TxC and Davido’s “Nakupenda” Shatters Records with 1 Million Views in Just 18 Hours

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Nakupenda: TxC’s Star-Studded Afrobeats-Amapiano Fusion Ignites 1 Million Views in Record Time

In the ever-evolving landscape of African music, where rhythms cross borders and beats unite continents, a new anthem has emerged to claim its throne. “Nakupenda,” the electrifying collaboration between South African duo TxC and Nigerian Afrobeats icon Davido, alongside rising stars Shoday, Zlatan, Scotts Maphuma, and producer Al Xapo, dropped its official music video on December 12, 2025, and wasted no time in captivating the world. Within just 18 hours, the vibrant visual racked up over 1 million views on YouTube, marking a historic milestone for TxC and underscoring Davido’s unmatched pull in the global music arena. This isn’t merely a song; it’s a seismic shift, blending the soulful grooves of Amapiano with the infectious energy of Afrobeats, proving once again that African sounds are the heartbeat of international pop culture.
According to thedebuthub thr track’s Swahili-titled hook—“Nakupenda,” meaning “I love you”—serves as a universal declaration of affection, wrapped in pulsating basslines and harmonious vocals that invite listeners to dance without restraint. Uploaded to TxC’s official YouTube channel at 4:00 PM GMT, the video’s high-production visuals, featuring dynamic choreography against sun-drenched Johannesburg backdrops and Lagos nightlife vibes, have fans replaying it on loop. As of early December 13, views continue to surge past 1.2 million, with likes climbing into the tens of thousands and comments flooding in from every corner of the globe. This rapid ascent isn’t accidental; it’s the culmination of strategic hype, cross-cultural synergy, and the raw talent of its creators.

The Dream Team Behind the Beat:

A Collaboration Years in the Making
At the core of “Nakupenda” is TxC, the Johannesburg-based DJ and performer duo of Tarryn Albertus and Clairise Abrahams, whose rise in the Amapiano scene has been nothing short of meteoric. Formed in 2020, TxC burst onto the international stage with hits like “Yebo,” which amassed over 18 million Spotify streams and peaked at No. 62 on South Africa’s chart. Their sound—characterized by deep house-infused piano melodies and emotive lyrics—has earned them spots at major festivals and collaborations with global acts. But teaming up with Davido, the 30BG overlord whose discography includes multi-platinum albums like Timeless and Omo Baba Olowo, elevates them to new heights.
Davido, born David Adedeji Adeleke, needs little introduction. The Grammy-nominated artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist has been a cornerstone of Afrobeats’ global domination, with billions of streams and sold-out world tours under his belt. His verse on “Nakupenda” brings that signature swagger, laced with playful romance and streetwise flair, while Shoday—the Billion Boy himself—delivers a melodic bridge that ties the track’s emotional core. Zlatan, the Zanku maestro known for viral dance challenges, injects high-energy ad-libs, and Scotts Maphuma adds Amapiano authenticity with his smooth flow. Al Xapo, the behind-the-scenes wizard, handles production, ensuring the beat slaps from the first drop.
This ensemble wasn’t thrown together overnight. Sources close to the project reveal that initial studio sessions began in late 2024 during Davido’s South African tour stop, where TxC opened for him. “It was magic from the jump,” Tarryn shared in a pre-release Instagram Live, recounting how late-night vibes in a Jo’burg studio sparked the idea. The result? A five-minute epic that clocks in at 5:33, perfect for club sets and road-trip playlists alike. As Clairise put it, “We wanted to make something that says ‘I love you’ but in a way that gets everyone moving—Afro-Ama love letter.”
Breaking Barriers: From Upload to Viral Phenomenon
The launch strategy was textbook perfection in the digital age. Teasers flooded TikTok and Instagram weeks ahead, with Davido posting cryptic clips captioned “FRIDAY!!! #Nakupenda,” amassing millions of views and building feverish anticipation. By release day, the full track hit streaming platforms via Universal Music Africa, and the video premiered to immediate acclaim. Hitting 1 million YouTube views in under 24 hours—specifically 18, as confirmed by music outlets—it’s TxC’s fastest-rising visual to date and a testament to Davido’s “30BG over guide” influence.
Streaming numbers tell an equally compelling story. On Spotify Nigeria, “Nakupenda” debuted at No. 8 on the Daily Top Songs chart with a staggering 166,568 first-day streams, outpacing many established hits and signaling massive domestic appeal. Globally, it’s climbing: No. 30 on Apple Music Nigeria, rising to No. 37 shortly after, and cracking the Top 25 in Tanzania and Sierra Leone. Shazam searches spiked to No. 15 in Nigeria, with fans in Zambia, Mozambique, and beyond queuing it up. These figures aren’t just stats; they’re a barometer of how “Nakupenda” is bridging divides, with 40% of streams coming from outside Africa per early analytics.
The video itself is a feast for the eyes, directed by a team that includes TxC’s in-house visionaries. Shot across iconic locations—from the bustling streets of Lagos to the golden-hour hills of Gauteng—it features intricate dance routines that pay homage to both Zanku and Amapiano shuffles. Davido’s entrance, mid-chorus with a fleet of dancers, has already spawned countless TikTok challenges, while Zlatan’s energetic cameo has street performers recreating his moves worldwide.

Echoes of Ecstasy:
Fan Frenzy and Social Media Storm

No African release in 2025 has lit up socials quite like “Nakupenda.” On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag trended in Nigeria and South Africa within hours, with over 50,000 mentions by midday December 13. According to Facebook Fans from 30BG loyalists to Amapiano purists flooded timelines. “I LOVE MY SQUAD #30BG #NAKUPENDA,” Davido posted alongside a clip, garnering 13,500 likes and 1,800 reposts in minutes. Replies poured in: “This is bang mhennn,” from one user, while another declared, “30BG gather here ????❤️.”
Instagram Reels amplified the chaos, with Shoday’s official account teasing “Mood ohhhhh!!! ???????? ????,” sparking fire emojis and calls for a remix. Tanzanian fans showed love with “Big love from Tanzania ???????? guys ????,” highlighting the track’s East African resonance. On TikTok, Davido’s “WE GOT A HIT #NAKUPENDA” video crossed 22 million views, fueling user-generated content that ranges from wedding dances to gym montages. Even critics, often quick to dissect collabs, praised its cohesion: “A continental banger that feels effortless,” noted one music blogger.
This buzz extends beyond metrics. Radio stations from BBC 1Xtra to Metro FM South Africa added it to heavy rotation, and early playlist inclusions on Spotify’s “African Heat” and Apple Music’s “Afrobeats Hits” ensure longevity. For TxC, whose monthly listeners hover at 681,000, this could double their reach overnight.

Harmonizing Heritage: The Cultural Alchemy of Afrobeats and Amapiano

What makes “Nakupenda” more than a fleeting viral? It’s the masterful fusion of genres that defines modern African pop. Amapiano, born in South African townships, brings log drums and soulful keys—TxC’s specialty—while Afrobeats, Davido’s domain, layers percussive highs and melodic hooks. Shoday and Zlatan’s Nigerian flair adds grit, Scotts Maphuma grounds it in SA authenticity, and Al Xapo’s production polishes it for global ears. The result is a track that’s dancefloor-ready yet radio-friendly, echoing the cross-pollination seen in hits like Wizkid’s “Essence” or Burna Boy’s Twice as Tall.
This alchemy reflects broader trends: Africa’s youth, 70% under 30, are remixing traditions into tomorrow’s soundtracks. “Nakupenda” isn’t just music; it’s a love story for the diaspora, evoking joy in a divided world. As one X user put it, “From Jo’burg to Lagos, this is OUR vibe.”
Charting the Horizon: What’s Next for Nakupenda and Its Creators?
As “Nakupenda” climbs—projected to hit Spotify Global Top 200 by week’s end—the collaborators eye expansions. Rumors swirl of a remix with East African talent, perhaps Diamond Platnumz, and a potential tour bridging Cape Town and Accra. For Davido, fresh off 5IVE, it’s another feather in a cap already brimming. TxC, meanwhile, teases an EP for Q1 2026, with “Nakupenda” as the lead single.
In an industry where virality is king, this track reminds us: True hits endure through heart. Stream it on YouTube or Spotify, and let the love flow.