Olurotimi Akinosho, better known as Rotimi, an American-born Nigerian actor and singer, has claimed credit for bringing Afrobeats to America. In a recent interview, Rotimi recounted his contributions to the international recognition of Afrobeats.
He highlighted his role in assisting Wizkid with his first show in America in 2012, asserting that this event played a pivotal role in the eventual acceptance of Afrobeats in the United States.
According to Rotimi, his encounter with Wizkid in 2012 led to a partnership where he opened for the Nigerian star’s concert, despite it being in a modest 500-seater venue. This collaboration, he claimed, laid the groundwork for the genre’s expansion.
Rotimi recalled a conversation with Wizkid during that time, where they both expressed ambitions for global success in their respective fields. This exchange, he emphasized, fueled his determination to blend RnB and Afrobeats, resulting in his subsequent hit songs.
While acknowledging Drake’s contribution to popularizing Afrobeats through tracks like “One Dance” with Wizkid, Rotimi asserted his own role in introducing the genre to American audiences. He credited the timing and sound of his work as pivotal factors in this achievement.
Rotimi concluded by reflecting on the significance of embracing African identity and breaking stereotypes, expressing pride in his contribution to bridging the gap between RnB and Afrobeats in the American music scene.
