In the heart of Freetown, Sierra Leone, a beat was born—one that would soon become a global sensation.  “Nokia,” one of the standout tracks on Drake’s latest album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, features PartyNextDoor. It is more than just a song; it’s a story of resilience, creativity, and the unbreakable spirit of a producer who turned his struggles into art.

At the center of it all is Omar Elkan Ageyi, professionally known as Elkan, a Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, composer, and arranger. Born in the United Kingdom to a Sierra Leonean mother, Elkan spent his formative years in Sierra Leone, attending secondary school before fully embracing music as his calling. 

While his work has taken him across borders, collaborating with industry heavyweights like Metro Boomin, Young Thug, G Herbo, and Lecrae, Sierra Leone remains his home. It was from his residence in Freetown that he crafted the beat that would soon take over the world.

Transforming Pain into Art

The story of “Nokia” is as personal as it gets. On the day the album dropped, Elkan took to Instagram to share the emotional journey behind the record.

“I don’t even know where to start,” he wrote. “This record means a lot to me. In the midst of a mental breakdown, I channeled all the pain, trauma, and joy into music—not letting my **** mental state stop me from expressing myself.”

The track was inspired by the people in his life, especially friends who called to check on him, inviting him out to karaoke, clubs, and food spots, reminding him of life’s small but meaningful joys. 

The beat itself is a masterpiece, blending nostalgia with innovation by sampling the iconic Nokia ringtone in a way that only Elkan could.

Drake and PartyNextDoor, longtime collaborators, brought the track to life with infectious melodies and raw lyricism. Their combined energy turned “Nokia” into an instant fan favorite, seamlessly weaving Elkan’s production into the signature OVO sound.

Drake himself recognized the magic, reposting a behind-the-scenes clip from Elkan’s Instagram, showing the producer crafting the beat in a Freetown studio. This marks the moment when a song made in Sierra Leone would go on to shake the world.

“When Drake puts pen to pad onna Elkan ting, you know it’s a speeeecial one!” Elkan added.

Omar Elkan Ageyi

Fan Reactions

As “Nokia” dominates the airwaves, fans from Sierra Leone and beyond have flooded social media with praise for the track and its producer.

Drizilik, one of Sierra Leone’s biggest artists, simply commented: “Congratulations”—a nod to Elkan’s massive achievement.

legend-13512 declared: “Best song of the album.”

ayoub shared: “One of my favs.”

durell.zzz hyped it up: “This song so hard bro.”

itsvertx echoed the sentiment: “Easily the best song of the album.”

From a small studio in Freetown to the heights of international stardom, Omar Elkan Ageyi’s journey is a testament to the power of music—how it heals, unites, and transforms. “Nokia” isn’t just a song. It’s a moment in time. A reminder that greatness can come from anywhere—even a home studio in Sierra Leone.