“I love it,” Ross told CNN during a wide-ranging interview with Lamide Akintobi. “For the ones that really understand live and real music, you understand. It’s been well overdue for a long time.”
Ross traced today’s Afrobeats explosion back to the genre’s pioneers, pointing to the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti as the foundation. “When you think about Afrobeats now, that’s Fela Kuti. That funk vibe has been going on for years and years,” he said. Drawing a parallel to hip-hop, he added, “So much hip hop was inspired by James Brown and his samples; to me, that’s what Fela was.”
“Now, I sit back and enjoy it. And I really feel it’s only the beginning,” Ross emphasized, underscoring the enduring cultural significance of African music.
Early Collaborations Set the Stage
Ross has been engaging with African music long before cross-continental collaborations became mainstream. He recalled a 2012 remix of Nigerian duo P-Square’s hit “Beautiful Onyinye,” which came together organically during discussions with Senegalese American artist Akon.
“They were young, but they were dope. I saw the vision, I saw the talent, and this was before this was popular… and it was just organic,” Ross said. His “Maybach Music era,” from 2009 to 2014, was a period of experimentation, blending jazz, funk, and hip-hop, which he sees as a precursor to today’s global fusion of sounds.
Ross continued his African collaborations with artists such as Nigerian singer Yemi Alade, describing her as “on fire… it’s organic, it’s real… there ain’t no limit on how big this is going to continue to grow.” He has also worked with Nigerian American rapper Wale and Ghanaian star Stonebwoy, expanding his connections across genres and continents.
A New Album Focused on Africa
Looking ahead, Ross plans to deepen these ties through a new Africa-focused project under his Maybach Music Group label. “So many African artists, producers, big ones, small ones… we’ve been collaborating on this project for over 12 months… halfway through this year, get ready for it, we’re gonna do some real big things,” he said.
He shared his ultimate dream lineup for the project: a cross-generational African diaspora supergroup featuring himself, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, and Burna Boy. “That’s king level,” Ross said, also praising Burna Boy as a younger counterpart carrying forward the global momentum.
Beyond Music: Investing in Africa
Ross’s connection to Africa extends beyond music. During a recent trip to Zimbabwe, he was welcomed by fans and local leaders, sparking discussions about potential property investments. His visit reflects a broader interest in Africa as a space for long-term cultural and business partnerships.
At the Durban Music Fest in South Africa in May 2025, Ross said he visited underserved communities before headlining at Moses Mabhida Stadium. “I saw the beauty in where we were going… the very next night I had one of the biggest concerts out there… it felt good. The energy was there; the love was there. This is what Rozay is supposed to do right here.”
A Cultural Force, Not a Passing Trend
For Ross, Africa represents more than a musical trend—it is a growing cultural force with global staying power. “It’s an amazing place and just warming up,” he said, noting that the world is simply catching up to a rhythm that has always existed.
“I sit back and enjoy it,” he concluded. “And I really feel it’s only the beginning.”