Through the highs and lows of musical success, controversies, and challenges, the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana has deep roots, dating back to the pre-colonial era. The musical bond between these two countries is rich in history. Although there have been ongoing debates about the interactions between the Nigerian and Ghanaian music industries, these discussions have brought to light several important points.
One of the key strategies Nigerian musicians and the industry have used to elevate their music globally is collaboration. Collaborating not only amplifies the strengths of the artists involved by reaching diverse fanbases, but it also promotes mutual recognition and support.
To emphasize the role of these collaborations in strengthening the Nigeria-Ghana relationship, we’ve put together a list of the best music collaborations between Nigerian and Ghanaian artists from the early 2000s to today. These collaborations highlight the powerful synergy between artists from both countries, reflecting a shared musical heritage that goes beyond borders.
Here are the list of the best Nigeria and Ghana music collaborations:
1. Fefe Na Fe- Tic Tac ft. Tony Tetuila, 2004
The Ashanti proverb “Fefe na efe” was famously interpreted by the late Fela Kuti as meaning “it is the beauty of a woman.” When Ghanaian hiplife musician Tic Tac collaborated with Nigeria’s Tony Tetuila on a track of the same name, they produced a song that felt both fresh and timeless.
A brief listen to “Fefe Na Efe” instantly evokes nostalgia for 90s babies and millennials from Ghana and Nigeria. As a tribute to the beauty of a woman, “Fefe Na Efe” stands strong alongside contemporary African songs celebrating women. Its enduring appeal demonstrates how well it holds up against the latest tracks in the genre.
2. Two Women- Tony Tetuila ft VIP, 2006
Back in the day, VIP’s star power was undeniable, as shown by their collaboration with Nigerian artist Tony Tetuila, who was once a member of The Remedies. Tony Tetuila, a chart-topping artist, had already made waves with hits like “Omode Meta,” “My Car,” and his feature on Tic Tac’s “Fefe Na Efe.”
So, when these two music giants teamed up in the early 2000s, they created an unforgettable hit that addressed a unique dilemma: being in love with two women. The song “Two Women” made a huge impact on the airwaves, and from the moment the intro played—‘Sele, sele, Ghana, Naija, let’s go’—everyone knew it was time to party.
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3. My Love- Tuface, now 2Baba and VIP, 2006
There was a time in Nigeria when Ghanaian music dominated the airwaves, with radio stations and DJs consistently playing records from the country. During this period, the Ghanaian highlife and hip-hop trio, VIP, was especially popular, with hits like “Ahomka Womu” leading the way.
In 2006, Tuface, now known as 2Baba, whose fame was spreading beyond Africa thanks to his hit “African Queen,” released “My Love” with VIP. The song had a lively, boy-band feel that resonated deeply with both Ghanaian and Nigerian audiences, becoming not just another Tuface hit, but an enduring cross-continental love anthem.
The song was so beloved that even young children, with only the faintest idea of love, would sing along passionately, as if they were part of the Ghanaian group or channeling the smooth vocals of Tuface himself.
4. Kiss Your Hand- R2Bees ft. Wande Coal, 2009
In present-day Lagos, if you want to get a crowd of young Nigerians on their feet, just play the R2Bees track “Kiss Your Hand,” featuring Wande Coal. Crank up the volume as the intro adlibs kick in with “Ratata! It’s Wande Coal!” and watch the party come alive.
This is the lasting impact of Wande Coal and R2Bees—a Ghana-Nigerian collaboration that remains unforgettable and iconic. Interestingly, Wande Coal had previously released a song with a similar title on his debut album, Mushin 2 Mohits, but it was this cross-cultural hit that became an anthem and the soundtrack to the childhood of 90s babies.
5. Becca- No Away ft M.I Abaga, 2012
In 2012, Becca, one of Ghana’s leading vocalists, decided it was time for the women to join the Ghana-Nigeria musical crossovers that had been dominated by the men. She made her mark by teaming up with the legendary rapper M.I Abaga, transforming him into a romantic lead for their duet, “No Away.” The track, with its heartfelt vocals, quickly had fans cheering for the pair.
6. Slow Down- R2Bees ft. Wizkid, 2013
Hiplife was at the heart of Ghanaian music in the 2000s and 2010s, and the R2Bees duo, consisting of Mugeez and Omar Sterling, played a significant role in shaping the genre with their talent and era-defining collaborations.
One of their standout achievements came four years after their hit “Kiss Your Hand,” with a slow-paced track that resonated not just with lovers but with music enthusiasts everywhere. Ghanaians and Nigerians alike sang along to Wizkid’s smooth verses and R2Bees’ rap lines.
The music video for “Slow Down,” which marked Wizkid’s entry into the continental scene, now boasts 21 million views on YouTube, showcasing the enduring impact of this powerful collaboration.
7. Skin Tight- Mr Eazi ft. Efya, 2015
In the late 2010s, a new sound swept through the airwaves of Ghana and Nigeria—Ghanaian-bred Banku music, pioneered by Mr. Eazi. This genre was a cultural blend of his Nigerian roots and his time studying in Ghana.
The sound gained momentum with the release of his track “Skin Tight,” produced by Juls and featuring Efya, both Ghanaians. This song, crafted in Mr. Eazi’s signature Banku style, combined Ghanaian expressions with Nigerian chord progressions.
Juls, who had connected with Mr. Eazi early in his career, played a crucial role in shaping his sound, while Efya became a frequent collaborator. “Skin Tight” not only became a massive hit but also marked a cultural shift for both Nigerian and Ghanaian music scenes. It influenced many creative choices and continues to be a beloved track to this day.
8. Hollup- Mr Eazi ft Joey B and Dammy Krane, 2015
In 2015, all you needed to get a party going was a way to blast music loud enough for everyone to hear. As soon as Mr. Eazi’s voice came through with the line, “You think say di world dey revolve around your bumbum?” over the catchy beat, the crowd would light up.
With Dammy Krane’s Fuji-like vocals and Joey B’s smooth yet captivating rap, “Hollup” quickly became one of the biggest hits of the year. Even today, the impact of that Mr. Eazi collaboration is still felt.
9. Anointing- Mr Eazi ft Sarkodie, 2016
During the Mr. Eazi-influenced Banku era, there was a notable resurgence of collaborations between Ghanaian and Nigerian artists, resulting in several smash hits with slower beats that might not have achieved such success otherwise. One of these hits was “Anointing” by Mr. Eazi featuring Sarkodie.
Thanks to the endorsement from the renowned Ghanaian rapper, the track enjoyed significant airplay alongside Mr. Eazi’s earlier hit “Skin Tight” featuring Efya. It’s fair to say that during this period, the Ghanaian-Nigerian collaborations were not only iconic but also delivered an exceptionally refined vibe.
10. Daddy Yo- Wizkid ft. Efya, 2016
In late 2016, Wizkid released “Daddy Yo” as a precursor to his upcoming third studio album, Sounds From the Other Side. This dancehall-infused pop track was both captivating and irresistible, featuring backup vocals from Ghanaian artist Efya. The combination created an ideal atmosphere for the song, which went on to become a continental hit and a popular end-of-year jam.
11. Dance For Me- Eugy, Mr Eazi, 2016
In 2016, Ghanaian-British singer Eugy collaborated with the then-rising star Mr. Eazi to create a dancehall hit. This time, however, the song’s impact was especially strong among Africans in the diaspora. The accompanying dance challenge grew into a mini-movement, and the track quickly became known as a guaranteed party starter.
12. No Kissing Baby- Patoranking ft. Sarkodie, 2016
The surge in Ghanaian and Nigerian music collaborations during this period opened the door to even more cross-border projects, including the Banku-infused dancehall anthem “No Kissing Baby” by Patoranking.
Marking Patoranking’s first international collaboration, the track featured one of Sarkodie’s smoothest guest verses, delivered at a time when he was dominating the music scene. This collaboration became a standout hit for both Ghanaians and Nigerians.
13. Painkiller- Sarkodie ft Runtown, 2017
Years after the explosive success of Runtown’s “Mad Over You,” the singer acknowledged that the track was both a blessing and a curse. While he referred to the curse as the heavy expectations it left in its wake, the blessing was undeniable in how it established a fusion of Ghanaian Banku and Igbo Highlife, which was later used to craft Sarkodie’s “Painkiller.”
On “Painkiller,” Sarkodie’s rapid-fire verses seamlessly matched Runtown’s laid-back tempo, reinforcing the strong influence of Banku music on the airwaves in both countries and delivering an unforgettable anthem for music lovers.
14. Na Wash- Becca ft Patoranking, 2017
In early 2017, Becca, a standout in the male-dominated music scene, released “Na Wash” to reaffirm her position. This time, she teamed up with Patoranking, and together they created a hit that crossed Ghanaian borders, becoming popular in both countries.
The song, which humorously critiqued modern displays of love, was perfectly timed for a Valentine’s Day release, with Becca and Patoranking playing the ideal music-making duo.
15. Whoa!- Aylø ft Amaarae, 2017
In 2017, the emerging alternative music scene, known as “Alte,” began to gain recognition across Lagos, Accra, and beyond. This was also the year that Nigerian audiences were introduced to Ghanaian singer Amaarae through her feature on Aylø’s track “Whoa!”.
The song, with its sensual and atmospheric vibe, was perfectly complemented by Amaarae’s delicate vocals, sparking curiosity among listeners. From that point on, Amaarae garnered a devoted following of Nigerian music lovers, who not only embraced her but also extended their support to other alternative artists from Ghana.
16. Awolowo- BOJ ft Kwesi Arthur, Darkovibes and Joey B, 2019
As a pioneer of the alté subgenre, BOJ showcased his influence with “Awolowo,” a track that, despite its Yoruba chorus, featured an entirely Ghanaian lineup. The song, styled like a modern Ghanaian rap cypher, included contributions from rapper Kwesi Arthur, singer and rapper Darko Vibes, and Joey B. Although BOJ later released a remix with an all-Nigerian lineup, the buzz on the streets is that the original version is where the real magic lies.
17. Body Riddim- Runtown ft Darkovibes, Bella Shmurda, 2020
In early 2020, Runtown released “Body Riddim,” featuring Ghana’s Darkovibes and Nigeria’s breakout star, Bella Shmurda. As one of the first tracks of the year from a major artist, it drew attention not only for its timing but also for its unique lineup.
The song was a seamless blend of Runtown’s Afrodancehall vibe, Darkovibes’ highlife and hip-hop influences, and Bella Shmurda’s street-hop flair. It marked Bella Shmurda’s first international collaboration, setting the stage for a significant year in his career.
18. Forever Rmx- Gyakie ft Omah Lay, 2021
Gyakie’s track “Forever” from her debut EP Seed was already a massive success, but she wisely recognized the potential of a remix to amplify its impact. She teamed up with Nigerian breakout star Omah Lay, who delivered a verse so seamless that it felt like part of the original song. This collaboration not only elevated the track’s appeal but also boosted its performance on the charts.
19. Second Sermon- Black Sherif, Burna Boy, 2021
Ghanaian artist Black Sherif had been steadily building a dedicated following in Ghana and Nigeria with his powerful take on Ghanaian drill, particularly with his track “Second Sermon,” which was gaining traction just below the mainstream radar. His rise took a significant leap when Nigerian megastar Burna Boy joined him on the track, delivering an intense verse that transformed it into a remix sensation.
Known for his electrifying performances and the high standards he sets for his audience, Burna Boy encouraged fans to learn the lyrics to the “Second Sermon” remix ahead of his Lagos headline show. This move helped convert many of his fans into followers of Black Sherif’s rising musical wave.
20. Yard- Poco Lee ft Black Sheriff, Bella Shmurda & Alpha P
When discussing the caliber of artists leading the new wave of African music, it’s often said that the future is in good hands. “Yard” stands as a testament to this claim. With Poco Lee serving as the glue and hypeman, “Yard” emerges as a hedonistic anthem, giving stoners a fresh track to vibe to.
The song features Ghana’s Black Sherif, whose vocals blend surprisingly well with Alpha P’s, alongside street hop sensation Bella Shmurda, creating a powerful and unexpected collaboration.
