Usher, the American R&B superstar, has opened up about his collaboration with Nigerian stars, Burna Boy and Pheelz, in his latest album, Homecoming.
The album, which features Pheelz in the opening track, ‘Ruin’, and Burna Boy in the title track, ‘Homecoming’, is Usher’s attempt to tap into the Afrobeats phenomenon that is sweeping the world.
In an exclusive interview with Apple Music, Usher said he was inspired by the African, especially Nigerian, culture and music, and wanted to bring it to his own audience.
“I’m all about collaboration and bringing African, Nigerian culture to my world. Their music is hot right now. I wanted to be part of it [Afrobeats], that’s why I went to Africa to make this album.
“I learned a lot when I was in Ghana. I learned a lot when I was in Nigeria. And working with Pheelz, he made the record [‘Homecoming’]. I just thought that Burna Boy would add some more fire to it. I really dig him as an artist. I just thought that this song would be better if he was on it.”