The year 2026 kicked off with a seismic cultural moment, courtesy of a spontaneous video from Barbados. Global superstar Rihanna was captured in an unguarded, high-energy moment, passionately vibing to Nigerian street-pop sensation Shallipopi's monster hit, 'Laho'. The clip, filmed on a yacht against a Barbadian sunset, has set the internet ablaze, serving as a powerful coronation for the track's global ambitions.
The Viral Moment That Broke The Internet
In the now-viral footage, posted on January 1, 2026, the Fenty billionaire is seen perfectly mouthing the lyrics to 'Laho', her wide grin and instinctive dance moves capturing a moment of pure, unfiltered enjoyment. Shared originally by a user on X (formerly Twitter), the video amassed over 660,700 views in less than 24 hours. Fans were quick to note the authenticity; this wasn't a staged brand event but a genuine reaction among friends and family, making her endorsement feel like the ultimate cultural stamp of approval.
Shallipopi, the architect behind the 'Plutomania' movement, responded with characteristic cool, quoting the clip on X with the simple yet loaded phrase: "Get it queen." This exchange symbolized a respectful nod from Nigeria's rising star to a global pop royalty, amplifying the buzz around the song and its creator, Crown Uzama.
Rihanna's History of Championing Afrobeats
This incident is not an isolated one in Rihanna's support for Nigerian music. Her influence has historically acted as a major catalyst for the genre's global crossover:
- May 2019: She shared Wizkid's 'Ojuelegba' on her Instagram Story during a pivotal moment for Afrobeats' international wave.
- September 2019: Footage surfaced of her dancing energetically to Burna Boy's 'Ye', helping solidify his status in Western markets.
- December 2023: She declared Davido's 'Unavailable' her favorite song of the year and participated in its viral dance challenge.
- 2024: She praised Davido as a favorite artist and met with Ayra Starr to discuss a potential collaboration.
- Her most significant musical link remains co-writing and performing the Oscar-nominated 'Lift Me Up' with Tems.
This consistent pattern turns a simple social media trend into a significant event, confirming her role as a key tastemaker for African music on the world stage.
The Meteoric Rise of 'Laho' and Its Global Remixes
'Laho', which means "please" or a hustler's plea in Edo slang, was already a certified hit before Rihanna's co-sign. Released independently in March 2025 after a label split, the track became a phenomenon. It reached the top ten on Billboard's U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and was the second most-streamed Nigerian song of 2025 on YouTube Music with over 90 million plays.
Its global takeover, however, was supercharged by strategic remixes. In April 2025, Burna Boy jumped on 'Laho II', adding commercial weight and explosive energy to their joint performances. Later, a remix with reggaeton superstar Ozuna infused Spanish hooks and a Latin bounce, making the record unavoidable in clubs from Miami to Madrid. These collaborations transformed a street-born Nigerian anthem into a multi-continental cultural event.
Rihanna's spontaneous endorsement is the latest and perhaps most significant chapter in this story. It underscores a powerful truth: Nigerian artists, through authenticity, strategic collaboration, and undeniable rhythm, are not just participating in global culture—they are commanding it. Shallipopi's journey from Benin City freestyles to having a global icon dance to his song on a yacht is a testament to the uncompromising and impactful rise of Nigerian music.
