J12 collaborates with Merblond on “Diva”

Based in Nottingham in the UK, J12 is an artist who embodies the increasingly borderless nature of modern Afrobeats. The Nigerian-born talent has been building a sound that connects infectious rhythms, melodic hooks and confident lyrical delivery, creating music that flickers between Afrobeats tradition and modern urban influences. With a growing international presence, a reputation for magnetic performances and consistent creativity, J12 represents a new wave of artists bringing African-driven sounds to wider global audiences.

His journey has been influenced by both Nigerian heritage and his experiences within the UK music landscape, allowing him to develop a style that feels culturally connected while remaining forward-thinking. Over the years, J12 has established himself as an exciting performer, appearing at major events including Hockley Hustle in both 2024 and 2025, Dot to Dot Festival 2024, Afrifest Norwich 2024, GreenFest UK 2024 and Experience Nigeria at New Art Exchange last year. His connection to live music stretches back even further, with previous appearances at Lagos events including Gidi Fest in 2019 and Roots Festival in 2017.

That combination of international influence and performance experience has become central to J12’s artistic output, with his music revolving around movement, energy and connection, reflecting the celebratory spirit at the heart of Afrobeats while incorporating sounds that continue to expand the genre’s reach. Alongside his performances, J12 has developed a growing catalogue of releases that have helped him attract attention across multiple platforms; his music has received support from BBC Introducing East Midlands, Wazobia FM, Trace TV, MTV Base, Hip TV, Sound City and Kemet FM, bringing his sound to audiences across different regions.

Last year, his momentum was further recognised when he received a nomination for Best Afrobeats Song at the RBE Awards London, highlighting his rising status within the scene. Through regular releases, collaborations, cover records, content and online engagement, he’s continued to strengthen his relationship with audiences while expanding his global impact. His cover of Burna Boy’s “Bundle by Bundle” became a hit, gaining viral traction within the Nigerian online music community while his single “Shawty Bounce” has clocked over 100,000 streams on Boomplay, more than 30,000 streams on Spotify and over 11,000 Shazams.

Now, J12 opens up another chapter with his latest release titled “Diva,” a collaboration with Spanish artist Merblond that explores the meeting point between Afrobeats and Latin pop. Inspired by a romantic encounter in Madrid, the track captures the excitement of attraction, admiration and cultural exchange, blending English, Nigerian Pidgin and Spanish lyrics into a celebration of connection. “Diva” brings together infectious Afrobeats rhythms, Latin-inspired melodies and a memorable chorus designed for the dancefloor. The collaboration highlights the chemistry between J12 and Merblond, with both artists bringing their own cultural influences into a shared musical space.

Together, they serve up a feel-good anthem stacked with confidence, beauty and passion, reflecting the same cross-cultural energy found in global Afrobeats successes such as Rema and Selena Gomez’s “Calm Down.” Brought in by the flutter of chiming instrumental tones as bouncy vocalisations roll above the patter of the beat, J12’s slick vocals take the lead to deliver smooth, rhythmic lines above the hopping groove of the arrangement, resulting in an instantly catchy soundscape. As Merblond’s alluring vocals add colour to the track, the pulse of the bass and flash of bright instrumental tones forms a sound that’s mesmeric and energising in equal measure.

The interplay between the vocalists crafts an infectious listening experience from start to finish while the danceable jump of the percussion maintains a steady forward motion, offering an engrossing jam that’s sure to win over listeners around the world. With each release, performance and creative step forward, J12 is strengthening his position as one of the exciting voices on the rise within the Afrobeats sphere and we can’t wait to see what he’s got in store next.

Listen to Diva (feat. Merblond) below

More from Music

---

Editor Picks

---