Nigerian rapper BlaqBonez has shared the interesting stories behind his hit collaborations with Asake, revealing how “Chanel” gained momentum after an unexpected night out in London and how “Ikebe 3000” was completed in less than 24 hours.
In an account published by Memories FM, a platform dedicated to documenting artists’ personal stories behind their music, BlaqBonez explained how both records came together under very different circumstances before becoming major hits.
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How ‘Chanel’ Was Tested in a London Underground Bar
According to the rapper, “Chanel” was initially recorded in Lagos in February 2026. However, he did not immediately recognise its potential, explaining that he makes music almost every day and did not consider the record particularly special at the time.
That changed in April when he travelled to London for a performance. Instead of attending a conventional nightclub after-party, BlaqBonez took about 20 people from the show to Doña, an underground bar in Dalston, which his cousin had offered to open for the gathering.
During the night, he played some unreleased records through the venue’s sound system, and “Chanel” quickly became the centre of attention. Those present repeatedly asked him to play the song again, giving the rapper his first indication that he might have something special.
Encouraged by the reaction, BlaqBonez recorded himself enjoying the track the following day and shared the video online. The clip attracted significant attention, prompting him to eventually send the record to Asake through Instagram.
Although both artists had previously discussed working together, BlaqBonez had been waiting for the right song to bring to the table. They eventually recorded the collaboration in Nigeria before travelling to London to shoot its music video.
“Chanel” went on to reach No. 1 on the Apple Music Nigeria Top Songs Chart and has since accumulated more than 25.7 million Spotify streams.
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‘Ikebe 3000’ Was Recorded in Less Than 24 Hours
The story behind “Ikebe 3000” began in June 2026, when BlaqBonez recorded the initial version at a friend’s studio in Lagos.
Unlike the comfortable setting one might expect for a major recording session, the rapper recalled that the studio had no air conditioning. The heat became so uncomfortable that everyone involved had to take off their shirts while working on the song.
BlaqBonez eventually sent the record to Asake in August, after the pair had discussed the success of “Chanel” over the phone and considered creating another collaboration. This time, they wanted something more dance-driven that would explore a different musical direction.
Asake was in Los Angeles following a performance when BlaqBonez sent him the track. The rapper explained that he woke up to a phone call from Asake playing the verse he had just recorded, with the entire turnaround taking less than 24 hours.
The two artistes also experimented with South African Gqom influences while developing the record, although they had no idea how successful it would eventually become.
Following its release, “Ikebe 3000” topped both the Spotify Nigeria Songs Chart and Apple Music Nigeria Songs Chart. It also debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
Interestingly, the collaborators kept the record under wraps until its official release, just as they had done with “Chanel.” They later travelled to London to film its accompanying music video.
BlaqBonez also revealed that “Ikebe 3000” holds a special place for Asake, describing it as his favourite among the songs they have made together. The two collaborations have since become significant highlights of BlaqBonez’s recent musical run.