Los Angeles, USA — In a groundbreaking recognition of Nigerian hip-hop history, the Recording Academy (Grammys) has named the late rapper Dagrin’s iconic track “Pon Pon Pon” among the Top 10 Songs That Shaped Afrobeats, spotlighting the song’s lasting influence on the genre’s evolution.
The Grammys, in a special feature highlighting the roots and rise of Afrobeats, praised Dagrin’s 2009 hit for its raw lyrical content, cultural relevance, and pioneering use of Yoruba language in rap — a style that broke new ground and inspired a new generation of indigenous Nigerian rappers.
”‘Pon Pon Pon’ captured the gritty reality of life in Lagos while fusing local dialects with urban street sounds. It brought street credibility to Nigerian rap and helped open doors for what Afrobeats would eventually become — a genre that embraces local identity and global rhythm,” the article noted.
Dagrin, often referred to as the “street king of rap,” tragically passed away in 2010 at the age of 25, but his music remains deeply influential across Nigeria and beyond. “Pon Pon Pon”, with its vivid storytelling and heavy beats, has become a cult classic, frequently cited as one of the foundational tracks in Nigeria’s modern music history.
Fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to celebrate the recognition, calling it a long-overdue tribute to a legend whose voice still echoes in the DNA of Afrobeats.
This international acknowledgment by the Grammys not only cements Dagrin’s legacy but also further validates the growing global respect for Nigerian music and its pioneers.