Now, with his latest single “Chanel” featuring fellow Nigerian superstar Asake, Blaqbonez is enjoying one of the biggest moments of his career.

Released on May 21, “Chanel” quickly emerged as a global phenomenon. The track amassed more than 10.2 million Spotify streams in under two weeks, climbed into the Top 5 of Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, and reached No. 10 on the Global Shazam Top Songs Chart. The record has charted in more than 97 countries and achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first song by a Nigerian rapper to simultaneously top six streaming platforms.

Yet, the origins of the song were far less conventional.

In true Blaqbonez fashion, inspiration struck while he was riding a hoverboard through the streets of Lagos, Nigeria. The artist recorded ideas for the track with one hand while balancing himself with the other, describing the creative process as an almost out-of-body experience.

Bringing African culture further into the global mainstream, Blaqbonez views “Chanel” as the perfect marriage between hip-hop and Afrobeats.

“It’s the perfect blend of hip hop and Afrobeats. So far, it has really come out and done way more than I expected. The girls are riding crazy, the guys are doing their thing — people are showing off their cars, showing off their watches, showing off whatever they want to show off with the music of ‘Chanel,’” says Blaqbonez.

At the heart of the record lies a message that extends beyond luxury and status. For the artist, style is less about money and more about creativity and confidence.

“I think swag has nothing to do with how rich you are, it has to do with your mind and what you can put together. The song just has everybody from top to bottom looking their best. Swag has to do with your mind, how you can put things together. Fashion doesn’t have to be expensive, being fly doesn’t have to be expensive,” he explains.

The momentum behind “Chanel” has been felt around the world. The record reached No. 1 on Apple Music and Spotify in Nigeria and topped Apple Music in Ghana. Internationally, the song climbed to No. 3 on the Official UK Afrobeats Chart and No. 3 on Australia’s Hip-Hop/R&B Chart, while also making an impact in Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and dozens of other territories.

The accompanying music video, directed by Christian Saint and Edgar Esteves, has also resonated with fans, amassing more than two million views on YouTube and continuing to gain traction globally.

With more than 2.3 million monthly Spotify listeners and a catalog that seamlessly fuses hip-hop, Afrobeats, drill, R&B, and alternative influences, Blaqbonez has cemented himself as one of the most innovative artists of his generation. As Afrobeats continues its global expansion, the Nigerian star’s latest success signals that his influence is only growing stronger.

“Chanel” featuring Asake is available now on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, Pandora, and other digital services.

Fans can follow Blaqbonez on Instagram at @blaqbonez.

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