November 22, 2024 – In an exciting revelation, Nicki Minaj, the Queen of Rap, has explained why she chose to feature Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Davido on her new track “If It’s Okay,” saying she wanted to bring an authentic Afrobeat flavor to the song. This collaboration, which is part of the 10th-anniversary special edition of her legendary album The Pinkprint, showcases the global influence of Afrobeats and highlights Minaj’s ability to blend different musical genres while paying homage to their origins.
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In response to a fan’s question on X (formerly Twitter), Minaj shared the thought process behind collaborating with Davido, one of the leading figures in the Afrobeats genre. The fan, Tae (who identifies as #barbiefyr), praised the choice of Davido, calling him the perfect fit for the song. Tae wrote, “What drew you to Davido for the song ‘If it’s Okay’? In my opinion, he was an ideal choice for this incredible masterpiece! He was speaking that ish.” To this, Minaj responded, “That man is an incredible writer and melody maker. It’s always a pleasure working with him because of our mutual respect for one another. I asked him to be a part of it in order to bring out the Afrobeats tempo/feeling in it a bit more. Naija to the world.”
A Fusion of Cultures: Minaj and Davido’s Collaboration
Minaj’s decision to incorporate Davido into “If It’s Okay” speaks to her desire to create a cross-genre masterpiece, bridging the gap between hip-hop and the burgeoning Afrobeat movement. Afrobeats has been one of the most influential and popular genres globally, with its infectious rhythms and infectious melodies making it a staple in mainstream music. By featuring Davido, Minaj taps into the genre’s vibrant, infectious energy while adding her own unique flavor.
For Davido, the collaboration with Minaj represents another milestone in his successful career. Known for his contributions to Afrobeats with hits like “Fall,” “If,” and “Blow My Mind,” Davido’s involvement in the track adds credibility and authenticity to the Afrobeat influence that Minaj was aiming for. In the song, Davido’s smooth and rhythmic vocals pair perfectly with Minaj’s assertive, yet melodic delivery, creating a seamless blend of two different but complementary musical worlds.
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Davido’s powerful influence within the global music scene is undeniable. As an Afrobeats star with an extensive catalog of chart-topping songs, his ability to bring the genre to a worldwide audience is a crucial element in Minaj’s decision to feature him. This collaboration represents the fusion of Afrobeats with rap and pop—genres that have influenced each other over the years. Together, Minaj and Davido create a track that brings Afrobeat’s soulful and rhythmic foundation into the mainstream, making the song more than just a collaboration—it’s a celebration of two influential forces in the music world.
“If It’s Okay” – Part of The Pinkprint’s Anniversary Edition
The track “If It’s Okay” is part of the 10th-anniversary edition of The Pinkprint, Minaj’s groundbreaking third studio album. Originally released in 2014, The Pinkprint remains one of the most celebrated albums in the history of hip-hop. This special edition of the album, marking a decade of the album’s release, brings new life to the project, with additional tracks that celebrate Minaj’s growth and musical evolution.
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In addition to “If It’s Okay,” the anniversary edition also features “Arctic Tundra”—a posthumous collaboration with the late Juice WRLD—and “Turn Ya Cap Back,” a collaboration with Swae Lee. These new additions, including the stunning Afrobeat-infused track with Davido, represent a nod to Minaj’s ability to evolve and experiment with her sound while remaining rooted in her diverse influences.
The anniversary edition of The Pinkprint offers an exciting opportunity for long-time fans of Minaj to experience new music that stays true to the essence of her original work. However, these additional tracks also open up new avenues for exploration, allowing Minaj to showcase a broader range of her artistic capabilities.
Nicki Minaj and Davido: A Musical Reunion
For those familiar with the histories of Nicki Minaj and Davido, this collaboration is not their first musical venture together. In 2020, Minaj featured on “Holy Ground,” a track from Davido’s album A Better Time. Their previous collaboration displayed the chemistry between the two artists, and it was clear that their musical partnership was just getting started. Now, with “If It’s Okay,” they have come full circle, elevating their musical synergy to a new level by infusing Afrobeats into Minaj’s signature sound.
Minaj and Davido share a mutual respect for one another’s craft. Minaj has always been an advocate for artists of different backgrounds, and Davido’s influence as one of the pioneers of Afrobeats aligns perfectly with Minaj’s aim to create a globally-minded sound. Both artists have built international careers by staying true to their roots while exploring new territories and collaborating with artists from diverse genres.
Afrobeats’ Growing Influence on Global Music
The inclusion of Afrobeats in mainstream music has been a significant cultural shift in the music industry. Over the last few years, the genre has taken the world by storm, with artists like Wizkid, Burnaboy, Tiwa Savage, and Davido leading the charge. Afrobeats has not only become a dominant force in African music but has also gained widespread recognition in global markets, including Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean.
Davido, in particular, has played a pivotal role in this movement. With numerous chart-topping hits, he has helped introduce Afrobeats to mainstream audiences. His music transcends borders and speaks to a universal experience, connecting listeners from different cultural backgrounds through rhythm and melody.
Minaj’s decision to feature Davido on “If It’s Okay” reflects her understanding of the genre’s global appeal and its potential to reach new audiences. By blending Afrobeats with rap, she is contributing to the genre’s rise on the global stage while simultaneously introducing her audience to a sound that continues to shape the future of pop music.
The Pinkprint Anniversary Edition: A Retrospective on Nicki Minaj’s Impact
The 10th anniversary of The Pinkprint serves as both a celebration of Minaj’s past and a look toward her future. Since the release of The Pinkprint, Minaj has solidified her place as one of the most influential and successful artists in hip-hop. Her ability to push boundaries, take risks, and experiment with her sound has made her an icon not only in rap but also in pop culture.
Minaj’s Pinkprint era was a turning point in her career, as she moved toward more personal and vulnerable themes in her music. The album’s blend of pop, rap, and R&B influenced an entire generation of artists, and its impact is still felt today. The anniversary edition, complete with new collaborations, reminds fans of Minaj’s versatility and growth as an artist. Through tracks like “If It’s Okay,” she continues to challenge genre boundaries and redefine the limits of what hip-hop can achieve.
What’s Next for Nicki Minaj and Afrobeats?
The success of The Pinkprint’s anniversary edition and the growing impact of Afrobeats opens new doors for future collaborations between Western artists and Afrobeat musicians. Minaj’s experiment with Afrobeats on “If It’s Okay” is just one example of how global music influences are blending and evolving. As Minaj continues her journey in the music industry, it’s clear that her future is tied to pushing musical boundaries, exploring new genres, and embracing the ever-changing dynamics of the global music landscape.
For Davido, this collaboration with Minaj will undoubtedly further cement his status as a global superstar. As Afrobeats continues to rise, more collaborations between African artists and mainstream musicians from around the world are expected. Both Minaj and Davido are at the forefront of this movement, helping to shape the future of music with their cross-cultural collaborations.
Nicki Minaj’s decision to feature Davido in “If It’s Okay” exemplifies her continued willingness to innovate and embrace the sounds of the world around her. By blending Afrobeats with her hip-hop style, she creates a fusion of cultures that speaks to the global music scene. As the anniversary edition of The Pinkprint continues to captivate fans, it’s clear that Minaj’s influence on the industry will continue to grow. With more collaborations, experimentation, and genre-defying hits on the horizon, Minaj remains an artist to watch as she continues to shape the future of music.
