There has always been a strong relationship between Ghana and Nigeria, even though there are two French-speaking countries between the two nations. Sometimes it is as if there are no borders between them at all.
The West African countries are perhaps two of the most cooperative nations on the continent, sharing many cultural artifacts that have often led to comical competition.
From Jollof rice to food in general and even power generation, when it comes to music, Nigerians and Ghana go at it every single chance they get, bantering for all its worth.
Historically, there have been some Ghanaian influences in Nigerian music, and vice versa.
Many years on, Ghanaians and Nigerians continue to collaborate, even more so with globalization.
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While listeners await the nonstop beef between Ghanaians and Nigerians, here are some of the notable Ghana-Nigeria collaborations in the music space.
Kiss Your Hand: R2Bees x Wande Coal
Ghanaian duo R2Bees courted the talented Wande Coal, who brought his high-tenor vocals and adlibs to this popular West African party song with a hip-hop foundation.
It’s a record that will get people out of their chairs because of its dancehall influences and catchy chant.
Skin Tight: Mr. Eazi and Efya
This sound was conceived by Mr. Eazi sometime around the middle of 2010. The song was a blend of sounds inspired by Mr. Eazi’s time spent studying in Ghana and his Nigerian heritage.
Skin Tight became prevalent on the radio in Ghana and Nigeria. The hit song was produced by Juls under Banku Music.
Forever: Gyakie and Omah Lay
Gyakie’s Forever was already a breakthrough hit following the success of her first EP, Seed, but a remix would only ensure that her sound would have a bigger worldwide influence.
With the help of Omah Lay, another rising star, he interjects a few carefree lyrics into the mellow song. For both lovers and music fans, the verse was such a well-fitting combination.
Dance For Me: Eugy x Mr. Eazi
Eugy changed the genre of music he was making in 2015. Despite being a major influence on youth culture while growing up in London, he chose to incorporate Twi into his rap.
Then, in 2016, they released the upbeat song Dance for Me while collaborating with Mr. Eazi, a Nigerian musician. This led to the creation of Shoki, Alkayida, and Dab synchronized motions.
Bling: Blaqbonez, Amaarae, and Buju
Bling became an instant hit as soon as it was released. However, with such exquisitely chosen features, how could it not be?
Nigeria’s Buju contributed his characteristic husky voice to the song, while Ghana’s Amaarae adorned it with her seductive, sensual appeal. It was an Afropop/rap mashup set to the catchiest beat, with endless replay potential.
Ghana Jollof: Basketmouth, Kwabena Kwabena, and Falz
Basketmouth, the Nigerian actor and musician, released the tune Ghana Jollof in conjunction with his comedy series of the same name, sparking the never-ending controversy about who has the superior Jollof.
The song is as delightful as Jollof itself, especially when it’s accompanied by Ghanaian highlife musician Kwabena Kwabena and fellow Nigerian artiste, Falz.
Baajo: Kwesi Arthur, and Joeboy
This song, which features a collaboration between Nigerian Afropop singer Joeboy and Ghanaian hip-hop musician Kwesi Arthur, seems to highlight both artistes’ laid-back styles.
It exudes positive energy with its soft bounce. With Door and Baajo, the two created two unquestionable hits that contributed to solidifying their status as formidable partners.
Ameno Amapiano (Remix): Goya Menor and Nektunez
“You want to hang out with the big boys; you want to bam bam.” If you did not hear these lyrics, you could not possibly claim to have been outside.
All throughout Detty December, the song was awash on TikTok and was played nonstop on big club sound systems and over-the-phone speakers.
The Amapiano song was remixed by US-based Ghanaian Nektunez after it was originally penned by Goya Menor as a joke.
Second Sermon (Remix): Black Sheriff and Burna Boy
With the release of Second Sermon, Black Sheriff had steadily expanded his fan base thanks to his distinct, brutal style.
The song reached new heights when The African Giant, who was already well-known in the Ghanaian rap scene, joined the remix and delivered an intense verse that matched the intensity of the drill tune.