The announcement that Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Obongjayar, and Darkoo feature on F1: The Album, the official soundtrack for the anticipated Formula 1 movie, is more than just a casting win for African music—it’s a calculated, strategic masterstroke. Moving beyond simple inclusion, the project integrates these artists into the very sonic architecture of a major Hollywood blockbuster, signaling a new era where Afrobeats is not just a featured genre, but a core component of global cultural currency.
Helmed by the executive music producers behind 2023’s critically acclaimed Barbie The Album, the soundtrack for the Joseph Kosinski-directed film appears engineered for maximum cultural impact. The inclusion of this specific quartet of Nigerian talent is a testament to a sophisticated understanding of the modern music landscape. This isn’t a token gesture; it’s a deliberate move to harness the artistic depth, diverse appeal, and global influence of some of the genre’s most innovative figures.
Burna Boy: The Emotional Anchor in the Apex of Speed
Leading the charge is Burna Boy with his track, “Don’t Let Me Drown.” For an artist who has sold out stadiums globally, his contribution is less about breaking new ground and more about showcasing his profound artistic versatility. Described as a soul-stirring ballad, the song likely serves as the film’s emotional anchor, providing a moment of human vulnerability amidst the roaring engines and high-stakes drama. It’s a strategic deployment of Burna Boy not just as the “African Giant,” but as a global storyteller capable of conveying the universal anxieties and hopes that underpin a driver’s journey, making the film’s narrative resonate far beyond the racetrack.
The Vanguard: A Trio Defining the Genre’s Breadth
Beyond Burna Boy, the selection of Mr Eazi, Obongjayar, and Darkoo demonstrates a nuanced appreciation for the spectrum of sound coming out of Nigeria and its diaspora.
- Mr Eazi, a pioneer of the mellow, Ghana-infused “Banku” sound, contributes “Attention.” His signature laid-back, infectious style offers a crucial counterbalance to the film’s presumed intensity. It represents the cool, confident swagger and the luxurious lifestyle synonymous with the world of F1, adding a layer of sophisticated chill.
- Obongjayar, known for his genre-defying, spiritually infused sound, delivers “Gasoline.” As one of music’s most critically acclaimed and unique voices, his involvement is a mark of artistic credibility. His track likely injects an atmospheric, poetic, and avant-garde edge into the soundtrack, elevating it from a simple collection of pop hits to a more curated and artistically ambitious project.
- Darkoo, with her UK-Nigerian fusion, brings a fierce, contemporary energy with “Give Me Love.” Her presence speaks directly to the multicultural, diasporic generation that is driving global trends. Her sound, which blends Afrobeats with UK rap and R&B, mirrors the modern, international, and cross-cultural identity of Formula 1 itself.
A New Benchmark for Cultural Integration
Ultimately, the F1 soundtrack is a powerful statement. It affirms that the global influence of African artists has reached a point where they are no longer on the periphery of mainstream entertainment but are central to its creative and commercial strategy. By weaving the distinct sounds of Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Obongjayar, and Darkoo into a story about speed, ambition, and global spectacle, Hollywood is acknowledging that the sound of the world right now, in all its complexity and dynamism, is inextricably linked to the beat of Afrobeats.