The Untold Story of Afrobeats’ First Hollywood Feature: How 2Baba and Danfo Driver Made History in Phat Girlz
Long before Afrobeats dominated global charts and music festivals, two Nigerian songs quietly broke the barrier between African music and Hollywood. In 2006, the romantic comedy Phat Girlz, written and directed by African-American filmmaker Nnegest Likke, became the unlikely launchpad for Nigerian soundtracks in a mainstream American film.
The movie, starring Mo’Nique as Jazmin Biltmore, is centered on two plus-sized African-American women navigating love, self-worth, and body positivity. The heart of the film, however, rests on a cultural twist: Jazmin and her friend unexpectedly fall in love with two charming Nigerian doctors while on vacation, triggering a heartfelt exploration of love beyond borders.
What makes Phat Girlz significant in the African music narrative is its bold inclusion of two iconic Nigerian songs: 2Baba’s (then known as 2Face Idibia) timeless classic African Queen, and Danfo Driver’s street anthem Danfo Driver, performed by the Ajegunle-born duo Mad Melon and Mountain Black.
Both tracks were officially licensed and used as part of the movie's soundtrack, marking the first time Afrobeats-inspired tracks were featured in a Hollywood movie — years before the genre gained worldwide recognition through names like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido.
Nnegest Likke, whose father hails from Ethiopia, was instrumental in this cultural fusion. With a personal appreciation for African music and identity, she intentionally integrated authentic African sounds into her film to spotlight not only African heritage but also the richness of Black diasporic connections.
While African Queen serenaded audiences with its soulful lyrics and Afro-R&B rhythms, Danfo Driver brought the gritty, pulsating energy of Lagos street life to an international screen. These selections did not just complement the storyline — they introduced millions of viewers to the sound of Africa in a time when such representation was rare.
Despite the massive success of African Queen across Africa and the diaspora — it earned 2Baba global fame and was nominated for several awards — its inclusion in Phat Girlz often goes unrecognized in mainstream discussions about Afrobeats' globalization.
This moment in music and film history is a testament to how early pioneers paved the way for today's global Afrobeats explosion. And filmmaker Nnegest Likke deserves credit for her vision and cultural foresight in championing African talent and identity at a time when it was far from trendy in Hollywood.
As Afrobeats continues to top Billboard charts and headline international festivals, the legacy of Phat Girlz, 2Baba, and Danfo Driver should not be forgotten — they were among the first to plant the flag.
Hollywood's love affair with Afrobeats didn't begin in the 2020s — it was sparked quietly in 2006, in a feel-good movie about love, laughter, and cultural bridges. And at the heart of it all were two timeless Nigerian songs and a visionary filmmaker who saw Africa before the world caught on.
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