JIDENNA HAS credited DJ Abrantee for spearheading the global popularity of afrobeats in an emotional Instagram post.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, Jidenna is seen speaking to DJ Abrantee about the role he has played in the genre’s recognition and rise around the world.

“It goes around the world then it comes to America, which really pushes it, and it’s like a complete circle, and it’s because of you,” the Classic Man singer tells DJ Abrantee in the video.

“And then a few years later we have millions of people in the diaspora coming here and I believe that music was at the forefront or the entertainment industry was at the forefront, which means you were one of god’s pivotal soldiers…what I’m saying is real…I just want people to know it’s you.”

A visibly emotional Abrantree breaks down in tears as Jidenna places his arm on his shoulder and concludes his praise.

In a caption accompanying the video, Jidenna wrote: “This man is a legend. For every new genre, God chooses messengers to broadcast the music. DJ Abrantee was that for afrobeats.”

He added: “Music, the entertainment industry at large, and social media have changed the perception of Africa, making it more inviting and appealing to the diaspora. The music was the spearhead of this movement and DJ Abrantee carried the spear like the warrior-king he is.”

DJ Abrantee, whose real name is Abrantee Boateng, was one of the early champions of afrobeats on UK radio.

The former Capital Xtra DJ presented the station’s weekly afrobeats show.

In 2017, Boateng suffered a stroke at his home. He underwent life-saving surgery after which doctors told his family that he would never be able to walk, talk or live a normal life again.

Speaking to The Voice in 2018, his partner Yemisi Odegbami, better known as May7en, said the broadcaster was “exceeding expectations at every step”.

She said: “He’s doing really, really well under the circumstances.”

The singer’s praise of Boateng comes after Drake’s controversial comments about the impact his work with afrobeats musicians has had.

Fans of the genre criticised the Canadian rapper for overstating his role in the rise of afrobeats.