In recent years, several Nigerian artists have restored the eternal sound of traditional music legends by sampling classics in contemporary hits..
This deep respect for experienced music genres, such as Igbo Highlife, Afrobeat, Fuji, Jùjú and Apala, continues to influence the songs and creativity of today’s stars, bridging generations and maintaining the vibrant music culture of Nigeria.
Some types of these genres (such as Igbo Highlife and Fuji) are special in some geographical areas, while there are some areas across the country.
These traditional songs include tribal folklore, traditional musical instruments, proverbs, and more.
In this article, we explore famous Nigerian artists whose songs contain and openly sample traditional music legends.
1. Davido – so /When our Marsal Virgin (Kwam 1) – Previous KO MA did
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjpt8ruo2bq
In 2017, David‘ so The infectious hook and laid back atmosphere became an instant blow. What many casual listeners may not know is the melody in the introduction of this song In Wayle of Rosarycommonly known as Come 1and his Fuji classic Previous KO MA did.
Kwam 1, a respected character in Fuji music, originally released Previous KO MA did In 1993, it remains one of his most iconic records. Davido nodded to his Yoruba heritage by subtle interpolation of the track, blending Fuji’s percussion elements with contemporary Afropop Groove.
2. Shallipopi- ASAP / Alhaji Waziri Oshomah- Kukiame and Dumhe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir7mwbkhu4w
Bend over to Edo and you will find a deep-rooted plateau culture that Shuripobi proudly quotes his music. On his 2024 Breakthrough ASAPShallipopi sampled Alhaji Waziri Oshomah Kukiame and DumheThis is a premium classic known for its vibrant call mode and traditional instrumentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2paoas_q4py
Waziri Oshomah is widely regarded as Etsako Highlife King, who inspired a generation throughout the Edo country with his spiritual and social consciousness. Andy Poppy’s decision to merge the sample not only preserves the indigenous voice of Edo, but also introduces it to Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
3. Shallipopi- obabluto / PA Monday Igbinidu – Work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovcvxfdqdvc
In another clear example of cultural preservation, Shealipopi took samples Worklegendary traditional advanced numbers Paonday Igbiniduin his viral race obabluto. The sample comes in the form of guitar riffs and background odes, and shalllipopi blends with the rhythm of street dancing to create a modern national anthem that is both nostalgic and refreshing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xt6jt2m23w
Igbinidu, Pennsylvania, was a leading figure in the Edo Plateau in the 1980s, and he is known for his musical storytelling. Hallipopi’s use of this sample emphasizes his commitment to maintaining the history of his hometown music.
4. Wizkid- Jaiye Jaiye / Files to know – Miss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pav4Kld86e8
viskid‘ Jaiye Jaiyein 2013, it was not only the classics on his records femi toson of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. The track is inserted into Ferra’s Missespecially through its trumpet arrangement and lyrical rhythm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQSVB86A5CY
By blending the spiritual energy of Afrobeat with the modern percussion of Afrobeats, Wizkid pays homage to Fela’s legacy while proving that Afrobeat’s influence remains evergreen in Nigerian pop.
5. Wizkid- Sweet love / Files to know – exhaust
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkevg1ml8wg
Another moment of respect for wizkid Sweet loveThis song was inspired directly by Fela exhaust. The instruments, drum patterns and central grooves of the track were borrowed in large quantities from the 1972 Afrobeat Classic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvyxd35xfx8
In the interview, Wizkid talks openly about his admiration for Fela and how his music shapes his understanding of storytelling through sound. Sweet love As a modern reimagination exhaustblending political subtext with romantic background.
6. Moubad – sorry /King Sunny Ade – second
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzfyl_1pkmi
Before his miserable past in 2023, Mobad Has become one of Nigeria’s most exciting street sounds. Singles with an emotional vibrant sorryMohbad samples secondclassic Juju record King Sonny Ade.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufruci9kq60
While the sample is more thematic than direct, Mohbad’s use of King Sunny Ade’s guitar style and melodic pattern can be traced back to the instrumental arrangement of the song. The fusion of Yoruba proverbs and life lessons on the record reflects the narrative style of Sunshine King popularized in the 1970s and 1980s.
7. David – With you / Bright Chimezie- Because of English
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbc-xplmkks
In April 2025, Davido Bright Chimezie Fame in 1984 Because of English As a creative influence he works with him Oma lying exist With you. King Bright Chimezie of Zigima Sound is a mixture of high-living, traditional Igbo rhythms and socially conscious lyrics, finding his work reintroduced a new generation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET1KXTD2RD4
Davido Because of English Even making its debut on Spotify’s top 100 Nigeria rankings.
8. Bernard Boy – Yes,,,,, Another story,,,,, Collateral damage /File Know
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpe09ee6xio
Maybe there is no support from modern artists F FellaLove the Afrobeat heritage very much Burna Boy. from YesRebellious spirit of political accusations Another story and Collateral damageBurna Boy is widely drawn from Fela’s archives in both voice and message.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xogujo9cuko
His live performances usually feature Fela-style horn sections, percussion arrangements and protest singing. Burna Boy repeatedly acknowledged Fela as his greatest musical influence, making him a modern torchbearer of Afrobeat’s radical tradition.
3. Simi – ignorance /Ebenezer obedience – ignorance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ediqkewlyze
Sago 2017 remake Ebenezer obeys’s ignorance is a heart-warming example of how timeless traditional music can be seamlessly adapted to contemporary audiences. Ebenezer Obey, Juju Music Legend, originally released ignorance In the 1970s, as a song of hope and faith.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm5jqjsw3su
Simi’s version keeps the song’s inspiring message and iconic guitar-driven instruments while adding to her inspiring vocals and pop sensibility. It is the beautiful bridge between the past and the present.
Meanwhile, the revival of traditional music samples in contemporary Nigerian pop music is not only a past trend, but also reaffirms Nigeria’s deep musical legacy. Through sampling, reimagining, celebrating and celebrating traditional music and works Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and Kwam 1, today’s Nigerian artists are retaining 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, and tradition and innovation are beautiful on the same stage.
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