How Drake Dialed Up ‘Nokia’: Cocomelon, Crazy Frog and Endless Phone Calls Inspired the Hit’s Producer Elkan

For producer Elkan, a moment of personal irritation sparked a worldwide anthem. The Sierra Leone-born artist, who has been crafting beats since his teens, found himself overwhelmed by constant phone notifications. Seeking refuge, he stepped into the shower, where his exasperated mutter of "Who's calling my phone?" spontaneously morphed into a catchy melody. This snippet became the foundational hook for "Nokia," a defining chart hit for Drake this year. Elkan has labeled the track a "miracle record," explaining its intent is to transform daily annoyances into collective joy and "make people forget about the nonsense in their lives." This trajectory—from a private plea for quiet to a public celebration—highlights pop music's unique power to universalize individual experience.

Sonically, "Nokia" builds from its signature, cooing vocal question into a buoyant, nostalgic groove. Elkan's production masterfully blends marimba-like melodies reminiscent of mid-2000s mobile ringtones with smooth R&B textures and futuristic synth layers, creating a sound that feels both familiar and forward-thinking. This duality stems from the producer's creative ethos. "When I’m making music, I’m always thinking, ‘What does 2050 sound like?’" Elkan notes, pointing to his curiosity about sonic evolution. The track was born not in a high-end studio, but in his sister's spare bedroom, where he composed on a basic MIDI keyboard while seated on the floor. He drew inspiration from deceptively simple sources: the melodies of childhood lullabies and the inescapable, quirky earworms of internet culture like the "Crazy Frog."

The song's journey from a humble bedroom idea to a global Drake release represents a career pinnacle for Elkan. He describes the euphoria of first hearing the superstar's verses over his instrumental as an unforgettable validation. This experience reinforces his belief that creative vision trumps expensive gear, a perspective shared by many producers who began with limited resources. "It’s all about you as a human," he advises, stressing that compelling ideas are the true essential. Industry expert and producer Maya Chen echoes this, stating, "The democratization of production tools means the barrier to entry is lower than ever, but the barrier to excellence remains a unique creative perspective—which Elkan clearly has."

Success has brought a playful, full-circle irony to Elkan's life: the phrase born from a desire to escape his phone is now cheerfully quoted back to him by friends whenever he calls. The official credits for "Nokia" list a collaborative team of hitmakers, including co-writer and producer Theo Skudra. The track was released through a powerful alliance of labels: Drake's own OVO Sound, Santa Anna Records, and the industry giant Republic Records—a subsidiary of Universal Music Group known for its star-studded roster including Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and Nicki Minaj. This institutional backing provided the massive platform needed to turn a shower-time melody into a worldwide party starter, proving that sometimes the best calls are the ones you never meant to make.