Drake releases the official music video for "Nokia"

Drake recently released the official music video for his song Nokia, which currently occupies the 7th place from the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The music video was directed by Theo Skudra and produced by the production company Denim. Christian Tyler and Alex Dall'Orso were the executive producers.

Since its release on March 31, 2025, the music video has surpassed six million views and is currently number one in music trends.

The story behind “Nokia”: the producer Elkan and his story nobody
The viral success of Nokia owes a lot to Paul Omar Elkan Agyei, a 21-year-old Sierra Leonean producer discovered by DrakeThe latter revealed the identity of the young designer via an Instagram video showing Elkan in the middle of working on the track in his Freetown studio.

A context of creative vulnerability
In statements relayed by theEcofin Agency, Elkan explained having composed Nokia for a period of depression, transforming his pain into musical energy:

“I channeled all the pain, trauma, and joy into music, without letting a messed-up mental state stop me from expressing myself.”.

The title is said to have originated from phone calls from relatives concerned about his well-being, hence the nostalgic reference to Nokia phones, symbols of an era when communication was less digital and more intimate.

Drake's Artistic Vision
If Elkan provided the instrumental base described as a "Atlanta beat oozing with bass and flashy synths" with "androgynous vocals" , Drake infused the track with an emotional narrative about human connection. The music video, shot in black and white, reinforces this idea by mixing scenes of carnival parties, figure skating, and nods to the old Nokia game Snake, creating a bridge between past and present.

Impact and recognition
Originally from Freetown, Elkan embodies emerging African talent in the global music industry. His rise is a reminder that the continent's producers, often in the shadows, play a key role in the international success of artists.