Classic Revival

Nigerian Artists Reimagining Classics: A New Era of Musical Innovation

Nigerian musicians have long been known for their creativity and ability to blend traditional sounds with modern influences. In recent years, a growing trend has emerged where artists are sampling or reinterpreting classic songs from both local and international sources. This practice not only honors the past but also brings new life to old melodies, creating a bridge between generations and cultures.

Davido’s ‘With You’ and the Legacy of Bright Chimezie

One of the most notable examples is Davido’s 2025 album 5ive, which features the track “With You” featuring Omah Lay and produced by Tempoe. The song samples Bright Chimezie’s 2018 hit “Because of English.” Davido incorporated a part of Chimezie’s lyrics into his verse, sparking discussions on social media about proper royalties. Despite this, Davido expressed his admiration for Chimezie in a viral video, showing his respect for the artist’s influence.

Tems’ Modern Take on a Nostalgic Classic

Tems took a bold step in 2024 with her song “Love Me Jeje,” a modernized version of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 hit of the same name. The original, featuring Shaffy Bello, was a beloved love song in Nigeria during the late '90s. Tems retained key lyrics like “Love me jeje, love me tender” but transformed the sound into a more upbeat, party-friendly track. Her version won the Best African Music Performance at the Grammy Awards in 2025, marking a significant milestone for Nigerian music. Both Seyi Sodimu and Shaffy Bello praised Tems for reviving the song for a new audience.

Asake and Travis Scott: A Fusion of Genres

Asake’s 2024 hit “Active” features a vocal sample from Jazzman Olofin’s 2004 track “Raise Da Roof.” The song blends Afrobeat, Amapiano, house, and hip-hop, while incorporating traditional Fuji elements. The line “ma jo fine girl,” originally sung by Adewale Ayuba, adds a nostalgic touch to the track. “Active” became a massive success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Afrobeats chart and number seven on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 100.

ID Cabasa and Friends: Reimagining Styl Plus

In 2024, producer ID Cabasa released “Olufunmi Reimagined,” a fresh take on Styl Plus’s 2006 hit “Olufunmi.” Featuring Fireboy DML, Odumodublvck, BOJ, and Joeboy, the track keeps the original chorus but introduces new verses and styles. The music video, directed by Clarence Peters, follows a storyline where the artists compete for the affection of a woman, echoing the original Styl Plus video.

2Face and Bongos Ikwue: A Timeless Message

Legendary singer 2Face Idibia collaborated with Bongos Ikwue on “Searching,” a modern version of Bongos Ikwue’s 2010 folk-pop classic “Still Searching.” The track retains the original message of longing for true love while adding a contemporary twist. 2Baba’s vocals blend seamlessly with Bongos Ikwue’s, creating a timeless piece that resonates across generations.

Ayra Starr Honors Her Mentor

Mavin Records artist Ayra Starr paid tribute to her mentor Don Jazzy in her 2025 song “Jazzy’s Song,” which samples Wande Coal’s 2009 hit “You Bad.” The track maintains the original melody while introducing Ayra’s own lyrics about growth and gratitude. She expressed her desire to honor Don Jazzy through this project, highlighting the deep connection between the two artists.

Big Sheff’s Remix of His Mother’s Classic

Big Sheff, son of waka music queen Salawa Abeni, released a remix of his mother’s 1991 hit “Gentle Lady” in 2015. The track blends his rap verses with his mother’s powerful vocals, giving the waka-fuji style a modern twist. The remix, produced by Dre Sticks, featured both mother and son in the music video, celebrating their shared legacy.

Burna Boy and Toni Braxton: A Global Connection

Burna Boy’s Grammy-nominated track “Last Last” samples Toni Braxton’s 2000 R&B hit “He Wasn’t Man Enough.” The song combines Braxton’s mournful guitar strings with Burna’s emotional lyrics, creating a thematic mirror of lost love. This collaboration highlights the global reach of Nigerian music and its ability to connect with international audiences.

Rema’s Tribute to Sade

Rema’s 2025 single “Baby (Is It a Crime)” samples Sade’s 1985 hit “Is It a Crime?” The track begins with Sade’s iconic voice asking, “Is it a crime?” before Rema delivers lyrics about love and sincerity. The fusion of jazz and Afrobeat creates a romantic and chill vibe. Fans were excited to see how Rema would reinterpret such a classic, and the song quickly gained attention on streaming platforms.