American rapper Nicki Minaj has opened up about her collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido on the track “If It’s Okay.” The song is part of a special 10th-anniversary edition of her landmark album The Pinkprint, which includes four new tracks, with notable features from artists such as Swae Lee, David Guetta, Davido, and the late Juice WRLD. In response to a fan inquiry on social media platform X, Nicki explained why she chose Davido for the track, stating that she wanted to infuse the song with an authentic Afrobeats sound.
Nicki praised Davido’s talents as both a songwriter and a melody creator, highlighting the mutual respect they share. She emphasized how his contribution was pivotal in capturing the true essence of Afrobeats, which she believes is crucial for showcasing Nigerian music on a global stage. “I invited Davido to be part of this song because I wanted it to have a real Afrobeats vibe,” Nicki shared, further adding, “He’s an incredible writer and melody creator, and he brought that energy to the track.”
Their collaboration on “If It’s Okay” continues the bond between the two artists, following their earlier work together on Davido’s 2020 album A Better Time. On the song “Holy Ground,” they had already demonstrated their chemistry, but Nicki expressed that this new track takes their partnership to another level, with a deeper connection to the Afrobeats genre.
The collaboration also comes at a time when Afrobeats has gained increasing international recognition, with artists like Davido helping to propel the genre onto the global stage. Nicki, who has long supported African music, explained that she was keen to highlight the importance of Nigerian music, saying, “Having Davido on this track was about giving Afrobeats a global platform.”
If It’s Okay is featured in the anniversary edition of The Pinkprint, a project that not only celebrates the success of her previous work but also reflects her evolving sound and artistic growth. The album includes four new tracks, which showcase a blend of genres and international collaborations, illustrating Nicki’s versatility as an artist.
