Nigerian artistes Badboifamous and Mayor_of_zaza have released their latest collaborative song, “Akwacross,” a record that celebrates personal roots, cultural identity and the journey that connects **Akwa Ibom and Cross River State.
Born Asuquo Okon Asuquo, Badboifamous brings a deeply personal story to the song. The artiste is from Akwa Ibom but grew up in Cross River, two parts of Nigeria that have influenced his experiences and shaped his identity.
That connection is at the centre of “Akwacross.”
The title itself represents the coming together of Akwa Ibom and Cross River, turning Badboifamous' personal background into the foundation of the record.
“Akwacross is driven by personal history, love and pride. I'm a definition of where I come from, Akwacross,” he says.
The new song sees Badboifamous and Abdulmumin Abubakar Okanlawon, professionally known as Mayor_of_zaza, combine their creative energy in a record that blends contemporary Nigerian music with a strong sense of cultural identity.
Both artistes are based in Abuja and are developing their sound across a range of African genres, including Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afro-house fusion, Afro-Trenches and Highlife.
That versatility is evident in the musical direction of “Akwacross,” which draws from the energy of modern Afrobeats and Amapiano while incorporating broader African influences.
However, the story behind the song remains just as important as its sound.
For Badboifamous, “Akwacross” provides an opportunity to tell part of his story through music. Being from Akwa Ibom and growing up in Cross River means his sense of identity has been influenced by both places, making the title a natural representation of his journey.
The song transforms that experience into a musical statement about belonging.
It also highlights the way Nigerian artistes are increasingly using their music to showcase the communities, cultures and personal experiences that influence them.
Instead of separating modern sounds from cultural identity, “Akwacross” brings the two together.
Mayor_of_zaza contributes his own artistic identity to the record, helping create a collaboration that combines two separate voices and perspectives. Together, the artistes explore a sound that is contemporary, melodic and rooted in African musical influences.
The result is a record that can appeal to listeners who enjoy Afrobeats and Amapiano while also offering a story that goes beyond the rhythm.
“Akwacross” is ultimately about pride.
It is about acknowledging where one comes from, embracing the experiences that shaped one's journey and transforming those experiences into something that can be shared with a wider audience.
For Badboifamous, the song carries the weight of Akwa Ibom and Cross River. For Mayor_of_zaza, it provides an opportunity to contribute to a musical story centred on identity and connection.
Their Abuja base adds another chapter to that story, showing how Nigeria's diverse cultural influences can meet within the country's contemporary music scene.
As Afrobeats continues to attract listeners around the world, Badboifamous and Mayor_of_zaza are using “Akwacross” to introduce a record that is both personal and culturally grounded.
With its blend of Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afro-house fusion, Afro-Trenches and Highlife, “Akwacross” presents a modern Nigerian sound while keeping its roots firmly in the story that inspired it.
For Badboifamous, it is more than a song title.
Akwacross is a reflection of where he comes from.
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