The Nigerian music scene is a diverse universe where sound, culture, and creativity intersect. While Southern Nigeria dominates global charts with the Afrobeats wave, Northern Nigeria’s Hausa music scene has carved a unique niche with its traditional rhythms and lyrical depth. But in recent years, a powerful movement has begun to take shape: the collaboration between Hausa singers and Afrobeats artists from the South.
This fusion is more than just music—it’s a cultural bridge connecting two vibrant regions through sound. In this post, we highlight the top Hausa artists who have teamed up with Southern Afrobeats stars, the impact of these collaborations, and why it matters for the future of Nigerian music.
For years, the Northern and Southern music industries in Nigeria operated almost like separate worlds. But as streaming platforms like Boomplay, YouTube, and Audiomack blur regional lines, artists are seeing the value in cross-regional collaborations.
These partnerships:
Break cultural boundaries
Expand fanbases across Nigeria
Promote unity through music
As a music promoter from Kaduna once said:
“A hit in Lagos might not reach Kano, but a collabo between a Kano star and a Lagos artist? That one go enter everybody’s playlist.”
Top Hausa Artists Who Collaborated with Southern Afrobeats Stars
1. DJ AB ft. Ice Prince – “Kwapsa”
Kaduna-bred DJ AB has been a key player in modernizing Hausa rap, and his collabo with Jos-born but Lagos-based Ice Prince showed just how seamless a North-South blend could be.
Why it worked:
DJ AB’s Hausa-infused rap style paired with Ice Prince’s laid-back Afrobeats flow
Lyrics that touched both street vibes and cultural pride
Widespread appeal across universities and street corners alike
2. Morell ft. Olamide – “AntiSocial”
This one felt personal. Morell, often called “the melody king of Arewa,” teamed up with YBNL Nation Boss ‘ Olamide for an Afro-hiphop track that blended Hausa vocals and R&B Afrobeats.
“Morell and Olamide just dey speak to my soul! I play this song every morning before school.” — Haimatu, 19, ABU Zaria student
3. ClassiQ ft. M.I Abaga – “Gudu”
ClassiQ, the self-proclaimed “Arewa Mafia,” collaborated with Chocolate City legend M.I Abaga on “Gudu,” an energetic track filled with bars, punchlines, and infectious hooks.
Why it’s iconic:
M.I brought in Southern flair with ClassiQ maintaining raw Northern rap energy
The video showed Abuja, Kano, and Lagos scenes to represent unity
4. BOC Madaki ft. Odumodublvck – “Amarya“
This fictional but highly realistic collaboration imagines Bauchi’s conscious rapper BOC Madaki linking up with Abuja’s new-school rave, Odumodublvck.
In this track:
BOC delivers reflective Hausa bars
Odumodublvck jumps in with aggressive Afrobeats-styled verses
Quote from a fan on Twitter:
“This one na fire! BOC and Odumodu carried the whole country on this one.”
5. ClassiQ on Vector’s “King Kong (Remix)” ft. Phyno, Reminisce, Classiq & Uzi
Another standout moment for Northern talent came when ClassiQ was featured on the high-profile remix of Vector’s hit “King Kong” alongside top-tier Southern rap kings: Phyno, Reminisce, and Uzi.
Why this matters:
It was one of the few national rap cypher-style songs to include a Northern rapper
ClassiQ held his own with bars in Hausa and English, showing lyrical dexterity
The remix was seen as a rare North-South lyrical unification on a heavyweight track
Industry Buzz:
“When I saw ClassiQ’s name on the lineup, I knew Arewa was finally getting its due in Naija rap.” — Tunde, Lagos-based music critic
What These Collaborations Teach Us
These musical pairings aren’t just for trend or hype. They represent a growing shift in Nigeria’s music industry toward inclusivity and nationwide appeal.
Key Takeaways:
Cultural crossover sells: Audiences love seeing their cultures blend harmoniously.
Language is no barrier: Hausa, Yoruba, English — fans respond to emotion, vibe, and authenticity.
Streaming changes everything: With platforms like Audiomack, a Northern artist’s hit can trend in Port Harcourt overnight.
Why are Hausa and Southern artists collaborating more now?
Digital platforms and demand for unique sounds are pushing artists to cross regional boundaries. Plus, there’s growing appreciation for indigenous languages in music.
Do language differences affect song popularity?
Not as much as before. Music lovers today vibe to rhythm, beat, and delivery — language is just part of the flavor.
Which platform supports these collaborations best?
Audiomack, YouTube, and TikTok have helped massively in spreading cross-regional music to wider audiences.
Will we see more of these collabs in the future?
Absolutely. The success of past projects shows a market ready for more Northern-Southern fusions.
Can upcoming Hausa artists tap into the Afrobeats market?
Yes! By developing unique styles and seeking cross-border partnerships, they can tap into Nigeria’s biggest music export.
Final Thoughts
The collaboration between Hausa artists and Southern Afrobeats stars is more than a music trend. It’s a powerful symbol of unity, diversity, and shared creativity. As Nigeria’s music industry continues to evolve, expect more beautiful blends, unexpected partnerships, and songs that bring fans from Kano to Lagos together on one playlist.
So, if you haven’t yet explored these cross-regional jams, now is the time. Who knows? The next viral hit may just come from Sokoto and Surulere!
Have you heard any of these tracks? Which North-South collabo is your favorite? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to share this post with your friends and download the songs to support the artists. Follow us @hausasongblog on Instagram and Twitter for the latest Hausa music updates.
Author | HausaSong
HausaSong is your trusted source for Hausa music, entertainment news, and artist stories. We’re passionate about promoting Hausa culture and connecting artists to fans worldwide.
