The Afrobeat Scene isn’t just making ground-breaking waves; it’s also redefining classic songs from the past. If there’s one thing many Nigerians can collectively concur on, it’s the fact that Music stands proudly as the nation’s heartbeat. Its piercing brilliance, emotional resonance and deep cultural essence are just a few of the numerous reasons it holds a special place in the lives of Nigerians and Africa at Large.
Musicians worldwide and the general global audiences now find inspiration in the rich vaults of sounds making Nigerian music finding ways to have ground-breaking moments in the global music scene
Now consume your thoughts on these below;
“Have you ever heard a recent song
With certain elements that immerses
you in the vibe of another record?
Sampling could explain that. It simply does revolves around the practices of using portions of an existing song to create a new record, involving snippets of verses, Choruses and instruments.
Music Sampling is a technique of reusing a portion of an existing sound recording in a new composition and has become a common practice in the music industry. It allows artists to pay homage to their Influences, reimagine classic tunes, and creates sounds by blending the old with the new.”
These choices reflect an effort to preserve and reintroduce classic Afrobeats tracks to today’s audience. The fact that these songs, once part of a list of my classics below, are now sampled by modern artists means a lot, showing a continuous and evolving appreciation of Nigeria’s wonderful musical heritage.
Fela Kuti At Home In Nigeria
Nigerian Afrobeat musician, composer, and political activist Fela Kuti (1938 – 1997) as he lights an oversized cigarette, seated in a chair in his compound, Lagos, Nigeria, circa 1983.
Sampling has built a time machine for artist to travel between the past and the present with music. This phenomenon upholds the greatness and enduring value of art that has shaped society while “capitalizing on the nostalgia” to cook up a delicious cocktail of genres.
Orlando Julius & The AfroSoundz At Le Poisson Rouge
Members of Nigerian Afrobeat band Orlando Julius and the AfroSoundz take a bow after their performance at a World Music Institute concert at Le Poisson Rouge in Greenwich Village, New York, New York, September 25, 2015. Pictured are, from left, trumpeter Sean Winters, guitarist Frank Martins, baritone saxophonist Oluwaseyi Clegg, drummer Emmanuel Adamah, Julius (born Orlando Julius Ekemode), dancer and backup vocalist Latoya Akude Ekemode, bassist Ekundayo Afolabi, and conga player Gabriel Osanyingbemi.
Lastly, incorporating samples allows artist to explore and experiment with diverse sounds, creating unique musical experiences that are both familiar and innovative. This practice underscores the dynamic nature of Afrobeats, showcasing its ability to evolve while staying connected to its origins. By integrating elements of the past into the present, sampling has become a vital tool in the ongoing story of Afrobeats. This practice ensures the genre remains perfect and relevant across generations, continually evolving while honouring its unique history.
The Founder Of The Afrobeat Sound Fela Anikulapo Ransome Kuti
Fela Kuti often considered the Father Of Afrobeat, created music filled with political and social commentary, rhythm, and melody. His influence is undeniable, and by sampling his work, modern Afrobeats artists are not only paying homage to the genre’s roots but also keeping its spirit alive. This technique introduces classic sounds to new audiences, bridging generational gaps and fostering a deeper appreciation for the genre’s history.
Travel with us as we take on a revealing of Afrobeat Nigerian artist who have gone on to sample remarkable classics from the Legends in the game which has now turned into Global bangers
Below, we explore 7 Afrobeat songs and several bonus tracks that pay homage to classical hits through brilliant sampling:
1) “WITH YOU” (2025) by Davido Featuring Omah Lay -> “BECAUSE OF ENGLISH” (2018) by BRIGHT CHIMEZIE
A Snippet Of Davido And Omah Lay Vibing to their Hit Making song together which might further strengthen the Bond between the two of them being their first EVER COLLABO
In June 2024, Legendary highlife musician Mike Ejeagha returned to the spotlight after skit maker ‘Brain Jotter’ featured ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo’, a segment from his 41-year-old track ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’, in one of his comedy skits.
Eleven months later, history repeats itself, this time involving singer Davido and highlife icon Bright Chimezie.
Much like Ejeagha, Chimezie is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, seven years after the release of his album ‘Because of English’, all thanks to Davido.
Afrobeat Highlife Legend Sir Bright Chimezie Song Trailblaizing song BECAUSE OF ENGLISH
Davido on Wednesday revealed that his viral hit ‘With You’ featuring ‘Omah Lay’ was inspired by Chimezie’s ‘Because of English’ released in 2018.
‘With You’, a track from Davido Adeleke’s fifth studio album, ‘5ive’, released on 18 April through Davido Music Worldwide, Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment.
The 32-year-old said this in posts shared on his Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) pages, respectively.
On his Instagram Story, Davido posted a video of a FaceTime call with Chimezie.
In the video, he expressed his eagerness to meet the veteran musician and thanked him for his influence.
“The latest hit I just did with Omah Lay, I used inspiration from your song, ‘Because of English’. Yes, of course, I told them to play it for you. It’s trending everywhere, the whole world.
Meanwhile, dismissing Davido’s inspiration as anything other than sampling would be difficult.
His verse, “If I speak English, oh-oh, Cho-cho-cho, no working, I no wan punish, woah, woah. I want to punish you, idiarabanko”—can easily be interpreted as a sample or a direct nod to Chimezie’s original lyrics.
A Video showing David Adeleke @Davido dancing to the song with his lovely Cousin One of the Eldest daughter( Folashade Adeleke @Folafabs) of The Current Governor Of Osun State Senator Jackson Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke
Sampling in music refers to reusing a portion of an existing recording in a new composition.
In this context, it can be argued that Davido sampled Chimezie’s song.
Davido Uncle Senator Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke dancing to his Nephew Song with his Fitness Instructor
This is especially evident when Chimezie, in his track, recounted how his teacher flogged him for failing to express himself in English, following the enforcement of a ‘no vernacular speaking’ policy.
He also sang about how he was punished for struggling with the English language.
Some of Chimezie’s lyrics go thus, “English, eh, because of English, eh, my teacher punishes me, oh, English, eh.”
However, Chimezie, renowned for songs addressing societal issues such as colonialism, economic exploitation, and cultural identity, vibed to Davido’s track.
The ‘Respect Africa’ hitmaker shared a video on his Instagram page on Thursday, showing himself dancing to the song outside his house.
Legendary Afrobeat Highlife Musician Bright Chimezie dancing to Davido Song WITH YOU with a Proud demeanor written all over him reminescing his hit song BECAUSE OF ENGLISH
Chimezie, also known as Okoro Junior, who introduced his Zigima Movement to the music scene with his debut album ‘Respect Africa’, said, “Davido, do you know something? You can see I’m already vibing to this song, With You. It’s a beautiful piece of work, wonderful.
“I appreciate that you said you drew inspiration for this song from Because of English, a track I recorded many years ago. I appreciate you for that, and Cubana Chief Priest, yagaziera gi, nwannem.”
Davido welcoming The Legend himself Afrobeat Highlife Legend Bright Chimezie to Lagos who obviously came through for him from Eastern Nigeria
The BECAUSE OF ENGLISH Afrobeat Highlife Icon even had a Celebrating dinner with the WITH YOU Crooner
Top Afrobeat Recording Guitarist FIOKEE beautifully giving us a musical renditioning of the song with his Guitar
2) “GIMME DAT” (2025) by Arya Starr Featuring Wizkid -> “DIALLO” (2000) by WYCLEF JEAN featuring YOUSSOU N’DOUR and MB2
Ayra Starr is tapping in with the established legends of Afrobeats for her latest lovey-dovey single, “Gimme Dat.”
Starr is undoubtedly one of the Afrobeats artists that’s got next. Dropping music since 2021 but really breaking out in 2023/2024 with singles like “Commas,” “Bad Vibes,” and the album they land on, The Year I Turned 21, she’s got the momentum. She’s been keeping it alive in 2025 with “All The Love,” which dropped near Valetine’s Day.
This particular song was also sampled a bit in GIMME DAT by Arya Starr featuring WizKid
But she’s maintaining it and sure to in the eyes of many with her latest offering, “Gimme Dat.” It’s a new collaboration with Wizkid which also happens to be her second with the veteran. The first came back in 2022 with “2 Sugar.”
It’s a sensual but also cutesy love track about demanding some good loving from one’s partner. Ayra Starr delivers an accurate representation of how powerful the urges can be. “And if I handle your two by two, you fit to scream, you fit lose your cool.”
Wizkid also does his thing, giving a more male-centric perspective.
“E get the way your body makes me feel excited / Loving you dey put me in a different mindset / Girl na only you go make me stick to one girl.”
Ayra Starr receiving constant looks from the legends of her genre is great and we hope it continues. But what’s also great about “Gimme Dat” is that she’s showing love to those who have paved the way. Wyclef Jean is all over this track as she works into two samples/interpolations. “911” Mary J. Blige and “Diallo” from The Ecleftic -2 Sides II A Book see well done treatment.
3)“Love Me Jeje”(2024) by Temilade “Tems” Openiyi -> ‘Love Me Jeje’ (1997) by SEYI SODIMU
‘Love Me Jeje’ was a big hit in 1997, the year of it’s release and was performed by Seyi Sodimu and featured vocals from Singer and Actress Shaffy Bello. The Lyrics “Love Me Jeje, love me tender” was one of the most trending lyrics of the late 90’s and into the 2000’s.
Now a US-Based Nigerian recording artist, Seyi Sodimu the Legendary singer gave an exclusive from United States sharing the profound impact the singer and record producer Temilade “Tems” Openiyi’s sampling of his 1997 hit song Love Me Jeje had on his Life.
The 29 years old Temilade “Tems” Openiyi won the 67th Grammy Award for the Best African Music Performance with the 2024 rendition of Love Me Jeje; a track on her recent album “Born In The Wild”.
During a Live Instagram Session with the UK- based Media and Entertainment consultant Abass Tijani, Sodimu explained that Tems creative reinterpretation of his classic hit breathed new life into his Career and transformed his perspective on the art of music.
Tems proved she could tap the rich aesthetics of the pasts as she sampled the Lyrics and tune. The song was released on the 26th April, 2024 via RCA Records (since 93) and produced by Guilty Beatz and Spax. It is the second single from her debut studio album, “Born In The Wild” which was released in 2024. She previewed the track at her debut Coachella set, and Sodimu was thrilled about the honor.
“This made my day. The beautiful thing
about music is that it transcends
generations and connects us through
time” -> Seyi Sodimu on his Instagram
“Wickedest Tems” by TEMS -> ‘1erGaou’ by Magic System
Tems “Born In The Wild” album has another song that samples a classic gem. This time, she samples one of the most popular songs of the early 2000s, ‘1er Gaou’ by Magic System. ‘1er Gaou’ was released in 2002 and is one of few Ivorian songs that made waves around West Africa, especially in Nigeria. The Song has amassed over 25 million streams on Spotify so far.
She began making a name for herself in 2018 with the release of her self produced debut single “Mr Rebel” on July 18th, 2018. Tems gained further attention in 2019 with “Try Me” on August 7th,2019. Throughout her career, Tems has received many accolades including Two Grammy Awards, a Billboard Women in Music Award, Four NAACP Image Awards, Four BET Awards and Three Soul Train Awards.
4) “Sability” (2023) by Ayra Starr -> ‘COUPE BIBAMBA’ (1998) by AWILO LONGOMBA
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe popularly known as Ayra Starr gave an excellent musical renditioning of Iconic Congolese musician Awilo Longomba Coupe Bibamba on “Sability” which in a way immortalizes the artistic prowess of Awilo Longomba.
Although the similarities wasn’t particulated on the dance renditioning cause No one does Makosa Dance better than the King Of Makosa himself but she used her lyrical prowess well enough in paying respect in recognition to the Legendary Congolese.
Ayra Starr having been birthed in Cotonou, Benin Republic speaks French fluently and well enough. She schooled in “Les Cours Sonou University”.
Recently, she won the award for the Best International Act at the just concluded Music Of Black Origin (MOBO)Awards 2025. She previously won the Headies Award for the Best Female Artiste and the the Viewers Choice Awards at the Headies.
“Sare” – Ayra Starr (2021) Samples: “Orere Elejigbo” – Lijadu Sisters (1979)
Three years before Ayra Starr explores romance in “Lagos Love Story” (2024), she holds on tightly to love in “Sare,” a standout track from her 2021 self-titled debut EP. With a beautiful and unapologetic approach, she sings about the butterflies in her stomach, her lover’s absence, and her longing to have him back by her side.
In the hook, Ayra seamlessly blends with the chorus of the Lijadu Sisters’ “Orere Elejigbo” (1979). While the original is a politically charged protest song and Ayra’s “Sare” has no direct connection to its themes, both tracks share an undeniable grace, strength, and femininity—qualities also embodied by the mythological alpha woman, Orere Elejigbo.
Paying homage to legends on her debut project is a bold statement of Ayra’s creativity and intentionality. On “Sare,” she fuses R&B soulfulness with Afrobeats lamba, creating a delightful and memorable record.
“Jazzy Song” (2024) by Ayra Starr -> ‘YOU BAD’ (2009) by WANDE COAL Featuring D’BANJ
Ayra Starr’s “Jazzy Song” from the title looks to be a tribute to her record label boss Don Jazzy. But paying closer attention to the Chorus, one will immediately be taken to the year 2009 when Wande Coal released his debut album
‘Mushi 2 Mo’ Hits Records with the second track ‘You Bad’ which was an instant hit in the 2000s.
5) “Baby (Is It A Crime)” (2025) by Rema -> IS IT A CRIME (1985) by SADE ADU
Rema’s Baby (Is It A Crime) samples the Legendary Sade Adu’s 1985 classic “weaving her timeless melody into Rema’s Afrobeats signature sound. The sound features a captivating sample of Sade Adu’s Classic “Is It A Crime”, seamlessly incorporating Afrobeat and Soul.
Sade’s Adu 1985 classic is an iconic classic which is riveting which helped Rema in making a soothing tease of Sade’s voice, amplifying its wistful atmosphere with a vocoder effect that makes it sound baby-like.
Produced by P Prime, who was heavily involved in HEIS, the Baby (Is It A Crime) beats makes a soothing tease.
Rema creates an enchanting portrayal of desire from the vantage point of his celebrity lifestyle. He sings in the early parts of the record, just before segment into other markers Of exuberance”
Rema’s unique ability to twist mundane expressions inside out makes him a very interesting songwriter. That skill is evident in “Baby”, the second verse is especially vibrant and rhythmically intense. In it, one hears Rema in his typical brilliance, seamlessly picking unpredictable vocal pockets while keeping the topic relatable.
On HEIS, there was a necessary ploy by Rema to spotlight the foundational influences behind Afropop. From the Loud, swaggering drums to pidgin-suffered verses, the Project was decisive.
Rema was recently spotted holding a vinyl copy of ‘Promise’, the 1985 Project that features the song “Is It A Crime”. Marketing play or not, it was a visual alliance that shows how deeply the artist cares about building the world of records. The locomotive artist continues with the international motivations behind the artistry, this time taking inspiration from the timeless sound of Sade Adu.
6) “Funds” (2024) by Davido Featuring Odumodublvck and Chike -> ‘VUL’ INDELA’ (1997) by BRENDA FASSIE
The melody in late Brenda Fassie which was released the year 1998 by the Memeza The CCP Company.
“Funds” is part of Davido’s Album ‘5ive’. The project sees Davido sampling The Late Legendary South African Artist Brenda Fassie’s 1997 South African
Song ‘Vuli’ Ndela’. In the track the artist croon about their intentions to spend their Funds on a mystery lady recklessly.
The 32years old revealed the album encompasses “His Story, His Truth and His Growth”.
“My people. The journey continue in 2025 with my new album “5ive”. This is straight from the hear – My Story, My Truth and My Growth”
“This is one is for the dreamers the go-getters and everyone chasing what’s theirs. Thank you for riding with me. Let’s make history again” -> Davido wrote on Instagram.
7) LAST But Not the LEAST is
“Last Last” (2022) by BURNA BOY -> ‘HE WASN’T MAN ENOUGH’ (2000) by TONI BRAXTON
Last Last is a song by Nigerian Afro-Fusion Artist DAMINI EBUNOLUWA OGULU popularly referred to as BURNA BOY whose name was coined through a Friend of his,the late Gambo back in the days. Last Last by BurnaBoy was released under the Imprint of Atlantic records on the 13th, May 2022 as the second single from his sixth studio album Love, Damini.
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is a song by American singer Toni Braxton for her third studio album, The Heat (2000), while production was helmed by the former. “He Wasn’t Man Enough” is an up-tempo R&B song that differs from Braxton’s previous ballads. The song was released by LaFace Records on February 29, 2000, as the lead single from the album.
The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, many of whom praised it as one of Braxton’s best works. “He Wasn’t Man Enough” had international success and became one of Braxton’s signature songs, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, where the single stood for several weeks, and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart for four weeks. As of 2024, this song is her last solo top 10 appearance on the Billboard Hot 100. An accompanying music video was released for the single. The song earned Braxton her fourth Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and was nominated for Best R&B Song in 2001. In 2022, Nigerian singer Burna Boy sampled the song’s instrumental introduction for his hit song “Last Last“.
In an Interview, Burna Boy revealed that 60% Of the Royalties (including Publishing rights) goes to Toni Braxton but he doesn’t care about the huge percentage cause he has always wanted to sample her song.
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” was released as the lead single from Toni Braxton‘s third studio album, The Heat and was produced by Jerkins. The song was recorded in the United States during the production of Braxton’s third studio album, between
January and February 2000. During its production, L.A. Reid said “It’s very strong, and very personal to her”.
Burna Boy surprised his fans by bringing The Legendary Toni Braxton on stage
All instruments on “He Wasn’t Man Enough” are played by Jerkins and the background vocals are sung by Braxton, Nora Payne, Sharlotte Gibson, and Jerkins. The song was recorded in a key signature of E minor. Popmatters praised Braxton, saying “the track seems to be an attempt to make some headway within the lucrative urban R&B market.”
The song earned Braxton her sixth Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2001. According to Billboard.com, this song is her last Top 10 appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 to date.
OTHERS;
A) “ACTIVE” (2024) by Asake -> ‘Merenge’ (1991) by ALHAJI RASHEED AYINDE
Ololade Ahmed popularly known as Asake recently released his third studio album, “Lungu Boy “. The lead single in the album, “Active”, featured US rapper Travis Scott and sampled Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde’s Merenge’s from 1991, where he sang the famous line, “Ma Jo fine boy”.
The song entered the top three on Itunes US and surpassed over 42 million streams on Spotify as of the time this article was composed. “Lungu Boy” was also the second most streamed Nigerian album on Spotify in 2024.
“Active” – Asake (ft. Travis Scott) (2024) Samples “Raise Da Roof” – Jazzman Olofin (ft. Adewale Ayuba) (2004)
Asake’s last album may not have met expectations, but it delivered some standout tracks—one of them being “Active”, a fast-life anthem featuring Travis Scott. Produced by Sarz and MIKE DEAN, the song rides on high energy, flipping Jazzman Olofin’s 2004 hit “Raise Da Roof” into a vibrant sample. The track loops Adewale Ayuba’s signature line, “Ma jo, fine girl,” in a way that transforms the original fuji groove into an Afrobeats banger.
The sample shines even brighter with Travis Scott’s delivery. His first four opening lines subtly weave in the sample, making it feel like it’s completing his words. Each time he says “my,” the sample steps in—except it’s actually Ayuba’s “Ma” from the original lyric. It’s a slick, almost magical manipulation that adds to the song’s dynamic energy.
Both tracks are made for the party, but Active cranks things up a notch—bigger, bolder, and more disruptive.
*) “C’mon Look” (2024) by Asake -> ‘WON TUN-NNA'(2013) by K1 DE ULTIMATE
Asake continues to draw inspiration from Fuji music, sampling K1 De Ultimate’s ‘Won Tun-Nna’ released in 2013.
*) Start (INTRO)” (2024) by Asake -> ‘Eye Adaba’ by ASA
Asake blends Fuji and Afro-fusion, drawing from deep Yoruba musical traditions and modern street vibes. Ahmed Ololade also known as Asake won the Next Rated Artist of the Year 2023 and also won the Award for the Album for the Year “Mr Money With The Vibe”, on 4th September,2023.
He also won the Best African Artist Of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards June 3rd,2023 and also won the Sound City Malele MVP Awards. Finally Last year Ololade Ahmed clinched the Made Of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards for the category of the Best African Act clinching the award Ahead of the likes of Burna Boy Last year.
B) “Olufunmi Reimagined(The Missing Recipe)”(2024) by Ladipoe -> ‘OLUFUNMI ‘by STYLEPLUS
“Olufunmi” by Style Plus dominated radio waves in the 2000s. Style Plus are a Music group known for their hit songs like “Imagine That”, “Runaway”, “Four Years”, and “Iya Basira”.
Here Mavin Records Artist and Rapper Ladipoe helped to breathe new life into the classic with a Reimagined version. This nostalgic rework became a viral sensation with over millions of Spotify streams.
*)” Favourite Girl” (2024) by Darkoo featuring Rema -> ‘Love is Wicked’ by BRICK & LACE
The song has amassed over 25 million Spotify streams and is one of the worst streamed songs of 2024, with the original versions having over 35 million streams
C) “Rodo” – Adekunle Gold (2024) Samples “Opon Apala Ti Sun” – Musiliu Ishola (2000)
Musiliu Haruna Ishola released the SOYOYO album in 2000. This album refreshed Apala’s music in a younger and more contemporary climate and produced hits like “Ise Oluwa Ko Seni Toye” and “Opon Apala Ti Sun”.
The jiggy drums of Musiliu Ishola’s “Opon Apala Ti Sun” are sampled on Adekunle Gold’s groovy track, “Rodo” (meaning “pepper”). AG praises his babe, and like every “finished Nigerian man,” he implores her to pepper him more. But this isn’t a call for pain—or soup. It’s a smooth, melodic plea for more seduction, making “pepper me” sound even hotter.
“Rodo” is a song for the hot ladies, their admirers, and the sizzling parties they light up.
Adekunle Gold released “Rodo”, a sample of “Opon Apala Ti Sun” and a mix of Amapiano and Afrobeats, making a dance-friendly tune with a lot of energy. The song amassed over 8 million Spotify streams.
Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko aka Adekunle Gold (A.G Baby) in 2015 won the Best New Act for his Album “Himself” at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards. In 2016, He won both the Best song “Pick Up” and Best New Act to watch with his Album “Himself” both in the NEA Awards. Still in 2016, he picked up the award for the Best Alternative song “Sade” and at the City People Entertainment Awards he won the award for the Album Of the Year with the Project “Himself”. In 2017, he picked up Collabo of the Year with Simi with the Song “No Forget” and at I.A.R.A he picked up Both the Best African Music Artist and also The Most Popular Musician Award with the Project “Himself” In 2023, he won the Award for the Best songwriter at the 2023 Headies Award for writing a song for his wife Simi
D) “Iseoluwa” by Fireboy DML -> ‘ISE OLUWA KO SENI TOYE’ by MUSILIU HARUNA ISHOLUWA
One of the most spiritually resonant tracks on Adedamola (2024), highlighting Yoruba pride and lyrical depth.
Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan also known as Fireboy DML is also another artist who sampled the Apala Legend Musiliu Haruna Ishola from his 2000 album, SOYOYO.
Fireboy DML released his fourth studio album, “ADEDAMOLA”, on August 29th,2024. The album, released under YBNL Nation and Empire, including collaborations with notable artists such as Seun Kuti, Jon Baptiste, Lagbaja, Logan, and DJ Spinall. One of the top songs, “Iseoluwa”, resonated with audiences especially yoruba listeners. The song samples Ishola’s “Ise Oluwa Ko Seni Taye”, another classic from his 2000 album.
Fireboy DML in 2019 won the Most Promising Act Of the Year while in 2020, he won the Sound City MVP Awards Festival Listeners Choice Awards for the song “Jealous”. Same year(2020) Fireboy DML had a Quintiple of Awards (won 5 Awards) at the Headies; “APOLLO” the Album gave him the Best R&B album while “Tatoo” single gave him Best R&B single.
Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan “Fireboy DML” capped the Headies Revelation Awards too. In 2021, he won the African Fan’s Favorite Awards at the All African Music Awards. While in 2022, he won the Best Afrobeat Single “Peru” at the Headies.
E) “Majo” by Pheelz -> ‘MERENGE’ by ALHAJI RASHEED AYINDE and ‘RAISE DA ROOF’ by JAZZMAN OLOFIN Featuring ADEWALE AYUBA
“Majo” explores various subjects, including Love and relationship as well as personal struggles and triumphs. A masterclass in blending street sounds with traditional vibes the song samples ‘Merenge’ by Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde and Jazz Man Olofin’s ‘Raise Da Roof’.
Pheelz real name is Philip Kayode Moses also known as “Rilimakunlayoooooo!!!” won the producer of the Year at the 2020 Headies for the song “Billionaire” by Teni. In 2021, at the Sound City Awards he won Best Collaboration for the song “Finesse”.
F) Shallipopi – ASAP Samples Alhaji Waziri Oshomah – Ikwekiame Nedumhe
Bend down to Edo State, and you’ll find a deep-rooted highlife culture that Shallipopi proudly references in his music. In his 2024 breakout track ASAP, Shallipopi sampled Alhaji Waziri Oshomah’s Ikwekiame Nedumhe, a highlife classic known for its spirited call-and-response patterns and traditional instrumentation.
Waziri Oshomah, widely regarded as the Etsako highlife king, inspired an entire generation in Edo State with his spiritual and socially conscious lyrics. Shallipopi’s decision to incorporate this sample not only preserves Edo’s indigenous sound but also introduces it to Gen Z and millennial audiences.
In summary, Afrobeat continues to evolve, not just by looking forward, but also by looking back. Through sampling, today’s artists are honoring their musical heritage—reminding us all that music is timeless, borderless, and ever-relevant.
“Obapluto” – Shallipopi (ft. Pa Monday Edo) (2024) Samples “Ogbaisi” – Pa Monday Edo (1996)
In “Obapluto,” Shallipopi declares himself Oba—not the ruler of Benin City or the music industry, but of Pluto, his record label. This declaration comes 28 years after Pa Monday Igbinidu and Edo Benin Band’s “Ogbaisi” (1996), which is dedicated to a long-gone Edo ruler, Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi.
Pluto is a dwarf planet and the name of a Greek mythological figure who controls the underworld. It also refers to a world filled with excess wealth—a world that Shallipopi calls himself ruler.
Shallipopi’s “Obapluto” samples the vocals and beat of “Ogbaisi,” both as a nod to the older artist and as a signal to his Edo roots.
Pa Monday Igbinidu was a major figure in Edo highlife in the 1980s, known for his storytelling through music. Shallipopi’s use of this sample highlights his commitment to keeping his hometown’s musical history alive.
G) Wizkid – Jaiye Jaiye Samples Fela Kuti – Lady
Wizkid’s Jaiye Jaiye, released in 2013, is not just a classic in his discography but a historic collaboration with Femi Kuti, son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. The track interpolates Fela’s Lady, especially through its horn arrangements and lyrical cadences.
By blending the spiritual energy of Afrobeat with Afrobeats’ modern percussion, Wizkid paid tribute to Fela’s legacy while proving that Afrobeat’s influence remains evergreen in Nigerian pop music.
Wizkid Sweet Love Samples Fela Kuti – Shakara
Another moment of homage came in Wizkid’s Sweet Love, a song directly inspired by Fela’s Shakara. The track’s instrumentation, drum patterns, and mid-tempo groove borrow heavily from the 1972 Afrobeat classic.
In interviews, Wizkid has spoken openly about his admiration for Fela and how his music shaped his understanding of storytelling through sound. Sweet Love serves as a modern reimagining of Shakara, blending political subtext with romantic undertones.
H) Mohbad – Sorry Samples King Sunny Ade – Esubiribiri Ebomi
Before his tragic passing in 2023, Mohbad had become one of the most exciting street-hop voices in Nigeria. In his emotionally charged single Sorry, Mohbad sampled Esubiribiri Ebomi, a classic Juju record by King Sunny Ade.
While the sample is more thematic than direct, Mohbad’s use of King Sunny Ade’s guitar style and melodic patterns can be traced in the song’s instrumental arrangement. The record’s fusion of Yoruba proverbs and life lessons mirrors the narrative style King Sunny Ade popularized in the 70s and 80s.
I) Simi – Aimasiko(2017) Samples Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey – “Aimasiko Lo N Damu Eda Medley” (1987)
Simi’s 2017 remake of Ebenezer Obey’s Aimasiko is a heartwarming example of how timeless traditional music can be seamlessly adapted for contemporary audiences. Ebenezer Obey, a Juju music legend, originally released Aimasiko in the 1970s as a song of hope and faith.
Simi’s version maintained the song’s uplifting message and signature guitar-driven instrumentation, while adding her soulful vocals and pop sensibilities. It stands as a beautiful bridge between past and present.
J) “Palava” – Johnny Drille (2024) Samples “Sample Ekwe” – Original Stereoman (2005)
Johnny Drille’s creativity comes alive in “Palava” which samples Original Stereoman’s “Sample Ekwe” beat (2005). What was once a cocky dancehall anthem celebrating artistry is transformed into a Country-Afrobeats fusion about bad belle—the haters.
“Ekwe” refers to a gong, which inspired “Sample Ekwe.” As Stereoman explained in an interview: “When you beat the gong, people must hear the sound. That is how the sample came into it. If you have a product, you sample it for people to know it first and foremost before they can patronise you. When I sample my Ekwe, people hear the sound.”
Though Johnny Drille takes a different sonic and thematic approach, “Palava” retains the bullish energy and defiance of “Sample Ekwe,” proving that no matter the genre, some messages remain timeless.
K) “Pick Up” – Tiwa Savage (2024) Samples “No Be Mistake” – 9ice (2009)
Relationship frustration gets to her neck and eventually leads Tiwa Savage to the studio in this Afrobeats-Amapiano jam. In this song, “Pick Up,” she calls out to an unresponsive lover. Despite its theme of longing and emotional turmoil, “Pick Up” carries a jubilant feel—perhaps because it samples the chorus and beat of 9ice’s “No Be Mistake,” a celebratory track made for joyous occasions.
Tiwa admits her lover’s silence is taking a toll on her mental health. She feels like her head is about to explode, yet she still holds on. If Africa’s Number One Bad Girl can put the party aside to worry about a man, then relationship palava truly spares no one.
L) “The Return of Eddie Quansa” – PayBac iBoro (2024) Samples “Eddie Quansa” – Peacock Guitar Band (1973)
PayBac iBoro breathes new life into the Highlife classic “Eddie Quansa” (1973), sampling the Peacock Guitar Band’s beats and vocals for his introspective rap track, “The Return of Eddie Quansa.” This moody production revisits the legend of Eddie Quansa, weaving it into a deeply personal narrative.
Eddie Quansa, a wealthy Ghana-based Nigerian, was once betrayed by his older brothers and vowed to seek revenge through success. If PayBac were Eddie Quansa, his verses would capture the moment just after betrayal—wounded but determined.
Though he sounds weary, his spirit remains unbroken. He refuses to bow to gatekeepers, pushing forward with the conviction of someone who has paid his dues and is ready for his breakthrough.
Meanwhile, the resurgence of traditional music samples in contemporary Nigerian pop isn’t just a passing trend, it’s a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s deep musical heritage. By sampling, reimagining, and celebrating traditional music and works by Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, and KWAM 1, today’s Nigerian artists are preserving indigenous sounds while making them relevant to a new, globally connected audience.
These cross-generational collaborations remind us that music is Nigeria’s most powerful cultural export, one where tradition and innovation coexist beautifully on the same stage.
