Nigerian DJ, DJ Obi, is calling for recognition where it’s due — and this time, it’s not for a Nigerian artist.
Speaking on a recent podcast, the star DJ made it clear that British-Nigerian rapper Skepta deserves serious flowers for the role he played in helping Afrobeats cross over internationally — especially through his connection with Wizkid and eventually, Drake.
DJ Obi didn’t hold back as he walked listeners down memory lane to the moment the Ojuelegba remix dropped and literally shifted the global perception of African music.
“Skepta did a lot for Afrobeats. I don’t think we give him his flowers and respect,” he said.
According to Obi, while Nigerian artists were already doing their thing locally and pushing boundaries with their music, it took key international allies to really open the global door — and Skepta was one of those people.
“When there was need for help to cross over, certain people stood up. And Skepta was one of those people,” he explained.
“He looked around him and reached for whoever was closest to him. Thank God it was Wiz. They did their thing.”
The connection didn’t stop there. Skepta, being highly influential in the UK music scene, also had Drake in his corner — and it was that bridge that led to Drake hopping on the remix of Wizkid’s Ojuelegba, creating a major cultural moment.
“When Skepta said, listen to this and do this, it was a no-brainer. Boom. We’re in that room now. Drake is f**king with our sht,”* Obi added.
The remix of Ojuelegba featuring Drake and Skepta was released in 2015 and is widely credited as one of the pivotal tracks that introduced Afrobeats to a wider global audience, especially in North America.
DJ Obi made it clear he’s not downplaying the work Nigerian artists put in — but he believes it’s time to give Skepta his dues for recognizing the wave early and amplifying it.
“Not discrediting any work that any of the artists that are in Nigeria put towards their craft… but some people helped. And Skepta was one of them,” he said.
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