Nigerian rapper and Afrobeats star Blaqbonez has just rewritten the record books. His latest single, “Chanel” featuring Asake, has become the first song by a Nigerian rapper to simultaneously top six streaming platforms—and that’s just the beginning of the story.
Released on May 21st, “Chanel” has exploded onto the global music scene with a speed that’s hard to ignore. In under two weeks, the track surpassed 10.2 million Spotify streams, peaked at No. 10 on the Global Shazam Top Songs Chart, and landed at No. 5 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Chart. The song has charted in over 97 countries, cementing Blaqbonez’s status as one of Africa’s most powerful musical exports.
How “Chanel” Took Over the World
The numbers behind “Chanel” are staggering—but the story of how it came to life is just as compelling. Blaqbonez, born Akumefule Chukwuemeka George, wrote the track while riding a hoverboard through the streets of Lagos, Nigeria. He recorded it with one hand, flash in the other, tapping into a creative energy he describes as feeling like Cloud 9.
That spontaneous, free-spirited approach is written all over the song. Blaqbonez calls “Chanel” a high-tempo track that blends the swagger of hip-hop with the infectious rhythm of Afrobeats—and the world has responded in kind.
“It’s the perfect blend of hip hop and Afrobeats,” says Blaqbonez. “The girls are riding crazy, the guys are doing their thing—people are showing off their cars, their watches, whatever they want to show off with the music of ‘Chanel.'”
Chart Domination Across the Globe
Since its release, “Chanel” has climbed the charts on nearly every continent:
- No. 1 on Apple Music and Spotify in Nigeria
- No. 1 on Apple Music in Ghana
- No. 3 on the Official UK Afrobeats Chart
- No. 3 on Australia’s Hip-Hop/R&B Chart
- No. 5 on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart
- Charted in Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, the UAE, and dozens of other territories
The music video, directed by Christian Saint and Edgar Esteves, has amassed more than 2 million views on YouTube and continues to climb.
More Than a Hit—A Cultural Statement
For Blaqbonez, “Chanel” carries a message that goes beyond the music. The song is a celebration of swag, style, and self-expression—and he’s quick to point out that none of it requires a luxury price tag.
“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,” he explains. “Fashion doesn’t have to be expensive, being fly doesn’t have to be expensive.”
That message has resonated across demographics, turning “Chanel” into an anthem for anyone who wants to look and feel their best—no matter their budget.
The Rise of a Global Icon
This milestone isn’t a sudden breakthrough. Blaqbonez has been building toward this moment for years. With over 700 million career streams, 2.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and chart-topping tracks like “Like Ice Spice,” “Bling,” and “Back In Uni,” he has become one of Africa’s most innovative artists—a genre-blending force who moves fluidly between Afrobeats, hip-hop, drill, R&B, and alternative sounds.
Now, with “Chanel” making history, Blaqbonez is bringing African culture deeper into U.S. mainstream music and introducing global audiences to a sound that’s uniquely, unapologetically his own.
Stream “Chanel” Now
“Chanel” by Blaqbonez feat. Asake is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, Pandora, and all major digital streaming platforms. Watch the official music video on YouTube.
