Pheelz and Usher: How a Nigerian Music Genius Made His Dream Come True
What happens when a Nigerian music genius meets an American R&B legend? A dream collaboration that fuses Afrobeats and R&B, showcasing the growth and potential of Nigerian music on the global stage.
That’s what happened when Pheelz, the renowned Nigerian record producer and singer, teamed up with Usher, the Grammy-winning R&B superstar, on the song ‘Ruins’ from Usher’s latest album, ‘Homecoming.’
Pheelz, whose real name is Philip Kayode Moses, has been making waves in the Nigerian music industry for years, producing hits for artists like Olamide, Tiwa Savage, and Fireboy DML. But working with Usher was a different level of achievement for him, as he revealed in a recent interview with Apple Music.
“It was a dream come true for me. Usher was my role model growing up. I would listen to his songs every day and learn from him. He inspired me to pursue music as a career. And to be able to write, produce, and teach him in a way, it was surreal. It shows me how far Nigerian music has gone. It shows me how far dreams can go as well,” Pheelz said.
The song ‘Ruins’ is a perfect blend of Usher’s smooth vocals and Pheelz’s infectious beats, creating a unique sound that appeals to both R&B and Afrobeats fans. The song also reflects the theme of Usher’s album, which is about returning to his roots and celebrating his African heritage.
Pheelz is not the only Nigerian artist who collaborated with Usher on the album. Other notable names include Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Tems, who all contributed to the album’s diverse and vibrant sound.
Pheelz’s collaboration with Usher is a testament to the power of dreams and the progress of Nigerian music. It also opens the door for more cross-cultural and genre-blending projects in the future, as Nigerian music continues to influence and inspire the world.
