In this compilation, we showcase the Top 15 crossover collaborations between Afrobeats and Latin Pop.
In the realm of international music, two dominant genres have risen to prominence: Afrobeats and Latin Pop. These genres have not only captured substantial market shares but have also garnered significant attention from listeners worldwide. With their immense influence, collaborations have naturally become an integral part of these cultural movements.
Here, we present a carefully curated list of the top 15 Afrobeats/Latin Pop crossover collaborations, highlighting the seamless fusion of these dynamic musical styles.
1. Maluma ft. Rayvanny – Mama Tetema
In 2021, Colombian artiste Maluma released “Mama Tetema”, a track inspired by Tanzanian artiste Rayvanny’s 2019 single “Tetema” from his “Sounds of Africa” album. This vibrant reinterpretation not only breathes new life into the song but also injects captivating elements of Latin pop, offering an enchanting twist to the original track.
2. Burna Boy ft. J Balvin – Rollercoaster
On Burna Boy’s “Love Damini” album, amidst a constellation of star features, he meticulously integrated Colombian singer and acclaimed “Prince of Reggaeton”, J Balvin into the composition of a special song called “Rollercoaster”. Over a captivating Skread-produced beat, these two accomplished artistes effortlessly fused the quintessence of Latin Pop and Afro-fusion, crafting a musical masterpiece that transcends genres and resonates with a global audience.
3. Ozuna ft. Davido – Eva Longoria
On Puerto Rican superstar Ozuna’s most recent EP, “Afro”, he teams up with Davido, a choice that fits perfectly with the EP’s thematic direction. A standout track from this release is “Eva Longoria”, which brilliantly demonstrates the seamless blending of Latin Pop and Afrobeats. This song serves as a superb example of how these two distinct musical genres come together harmoniously, delivering a captivating auditory experience.
4. Mr Eazi ft. J Balvin – Lento
In 2020, Mr. Eazi and J Balvin joined forces, guided by the creative direction of Killertunes, to create a viral sensation that was both irresistibly catchy and perfect for dancing. Their collaboration produced an entrancing musical gem that encapsulated the spirit of the year, enchanting global audiences with its infectious rhythms and beats.
5. Oxlade & Camilla Cabello – KU LO SA
After the viral success of his COLORS performance of “KU LO SA,” Nigerian Afrobeats artiste Oxlade collaborated with the multi-platinum, chart-topping singer/songwriter Camila Cabello to create an official remix. Camila Cabello added her distinctive touch to Oxlade’s worldwide hit ‘Ku Lo Sa,’ aiming to breathe fresh life into the track and spark a renewed wave of popularity.
6. Kizz Daniel & Becky G – Cough
Similar to the previous song, Kizz Daniel revisits his already popular hit “Cough” this time enlisting the talents of Mexican-American singer Becky G to infuse a fresh perspective and redefine his finished product.
7. Bad Bunny & J Balvin ft. Mr Eazi – Como U Bebe
In a collaborative effort on their EP “Oasis”, two prominent Latin pop stars, Bad Bunny and J Balvin, extended an invitation to the renowned Afrobeats hitmaker, Mr. Eazi. Together, they harnessed his exceptional talent for the track “Como U Bebe,” which translates to “Like a Baby.” This song emerged as a standout single within their joint project.
8. Afro B & Ozuna – Drogba (Joanna)
“Drogba (Joanna),” originally released in 2018, saw multiple remixes until 2020. The Ozuna remix, arguably the most iconic, blends Afrobeats with Ozuna’s Latin style, becoming a classic in Afrobeats Latin Pop. It highlights the lasting impact of cross-cultural musical collaborations, creating something memorable in music.
9. Omah Lay & Ozuna – Soso
Ozuna is steadily establishing himself as a frequent collaborator in the Afrobeats scene, and he now adds another gem to his already impressive portfolio. He’s featured in a remix of one of Omah Lay’s distinctive songs, known for its unique “Afro-Depression” style. This collaboration underscores Ozuna’s versatility and his knack for seamlessly blending into various musical genres.
10. Rema & Selena Gomez – Calm Down
The epitome of an immensely successful crossover between Latin Pop and Afrobeats is exemplified by a groundbreaking collaboration between Rema and Selena Gomez. This one-of-a-kind song this unique song has achieved unprecedented success, to the extent that summarizing its accomplishments would necessitate an entire dedicated article. Notably, it stands as the first Afrobeats track to surpass the milestone of 1 billion streams.
11. Shakira ft. Freshlyground – Waka Waka
“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” alternatively titled “Waka Waka (Esto es África)” in Spanish, is a celebrated song performed by iconic Colombian songstress Shakira in collaboration with the South African multi-award winning Afro-fusion band Freshlyground. It occupies a significant position in music history as the official anthem of the 2010 World Cup. This lively composition ingeniously incorporates sampled elements from the original Cameroonian track “Zamina mina (Zangaléwa)” by Golden Sounds.
12. Amaarae ft. Kali Uchis & Moliy – Sad Girlz Luv Money (Remix)
Originally a collaboration between Ghanaian singers Amaarae and Moliy, the track “Girlz Luv Money” was part of Amaarae’s 2020 album “The Angel You Don’t Know.” It gained substantial traction and widespread recognition, especially on TikTok, after being remixed by Kali Uchis, a prominent American singer with Colombian heritage. The remix’s blend of diverse musical styles and cultures played a pivotal role in its success, highlighting the global appeal of these gifted artistes.
13. Aya Nakamura ft. Maluma – Djadja (Remix)
“Djadja” was originally included in a pre-release version of France-based Malian superstar Aya Nakamura’s second studio album, “Nakamura”, in 2018. The remix of the song was released in 2020, featuring Maluma, who introduced fresh Spanish lyrics and gave the song a new interpretation.
14. Feid & Rema – Babalu
Following the immense success of his Selena Gomez collaboration, Rema returns with another Afrobeats/Latin crossover, this time partnering with Colombian hitmaker Feid. Despite its recent release, this song is poised to quickly achieve classic status. On this track, Rema demonstrates his remarkable versatility by seamlessly incorporating elements of Spanish and venturing into the realm of Latin pop.
15. D’Banj ft. Sensato & Pitbull – Oliver Twist (Remix)
Back in 2012, D’Banj’s “Oliver Twist” made a groundbreaking debut, entering the UK Official Singles charts at number 9. Following the immense international success of the song, two prominent Latin music stars, Sensato and the widely acclaimed “Mr. Worldwide” Pitbull, collaborated on a Latin remix they fittingly titled “La Confession”.
