American gospel music icon Kirk Franklin has teamed up with Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido on a new song titled ‘Hope In You’, bringing together two artists from different musical backgrounds for an uplifting collaboration.
The song is part of Franklin’s latest double album, I Am What I Am, which was released on October 30, 2026, through Fo Yo Soul Recordings, TRIBL Records and Uptown Records.
Running for three minutes and 27 seconds, ‘Hope In You’ combines Franklin’s signature gospel sound with Afrobeats influences, creating a musical blend that brings Davido's melodic delivery into the world of contemporary gospel music.
The collaboration is particularly notable because of the artists' different musical identities. Franklin is widely recognised for his contribution to modern gospel music, while Davido has established himself as one of Africa's biggest Afrobeats exports.
Their coming together demonstrates how music continues to create connections across cultures, audiences and genres.
How Davido Joined Kirk Franklin on ‘Hope In You’
The collaboration was previewed during an exclusive listening session in Atlanta on October 12, 2026, where attendees got an early taste of the song.
The track reportedly features a steady bass rhythm and uplifting production, with Davido contributing a melodic verse that complements Franklin's gospel arrangements.
Following the album's release, both artists also appeared together on the music performance platform From The Block, where they performed ‘Hope In You’.
Their performance has added another layer of attention to the collaboration, particularly among Nigerian music fans who may not ordinarily follow contemporary American gospel music.
Inside Kirk Franklin's New Album, ‘I Am What I Am’
‘Hope In You’ appears on I Am What I Am, a 14-track double album structured around seven studio recordings and seven live performances.
The project features several notable collaborations, including Jelly Roll, GloRilla, Tobe Nwigwe and Davido.
By bringing together artists with different musical styles, Franklin continues to explore the relationship between gospel music and contemporary sounds.
The album also gives listeners a combination of studio collaborations and live gospel performances, reflecting different sides of his musical identity.
A Meeting Point Between Gospel and Afrobeats
Davido's appearance on ‘Hope In You’ is another example of Nigerian music's growing presence in international collaborations.
Afrobeats has continued to reach audiences across different parts of the world, creating opportunities for Nigerian artists to work with musicians outside the African music industry.
However, this particular collaboration carries a different flavour. Instead of another conventional Afrobeats crossover, Davido finds himself sharing musical space with a gospel legend whose career has been built around faith-inspired music.
For Franklin, the collaboration adds an Afrobeats dimension to his contemporary gospel sound. For Davido, it offers an opportunity to connect with an audience beyond his usual musical territory.
Whether listeners approach the record from a gospel or Afrobeats perspective, ‘Hope In You’ represents an interesting meeting of two musical cultures.
The collaboration also raises an interesting question about the future of cross-genre music: how far can artists go in blending different musical traditions while maintaining the identity that made their music popular?
For now, Kirk Franklin and Davido have given fans a collaboration worth checking out.
Have you listened to ‘Hope In You’ yet? What do you think about Davido collaborating with a gospel legend like Kirk Franklin?