shabba was Chris Brown’s first collaboration with a Nigerian artiste. Released on the 1st of July 2016, this trap tune was met with mixed reactions as it was unusual and not peculiar to Wizkid however, people warmed up to it. For Wizkid, who at the time, was getting a wave of attention for One Dance, this marked an opportunity for him to flex his muscles with international artists.
Ayo Jay Ft Chris Brown and Kid Ink – Number remix
Year: 2016
Ayo Jay’s Your Number was one of the first Afrobeats songs to cross over to the States becoming a radio hit, particularly across the East Coast and DMV area. In a bid to help take the song a notch, he tapped Chris Brown for the remix of his hit single. Since its release in August 2016, it has been streamed over 30 million times.
Wizkid Ft Chris Brown – African Bad Gyal
Year: 2017
After working on Shabba in 2016, the duo reignited their chemistry on African Bad Gyal off Wizkid’s Sounds From The Other Side which was released on the 4th of July, the following year. Produced by Sarz, the song is packed with glistening keys and elements of Electronic Dance Music. Wizkid executed a classic delivery and Chris Brown in his glossy vocals followed in the same vein.
Davido Ft Chris Brown – Blow My Mind
Year: 2019
In 2019, Davido released this track featuring Chris Brown on July 26, 2019. On this mid-tempo tune produced by Shizzi, Davido set an incredible ambiance and Chris Brown proves he is the perfect feature for this track by rendering a stellar melodic verse. His alternating flows made his verse riveting and enhanced the track.
Chris Brown Ft Davido – Lower Body
Year: 2019
Following their first collaboration on Blow My Mind, Chris Brown recruited Davido for his Indigo Album which he released on the 4th of October 2019. On this pleasant instrumental produced by Kiddominant, Davido delivers a remarkable verse and hook setting the pace for Chris Brown to ride on. Trust Chris Brown to finish it off with a bang.
Davido Ft Chris Brown and Young Thug – Shopping Spree
Year: 2020
Davido collaborated with Chris Brown for the third time on Shopping Spree, off Davido’s album A Better Time which was released on the 12th of November 2020. The rhythmic flow of the beat together with Davido’s husky vocals and impeccable bounce makes this tune stimulating. Chris Brown came through with his amazing sound.
Rema Ft Chris Brown – Time & Affection
Year: 2022
Mavin signee Rema tapped Chris Brown for Time & Affection off his album Rave & Roses which was released on March 25th this year. This London-produced track is calming yet sensational. Rema in his ideal style rendered a captivating verse and Chris Brown finishes off the song with his immaculate verse.