International Remixes have become a staple for artists in the Nigerian music industry; they serve as creative outlets and music marketing machines. Nigerian artists have gone from featuring homegrown acts and being featured by international acts to tapping numerous foreign artists on remixes of their records. From 2020 up until now, there have been several significant remixes of Nigerian songs that have obliterated charts and taken Afrobeats to newer and untapped markets. Not only do more international artists want to play in the Afrobeats scene, but African music has become the golden sound making a huge impact on popular culture worldwide.
Here is a ranking of the top international remixes by Nigerian artists released in 2020 or later based on creativity and commercial success:
7 – 5 Star
Adekunle Gold went international with the remix of his single, 5 Star. He tapped Rick Ross who is renowned for his ability to eloquently capture the 5 Star life Adekunle Gold tries to convey to listeners on the track. The track got a sparkling revamp on a version that lost none of its luster, sheen, or shine.
6 – Bloody Samaritan
Ayra Starr released a new version of her popular Bloody Samaritan track that keeps its original structure, but elevates it with Rowland’s soaring vocal runs. Apart from being a huge moment for Ayra Starr, the record was also spun in a way that reminds you of why you fell in love with the original in the first place but is also a different and rich vine entirely.
5 – Monalisa
A danceable Amapiano-influenced piece with a catchy and repetitive chorus, Monalisa got a magic touch from frequent Afrobeats collaborator, Chris Brown. Lojay’s immaculate delivery of his sultry vocals decorates the record and Chris Brown’s distinct vocals and harmonies flawlessly complement the original track. The remix was a win for Lojay helping him push the sound to more territories and has amassed over 43 million streams on Spotify alone
4 – Peru
Ed Sheeran has been playing in the Afrobeats scene for a while now and his delivery on Peru with Fireboy is still one of his top appearances on a song with a Nigerian artist. For a newcomer to African music, Ed Sheeran was super comfortable and smooth with his delivery on the Peru record. The song has amassed over 215 million streams on Spotify so far.
3 – Essence
As Essence continued to gain more success and popularity in the US, it became both a summer anthem and emblematic of being black outside the country. Justin Bieber eventually hopped on a remix of the song that skyrocketed its already impressive achievements. The song has surpassed 106 million Spotify streams amongst a number of Billboard entries and award nominations.
2 – Ku Lo Sa
Oxlade had a magical year in 2022 thanks to the viral success of his COLORS performance of Ku Lo Sa. For the official remix, the artist decided to tap Cuban American singer and songwriter, Camila Cabello. Not only has the track accumulated over 10 million streams on Spotify, Camila Cabello made the record her own complimenting Oxlade’s already angelic vocals beautifully
1 – Calm Down
Following their viral meeting at Rema’s Rave and Roses Tour, Rema and Selena Gomez came together to deliver a sizzling rendition of Calm Down. Not only has the song performed well commercially, climbing to the no. 1 spot on the Billboard Global Chart (Excl. US), the record saw the Wizards of Waverly Places star contribute to the track in a way that keeps its original flair but adds a unique twist thanks to her impeccable and powerful vocal ability.