What do you as an afropop listener and music professional think about Drake's use of afropop sounds in his new music?

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If we're talking about "One Dance," I think I hear more of a U.K. Funky House sound on this record, because of the Crazy Cousinz sample and the Kyla feature and we all know how much Drake loves U.K. music—grime, Craig David, etc.—so no real surprises there. But, further from that, I think the record has more of a dancehall feel to it, than any strong afropop sensibilities sonically.

Having said that, featuring Wizkid on the record plus the fact that Drake jumped on his "Ojuelegba" record last summer is a great look for the entire afropop scene. It puts a massive spotlight on Wizkid as an artist and, by extension, on some of the great music coming out of Africa. Unless I have failed to spot it, I'm not entirely sure Drake getting Wizkid on this record necessarily means he is using afropop sounds in his music, but he is certainly showing an affinity for afropop, simply by working with Wizkid.

How do you feel when you hear those specifics songs?

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I loved hearing Drake on "Ojuelegba." It was a great feeling! Almost a feeling of validation for the entire afropop movement, like if Drake knows about this "Ojuelegba" record and can do a remix of it, then the rest of the international music industry cannot continue sleeping on our scene. It's interesting that one artist can have that power but that's the pull Drake has. And, true enough, after that remix, the international community became that bit more receptive to afropop music.

As for "One Dance," at first I felt let down at what I perceived to be a bit part role played by Wizkid on the record. I feel he was grossly underutilized. But for what it's worth, I now really like the record and especially the Wizkid refrains. Again, it is certainly a win for Wizkid and afropop as a scene. We'll be claiming it as a win, that's for sure. Wizkid featuring on a major single from mainstream artists like Drake exposes him, his music, and the wider afropop scene to mainstream audiences and that's always a win.