By Dammy Shittu
Over the years, the growth of the Nigerian music scene has significantly seen tremendous scale. The world hasn’t just shifted its attention toward our music but has given its ears to the melodies, lyrics, and rhythmic patterns in the stories our songs convey. From club bangers to stadium anthems, Nigerian songs have become a big influence universally.
The Nigerian music scene hasn’t just improved in terms of the quality of melodies and lyrics, but also in the visual creations and promotion of our culture. There’s no doubt our songs are cutting across continents.
With the prominence of Afrobeats placing our artistes on a global frontier, breaking barriers and records, the world has no choice but to embrace our sounds; collaboration with mainstream artistes from the UK and the US has leveled up and even Hollywood doesn’t fail to reckon with our songs.
Let’s take a look at Nigerian songs that soundtracked Hollywood Blockbusters:
- Black Man’s Cry in Beast (2022):
The 1971 classic by the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti was featured as an outro track in the Hollywood movie “Beast.” Black Man’s Cry which is off Fela’s album “Live with Ginger Baker” is one laced with strong rhythms, and heavy chants from Fela himself, coupled with the smooth harmonization of the instruments.
- Zombie in Heart of Stone (2023):
Yet again, Fela’s majesty in the music scene is unrivaled, as ‘Zombie’ was featured in the 2023 movie, ‘Heart of Stone’. “A joro jara joro” as it was heavily chorused, Zombie by Fela delivers an electrifying sensation of Afrobeat. The melodic impact of the trumpets and the dominance of the saxophones are enough to convey Fela’s emotions. Yet the lyrics narrate the invasion of Nigerian soldiers at his renowned Kalakuta Republic.
- Heartbreaker in All the Queen’s Men (2023):
A few weeks ago, Emeka Akumefula popularly known as Blaqbonez took to X (formerly known as Twitter) in reaction to his song ‘Heartbreaker’ being featured in the Tyler Perry series, ‘All the Queen’s Men’. The song off the album ‘Sex Over Love’ garnered lots of listens, and was showered accolades when featured in the American series. The 2021 BET+ series which is laced with dramatic, crime, thrilling, and romantic scenes couldn’t have picked a better song to soundtrack the scene. Emeka did really shine!
- Link Up in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023):
Since the world is yearning for more Afrobeats, Hollywood hasn’t failed to reckon with our stars. Link Up (Spider-Verse remix) by Metro Boomin features Don Toliver and Wizkid amassed lots of attention amongst the soundtracks for the movie which was released this year. The Hip-hop track is a blend of top-notch vocals from the artists, ingeniously produced by Metro Boomin.
- Ogogoro in Creed III (2023):
Mavin Talent, Ayra Starr joined Dreamville’s Bas on the soundtrack ‘Ogogoro’ as part of the 18-album tracklist for the movie, ‘Creed III’. The chorus of the song narrates how Ogogoro, a popular local dry gin, no longer intoxicates her (Ayra Starr) due to the numerous life lessons.
The album tracklist also stars Nigerian music producer, Kel P, and Ghanaian act, Black Sherif collaborating with Bas on the film track, ‘Blood, Sweat, and Tears’.
- Alone in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022):
When it comes to delivering excellent renditions, Burna Boy is no doubt a maestro at it. ‘Alone’, a powerful yet soothing song was released as part of the 19-track album for the much anticipated Marvel movie, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever which was released in November 2022. The soul-stirring masterpiece received wide acceptance and garnered millions of listens was produced by P.Priime and Ludwig Göransson, and is unarguably the best song off the album.
The album tracklist also features vocals from Tems, Fireboy DML, Rema, Ckay, and Bloody Civilian.
- My Money, My Baby in Queen and Slim (2019):
A film by Melina Matsoukas employs the vocals of Afro-Fusion artist Burna Boy for the main soundtrack for the movie. My Money, My Baby features a sample of Fela’s 1972 classic, ‘Shakara.’ On the song, Burna Boy stays true to the original pattern, delivering excellently the rhythm and mannerisms of the Afrobeat legend.
- Assurance in Coming 2 America (2021):
33 years after the popular Eddie Murphy’s franchise was released, Afrobeats artiste Davido gave a thrilling performance as he appeared as a cameo in a wedding scene in the movie Coming 2 America. SperoachBeatz produced the original song.
The movie soundtrack also features songs from other Nigerian artistes including, Burna Boy, Tekno, and Tiwa Savage.
- Brown Skin Girl in The Lion King (2019):
Social media was thrown into a frenzy when Beyonce featured Afrobeats Superstar Wizkid on the hit single, Brown Skin Girl. Brown Skin Girl which also features Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN comes off Beyonce’s Lion King: The Gift album released in July 2019 inspired by the remake of Disney’s live-action The Lion King.
It was awarded the Best Music Video at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, earning Wizkid his first-ever Grammy Award. Nigerian-British artist and director, Jenn Nkiru directed the video.
- Gbona in Top Boy (2022):
Burna Boy’s impact in the film industry significantly increased after his hit single, Gbona was featured on the popular UK series, Top Boy (S4 Ep1)
The Afro-Fusion track highlights the bravado nature of the African Giant yet sustains a poise. A perfect fit for the Dushane scene after he finally regained his freedom.
As we look back on this musical odyssey through the lens of Nigerian artistes and their Hollywood contributions, it’s clear that the world has not just embraced Afrobeats; it has become enchanted by it. From the timeless classics of Fela Kuti to the contemporary hits of Burna Boy and Wizkid, Nigerian musicians have not only enhanced the cinematic experience but have also woven a rich tapestry of culture and emotion that resonates across the globe. This is not merely a moment in the spotlight; it’s a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, connect, and transcend boundaries.