Culture

7 Hit Afrobeats Records That Drew Inspiration From Classics

Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Across different music genres, artistes for the longest time have explored techniques such as sampling and interpolation in their music with intentions such as inducing nostalgia, paying homage to a sound’s original makers, or simply experimenting with peculiar and unique sounds. While some tag this as borrowing past sounds or music, others regard it as a means to keep old music alive. 

In the past few years, Afrobeats has witnessed a surge in global acceptance and made several feats that leave lasting footprints in the music industry worldwide. From brilliantly curated projects to experimental forays across different sounds, the golden age of Afrobeats is getting more solidified by the day. That’s why it’s no surprise that many hit Afrobeats records today have integrated sampling and interpolations into their making process. 

Sampling and interpolations are two concepts that people often interchange with each other. However, as similar as they both feel, they share distinct differences. Sampling involves pulling the original essence of a particular song, be it its lyrics, rhythm, beat, or melody, and putting it in another record. Interpolation, however, comes as a note-for-note recreation and reflects the existing composition. 

Many music artistes globally experiment with these elements, and it’s become more widespread in music today. Afrobeats singers are no exception—we’ve witnessed prominent artistes such as Burna Boy, Olamide, Wizkid, and Yemi Alade experimenting with sampling and interpolating their hit songs. 

This year, more artistes such as Tems, Asake, Ayra Starr, and Fireboy DML showed us the beauty of sampling and interpolation. Here, we’ll spotlight 7 hit Afrobeats samples and interpolations released in 2024. Walk with us. 

  • Love Me Jeje” by Tems 
7 Hit Afrobeats Records That Drew Inspiration From Classic Songs
Cr: @temsbaby/ Instagram 

Released as a single off Tems’ sophomore album, Born In The Wild, “Love Me Jeje” explores a fresh and tributary take on Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 hit song of the same title. This interpolation brilliantly carries a rich, nostalgic essence while balancing a contemporary style. 

In an interview with Apple Music, Tems mentioned how she and her mother shared a great affinity for the song and how she simply wanted to pay tribute to the Nigerian classic. 

  • Active” by Asake 
7 Hit Afrobeats Records That Drew Inspiration From Classic Songs
Cr: @asakemusic/ Instagram 

The memorable vocals of Fuji superstar Adewale Ayuba in his hit song, “Raise The Roof,” featuring Jazzman Olofin, make a solid muse for this great 2024 hit. “Active” is the lead single from Asake’s third studio album, Lungu Boy, featuring Travis Scott. 

The song boasts of a brilliant interpolation that leaves listeners humming Ayuba’s vocals and fully basking in the nostalgia of this classic while enjoying the brilliance of Asake and Travis Scott’s collaboration. Many refer to it as one of the gems in the album and the most popular Afrobeats song of 2024. 

  • Rodo” by Adekunle Gold 

Adekunle Gold is renowned for making songs that’ll leave you feeling culturally proud, entertained, and inspired at the same time. He didn’t miss that memo with “Rodo.” This hit creatively experimented with “Opon Apala Ti Sun,” a renowned classic by the late Apala Legend Musiliu Haruna Ishola. 

This song takes listeners back to the good old days in the most refreshing way possible. Call it neo-Apala or Afro-Apala, Adekunle Gold taught a great class in interpolation with “Rodo.”

  • Left Right” by Keys The Prince 
7 Hit Afrobeats Records That Drew Inspiration From Classic Songs
Cr: YouTube 

From TikTok to Instagram, this self-produced sample took over several social media platforms and became an anthem earlier in 2024. A major part of this effect came from the song’s sample: the 2005 Yinka Ayefele gospel hit record, “Beru Ba Monuro,” which still stands as a favourite for many now. 

UK-based Nigerian artiste and producer Keys the Prince took out the famous phrase “Te Ota Mo Ile” and put a sonically creative spin on it, appealing to both Afrobeats and Hip-hop audiences. 

  • Wickedest” by Tems 
Cr: @temsbaby/ Instagram

Tems doubles down on her mission to immerse us in nostalgia with this hit on her Born In The Wild album. “Wickedest” samples Ivorian zouglou band Magic System with their unforgettable hit, “Premier Gaou.” For many Africans, this song holds such deep memories, so this sample made this song much more significant. 

The song evokes a subtle sense of homage while letting Tems give us a bold reintroduction into her feats and sound. The funky groove of the song, accompanied by Tems’s vocals and her empowering lyrics, leaves us with a hit that’ll stay relevant on several occasions. 

  • Morowore” by Olamide 
7 Hit Afrobeats Records That Drew Inspiration From Classic Songs
Cr: @olamide/ Instagram

This list of hit Afrobeats records that drew inspiration from classic songs wouldn’t be complete without mentioning this hit track by Olamide. Coming off his Ikigai album, “Morowore” speaks of being grateful and having the grace of God in one’s life. 

Olamide samples Paul Play Dairo’s 2002 song ‘Mo Wa Dupe.’ The record features a strong blend of sultry vibes mixed with a choir-backed chorus for a gospel-like essence. 

  • Jazzy’s Song by Ayra Starr
Cr: @ayrastarr/ Instagram

Wande Coal’s hit, “You Bad,” is beloved by many Nigerians. Ayra Starr made an interpolation that came out brilliantly in “Jazzy’s Song,” the sixth track on her album, The Year I Turned 21. 

Judging from the song’s title, there’s homage given by Ayra Starr to Afrobeats’ most popular music executive, Don Jazzy. We see a recreation of You Bad’s melody by Ayra Starr in “Jazzy’s Song,” giving us an Afrobeats bop listeners will never stop jamming to. 

Author

Taiwo Hassan is a lifestyle & culture writer at Modaculture.

Write A Comment