Nasty C Credits Wizkid for Afrobeats’ Global Breakthrough, Says ‘One Dance’ Changed Everything

South African rapper Nasty C has hailed Nigerian music star Wizkid for his pivotal role in elevating African music onto the global stage, crediting the singer’s collaboration with Canadian superstar Drake as a major turning point for Afrobeats.

Speaking during a recent podcast interview, the Zulu Man With Some Power rapper said Wizkid’s contribution to the 2016 global hit One Dance significantly transformed international perceptions of African music.

According to Nasty C, the massive commercial success of the song helped create new opportunities for African artists while accelerating the worldwide acceptance and profitability of Afrobeats.

He explained that the genre’s growing international appeal prompted a noticeable shift within the music industry, with some artists who previously focused on hip-hop exploring Afrobeats due to its expanding global demand.

Nasty C revealed that during conversations and interviews in Nigeria and Ghana, industry insiders attributed much of Afrobeats’ commercial boom to the impact of One Dance and the doors it opened for African talent.

The chart-topping single, which featured Wizkid and British singer Kyla alongside Drake, went on to achieve historic success, becoming the first song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. The record is widely regarded as one of the songs that propelled Afrobeats further into mainstream global music culture.

Drake has also publicly acknowledged Wizkid’s contribution to the award-winning track, with the Nigerian singer credited as a featured artist, co-writer and co-producer.

Since the release of One Dance, Afrobeats has experienced remarkable international growth, with Nigerian and other African artists increasingly securing global collaborations, chart success and sold-out performances across major markets.

Nasty C’s remarks add to the growing recognition of Wizkid’s influence in shaping the modern global trajectory of African music and expanding the reach of Afrobeats beyond the continent.