‘I want to be part of Afrobeats’– Usher speaks on collaboration with Burna Boy

American R&B vocalist Usher discussed his fascination with Afrobeat and his partnership with Burna Boy and Pheelz on his latest album.

African Giant Burna Boy and Pheelz were featured on Usher's new album. Burna Boy collaborated on track one, titled Coming Home, while Pheelz is featured on track ten with the song Ruin. The album was released on February 9, 2024, and includes contributions from other artists like Summer Walker, 21 Savage, BTS singer Jung Kook, H.E.R., and Latto.

Usher's entrance into the Afrobeats scene was marked by featuring Pheelz in Ruin, the album's flagship track, and teaming up with Burna Boy for the album's eponymous song, Coming Home. Ruin has taken the number one spot on Billboard World Digital Song sales.

In an Apple Music interview, presented by Remy Martin, Usher discussed the origins and motivations behind the collaboration with Burna Boy and Pheelz. He said, “I am all about collaboration and bringing African, you know, Nigerian culture to my own world. Their music is really popular now. I wanted to be part of it [Afrobeats], that’s why I went to Africa to make this album".

“I picked up things when I was in Ghana. I picked up things when I was in Nigeria. And working with Pheelz, he created the record [‘Homecoming’]. I just felt that Burna Boy would take it to a different level of credibility. I really do enjoy him as an artist. I just felt that this song would only be lifted better if he was part of it".