Freetown, Sierra Leone – The music industry in Sierra Leone has reached a major milestone as global rap icon Drake released a song produced in Freetown by Sierra Leonean-born producer Omar “Elkan” Agyei.
The track, “Nokia,” featured on Drake’s and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s latest album Some Sexy Songs 4 U, has already gained international recognition, marking a historic moment for the country’s growing entertainment scene.
The song has since become one of the standout tracks on Some Sexy Songs 4 U, an album that has dominated global charts. The project debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, tying Drake with Taylor Swift and Jay-Z for the most No. 1 albums as a solo artist.
This achievement is a first for Sierra Leone, putting the country on the map as a rising hub for music production. The collaboration signals a new era for local producers and artists looking to break into the global music industry.
A Global Hit with Local Roots
Elkan, a 21-year-old music producer, took to social media to confirm that “Nokia” was created in his home studio in Freetown. In a post that quickly went viral, he shared: “BABYGOWRRRL was made in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Ice cream fuels my creativity.”
He further revealed that the song’s signature beat and hook were crafted on January 8, 2025.
This makes “Nokia” the first song produced in Sierra Leone to be featured on a major international album by an artist of Drake’s stature. Since its release, the track has racked up millions of streams and debuted at 10th place in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has gone viral on Tiktok with hundreds of people making dance videos to it.
Drake, who remains one of the most influential artists in the world, further highlighted Elkan’s contribution by sharing behind-the-scenes footage of the song’s production. The clip, posted on Drake’s private Plottwist Instagram account, showed early work on “Nokia” being done in Freetown on 8 January 2025.
While the album’s vocal sessions were recorded at Sanctuary Studios in the Bahamas, the instrumental foundation of “Nokia” was built in Sierra Leone. This revelation has sparked widespread excitement, earning Elkan widespread acclaim as one of the most talked-about young producers in the industry.
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Many believe Elkan’s success will encourage international artists to explore talent from Sierra Leone. His ability to create a hit record from his home studio in Freetown demonstrates that world-class production can emerge from any part of the globe.
Who is Elkan?
Elkan is a Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, composer, and arranger. Before working with Drake, Elkan had already been making a name for himself in the music industry. Though born in the United Kingdom, his Sierra Leonean heritage played a crucial role in shaping his musical identity. His early exposure to music production came through his uncle, a Sierra Leonean artist who introduced him to FL Studio. Initially uninterested, Elkan later grew passionate about making beats, leading to his eventual rise as a sought-after producer.
His production style, which combines elements of contemporary rap, Afrobeat, and unique melodic structures, has earned him recognition beyond Sierra Leone.
Before his work with Drake, Elkan had already collaborated with artists like Metro Boomin, Young Thug, G Herbo, Russ and Lecrae. He also contributed to the soundtrack of EA’s Madden 24, further proving his versatility as a producer.
With “Nokia” now dominating global charts, Elkan’s career is set to reach new heights. His work on Some Sexy Songs 4 U has introduced his sound to a vast international audience, increasing the likelihood of future collaborations with top-tier artists.
