By EIIAFRICA Editorial Team
February 21, 2026
In the fast-paced world of global music, everyone wants to claim they were the "pioneer." But when French Montana recently sat down to discuss his 2017 Diamond-certified hit "Unforgettable," he didn’t just call it a hit—he called it the "open door" for the Afrobeats explosion we see today.
As we look at this week’s EIIAFRICA Top 20, where artists like Wizkid, Asake, and Omah Lay dominate global airwaves, it’s worth asking: Does French’s claim hold water, or is he just chasing the Afro-momentum?
The "Trojan Horse" Strategy
French Montana argues that "Unforgettable" served as a global bridge. In 2017, while Burna Boy and Wizkid were already superstars in Africa and the UK, the U.S. mainstream was still hesitant. French claims he spent $600,000 of his own money to ensure the "African vibe" was front and center.
"I was listening to Afro before Afro music was Afro music... I knew it was a hit because it had that African vibe." — French Montana
By filming the music video in Kampala, Uganda, with the Triplets Ghetto Kids, French didn't just use the sound; he exported the culture. For many Western viewers, that video was their first high-definition look at the joy and dance of the continent.
Bridging the Gap to 2026
While critics argue that Drake’s "One Dance" or Wizkid’s "Ojuelegba" remix were the true catalysts, there is no denying that "Unforgettable" made the "Afro-fusion" sound a requirement for U.S. radio. Fast forward to 2026, and the influence is everywhere.
What do you think, EIIAFRICA family?
"Unforgettable" the reason we have Afrobeats on every corner, or was the takeover inevitable?