According to Skepta, the Big Smoke Festival was launched to honour the music he grew up listening to—Grime—and to also platform underground rappers.

The 2024 festival featured a star-studded lineup, including performances by The Streets, JME, Mahalia, and Skepta himself, delivering his only UK performance of the year. The event was lauded for its diverse musical offerings and vibrant atmosphere, setting a high bar for future editions.

For the 2025 edition, festivalgoers can anticipate an expanded lineup of established artists and emerging talents across multiple genres. While specific acts have yet to be announced, the festival’s official website encourages enthusiasts to sign up for updates on the lineup.

Tickets are out for sale on Friday, and given the overwhelming response to the previous festival, tickets are expected to sell out quickly.

With its second year in view, the Big Smoke Festival continues to solidify its place as a cornerstone event for Grime music, platforming underground rappers in London’s vibrant music scene and offering die-hards an unparalleled live music experience curated by one of the UK’s most influential artists.

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Whether as an individual or a featured artist, one thing we haven’t lacked this year is the hit songs that keep coming back to back.

From the beginning of January, we have been jamming to fire tracks from our favorites and some of these tracks have been collaborations.

It’s always nice when two or more artists can come together and make magic in the studio. From Nigerian superstars teaming up with global icons to African artists using music as a means of uniting Africa, 2024 has really seen an increase in Afrobeats, Highlife, and Amapiano collaborations that push the genre’s boundaries. From rising stars like Brown Joel, Hyce, and TitoM to global superstars such as Davido, Burna Boy, Tyla, and Skepta, collaborations this year have been elite.

So let’s go ahead and highlight some of the top Afrobeats collaborations of 2024 so far.

TitoM x Burna Boy x Yuppe x S.N.E – Tshwala Bam (Remix)

Beginning our list is the catchy Amapiano song, Tshwala Bam by TitoM, Burna Boy, Yuppe, and S.N.E.

The song had almost everyone doing the Tshwala Bam dance trend, watching the videos, and singing at the top of their voices, even though most of them didn’t even know the lyrics, but it was so enjoyable to dance and sing along to. Despite new trends coming up, it is still obvious that the Tshawala Bam craze isn’t over yet.

JAE5 x Portable x Skepta – Tony Montana

Possibly the most unexpected collaboration of the year, JAE5 teamed up with the Portable and the Grime legend, Skepta, for this hit track, he titled it Tony Montana.

Portable brought that street-to-mansion flow we all love to hear, and Skepta didn’t disappoint as he dished out fire bars. Music lovers didn’t hesitate to jump on it on different social media platforms and create a trend out of it.

Asake x Central Cee – Wave

Released as the lead single for his “Lungu Boy” album, Asake teamed up with U.K Drill rapper Central cee as they delivered one heck of the track they titled “Wave.” Asake’s soulful vocals blended so well with Central Cee‘s energetic rap. The song features catchy hooks, infectious beats, and a laid-back & chill vibe which show how much chemistry, style, and versatility both artist have as a duo. It’s a superb collaboration in the Afrobeats scene.

Tyla x Gunna x Skillibeng – Jump

The ninth track on Tyla‘s self titled debut album, Jump blends Afrobeats, hip-hop, and dancehall for an energetic vibe. Tyla’s infectious vocals, Gunna’s smooth flow, and Skillibeng’s Jamaican flair create a unique combination which makes the song more appealing to a wider audience. The song is a high-energy track that Tyla uses to celebrate her culture, her city Johannesburg, her rise to fame, confidence, and living life to the fullest.

Boypee x Hyce x Brown Joel – Ogechi

As long as you are on different social media platforms, you definitely came across the Ogechi song by rising stars Boypee, Hyce, and Brown Joel. A love song filled with so much Highlife vibes from the Eastern part of Nigeria, Ogechi is a soulful track that celebrates love and divine blessings. With smooth melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and vibrant rhythms, it was so heartwarming listening as all three artist perfectly blended their voices seamlessly, and delivered a captivating rhythm that listeners can relate to.

Diamond Platnumz x Jason Derulo x Khalili Harrison x Chley Nkosi – Komasava Remix

If the original track was a big hit, then the remix to Diamond Platnumz‘s Komasava was an even bigger hit and internet sensation. When you mix Diamond Platnumz’s energy, bongo flava vibes, and dance moves with Jason Derulo‘s energy, flair, soothing vocals, the end product is going to be nothng short of magic, and that is what the track Komasava became as it amassed 1 million views on Youtube in just 14 hours. Music lovers are still eating up this track as much as they can.

King Promise x Shallipopi – Continental

It is no news that whenever Ghana and Nigeria combine for whatever production in the entertainment world as a whole, it is always going to be a hit, and this time, that was exactly the case with Ghana’s melodious King Promise teaming Nigeria’s sensation Shallipopi on this track Continental.

The second track from his debut album titled True to Self, King Promise delivers a melodious tune and Shallipopi doesn’t disappoint as he gives off so much energy and rhythm in his verse as well, making the track one that would have music listener putting it on repeat.

Ruger x BNXN – POE

It was a surprise when fans learnt Ruger and Bnxn were collaborating on a song after their internet beef in 2022, and it was an even bigger surprise to know they had a whole EP titled RnB ready to our ears with.

One of the biggest tracks on the EP is POE. A smooth Afro-fusion track that blends pleasant melodies with vibrant beats. The song’s themes are on love, success, and confidence, as both artists bring their different styles. Ruger’s dynamic vocals and Bnxn’s soulful delivery create an infectious tune to keep listeners singing along and moving.

Kizz Daniel x Davido – Twe Twe Remix

Flyboi and popular hitmaker Kizz Daniel is known for delivering tunes that keep playing in your head for years and have you dancing wherever you hear it, and this time, he enlisted global superstar Davido on the remix of his hit song Twe Twe.

As expected, Davido delivered a fire verse that had everyone singing along when it came up. Kizz Daniel and Davido have collaborated a few other times, and this is one of those songs that don’t fall short when they collaborate. Kizz Daniel and Davido have established that they are an elite duo when they work together.

Darkoo x Rema – Favorite Girl Remix

Social media platforms were already going crazy with the release of Darkoo‘s Favorite Girl. It had its trend on social media and had parties lit, but that was the beginning. With Rema jumping on the remix, it gave the track more fire, trends, and plays too. As of this moment, it is still topping charts and getting more parties turnt up.

“Wadibusa” —Uncle Waffles, Royal MusiQ, OHP Sage, Pcee

Uncle Waffles is no stranger to viral moments, and “Wadibusa” is another notch on her belt. Amapiano thrives on groove, and the collective force of Royal MusiQ, OHP Sage, and Pcee ensured the track has not only been a dancefloor anthem but also gained massive traction on TikTok. It’s the kind of track that burns slow and steady, turning into a staple at both club sets and social media feeds.

“Stubborn” – Victony ft. Asake

Lead tracks often hint at what a project is about to offer and sometimes what it sounds like. When Victony dropped the titular track “Stubborn” featuring Asake, it was instantly clear that this would be a contender for collaboration of the year. The song blends Victony’s melodic touch with Asake’s streetwise grit, melancholic lyrics, and delivery. The track that highlights the strength of human resilience quickly found a place in listeners playlists. TikTok challenges exploded as users embraced the song’s rebellious theme. On platforms like Spotify, it boasts over 22 million streams and further reinforces Asake and Victony’s domination in Afrobeats this year.

Benin Boys – Rema ft. Shallipopi

It appeared the Ravage EP era was some sort of prequel to a more creatively sinister phase and Rema’s sophomore album, ‘HEIS’. Built on elements of punk rock and afrobeats, the homecoming album heralded a shift from a popular but now drab sound with its first lead single, ‘Benin Boys’. The track was appropriate as a lead single and in choice of collaboration with Shallipopi, who is from the same hometown as Rema. Benin Boys is Rema’s idea of upraising Benin City and putting it on the map. He undeniably accomplishes that with Benin Boys and ultimately the ‘HEIS’ album, and his homecoming event in Benin City last month is a testament.

“Last Heartbreak”Song”—Ayra Starr, Giveon

When Ayra Starr teamed up with Giveon, it was the merging of two soulful worlds. “Last Heartbreak Song” is both a melancholy anthem and a streaming heavyweight. Ayra’s soulful vocals paired with Giveon’s smooth R&B deep tones gave the song a cross-continental appeal. The track effortlessly cuts across Afrobeat and R&B fans, pulling in millions of streams in just weeks.

“Favorite Story” – King Promise, Sarkodie, Olivetheboy

This Afrobeat collaboration was a celebration of Ghanaian music, featuring three of the country’s biggest stars. “Favorite Story” appeals to the softer side of afropop, and its commercial success reflects the emotional connection fans have made with it. “Favorite Story” has enjoyed massive streams from the jump, and fans on socials have given the track a second life with storytelling challenges. The music video, featuring stunning visuals and a star-studded cast, further contributed to the song’s success.

“MMS” – Asake ft. Wizkid 

Asake has had a stellar run, and teaming up with Wizkid was bound to unleash magic. The brooding “MMS” quickly found its way onto streaming platforms’ top charts, with Apple Music Nigeria showing it as its No. 1 spot contender for weeks. This is entirely not a surprising feat considering it’s Wizkid, but the majority expected a different direction, one that leaned into what the soundscape has produced over the past year. However, they were disappointed in a good way.

“My Dealer” – Kaestyle ft. Omah Lay

“My Dealer” by Kaestyle and Omah Lay was always destined for heavy rotation. Following the success of the OG track, Kaestyle teamed up with Omah Lay to add magic to an already magical record and to have it poised for a bigger commercial success. Kaestyle’s deep vocals mixed with Omah Lay’s intoxicating style made this song a streaming giant. The moody, mellow energy of the record latched onto whoever it came in contact with, earning it millions of plays across DSPs. 

“JUJU”—Smur  Lee, Odumodublvck, Shallipopi 

This trio on “JUJU” is as gritty as it gets. Smur Lee’s “JUJU” as a sound already garnered a large attention and reception with Tik Tok users, but in the process, Odumodublvck fell in love with the sound and decided to make it into a listenable song, which was a genius idea. Odumodublvck’s raw delivery, coupled with Shallipopi’s unique cadence and Smur Lee’s edge, birthed one of the most viral and best collaborations in 2024, as it debuted No. 1 on the Apple Music Nigeria Chart. The underground vibes on this one have translated into mainstream success, while its streaming performance continues to impress.

“Lomo”Lomo”—KiDi, Black Sherif

KiDi and Black Sherif created something special with “Lomo Lomo.” Ghana’s new-gen star Black Sherif brings his gritty style, while KiDi’s silky vocals provide the perfect counterbalance. “Lomo Lomo,” a blend of highlife and afrobeats, has made waves across the continent, especially in Ghana and Nigeria, where it’s a constant feature on major playlists. It has seen commercial success across West Africa, thanks to its catchy lyrics, hook, and melody.

“Yule”—Ay M Masta, Marioo

Tanzanian sensation Marioo pairs up with Ay Masta for “Yule,” a song that has enjoyed serious airtime across East Africa. It has flown slightly under the radar, but its soft launch was followed by rapid growth. Mario, ever the underrated genius, lays down the kind of melodies that stick with listeners. East African sleeper hits like this are showing the region’s growing influence on the continental soundscape.

The post Top African Collaborations of 2024 So Far appeared first on Afromixx.

Live performances during the festival included The Streets, Mahalia, JME, Lancey, K-Trap, Odumodublvck, R2R Moe, Chip, Yg Marley, and a number of North London rappers. The Big Smoke stage also featured the Más Tiempo tent—his tech-house project with Jammer—which provided the audience with a club culture option, making for a more inclusive experience. The expanding crowd was ecstatic as they witnessed amazing sets from a range of DJs, including DJs Ossie, Kittie Amor, and Uncle Waffles, that incorporated house and African-inspired electronic music.

Odumodublvck took the stage to sing a song off his critically acclaimed album “Eziokwu,” titled “Blood on the Dance Floor.” The track featuring Wale and Bloody Samaritan ranked No. 1 on Turntable’s Official Nigeria Top 100 for four weeks. Fortunately, the audience matched his enthusiasm as he performed in the rain.

As soon as Skepta hits the stage, he transports the audience to his 2012 mixtape “Blacklisted” with the song “Same Shit, Different Day.” He sets the Big Smoke stage with a composed manner that is greeted by a fierce crowd. As he performed “Praise the Lord (da shine)” on the now dimly lit stage, the crowd showed no sign of slowing down. However, after the show and while he made his way backstage to his car, Skepta reiterated via Link Up TV that Saturday’s Big Smoke festival was the first of many to help voiceless artists.

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