In today’s mainstream Nigerian music (Afrobeats and co), it is almost impossible to credit the pioneers of the sounds without mentioning the progenitor of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela Kuti’s influence has not only impacted modern music in Nigeria but even in the world at large, transcending generations to come. As we celebrate the death of the musical icon, here are some iconic songs sampled from Fela’s music.
- Ye by Burna Boy which samples Fela’s Sorrow Tears and Blood:
The Afro-Fusion artiste Burna Boy garnered massive attention for releasing his 2018 hit single, “Ye” off his album Outside. The global anthem samples the critically acclaimed classic by Fela Kuti and The Afrika 70 released in 1977. The iconic song cleverly addresses the military injustices and police brutality rampant at the time. On Ye, Burna Boy makes an interpolation of the song with a rhythmic verse and brass section, depicting the unrelenting spirit of Nigerians, thereby paying homage to the legend.
- Amen by Falz which samples Coffin for the Head of State by Fela Kuti and The Afrika ‘70:
Off his fourth studio album released in 2019, Moral Instruction, popular comic rapper, Falz sampled one of Fela’s most politically charged songs, Coffin for the Head of State, on his song “Amen”. Fela’s legacy lives on as Falz samples the iconic song, addressing social injustice from religious leaders. The track infuses Afrobeat with hip-hop elements and conscious lyrics.
- Temper (remix) by Skales ft Burna Boy which samples Sorrow Tears and Blood:
In 2016, Skales featured Burna Boy on “Temper (remix)”, which is yet another sample from the discography of the Afrobeat legend Fela. Sorrow Tears and Blood which emanated from the 1977 tragic event raid by the military government, takes off on Temper, alluding to the commotion that was issued in the country, with a notion that everyone should embrace self-control in their daily life.
- Jaiye-Jaiye by Wizkid ft. Femi Kuti which samples Lady by Fela Kuti:
Unarguably one of Fela Kuti’s best samples is the Wizkid-released “Jaiye-Jaiye” which features Fela’s son, Femi Kuti. The greatly acclaimed song samples one of Fela’s ingenious songs which isn’t politically charged but directed at the femininity of the African woman. Wizkid brilliantly infuses a verse from Fela, introduced by the domineering saxophone from Femi Kuti, recreating a refreshed blend of Afrobeat and modern elements.
- Sweet Love by Wizkid which samples Shakara by Fela Kuti:
When it comes to paying homage to Fela Kuti, Wizkid certainly upholds the legacy, as he brings another nostalgia with the 2017 hit song “Sweet Love” from Shakara by Fela Kuti. The 1972 released track is one of Fela’s musical productions demonstrating his signature playful but profound musical style, which Wizkid brilliantly incorporates on the Sarz-produced track.
- Johnny by Falz which samples J.J.D(Johnny Just Drop!!) by Fela Kuti and The Afrika ‘70:
On the album, Moral Instruction is yet another sample from Falz on the song, “Johnny”. Using the 1977-released track, Falz uses storytelling in addressing police brutality and tribal wars instigated in the country. Falz embraces Fela’s daring spirit, infusing socially-conscious lyrics and the choral call-and-response off Fela’s track.
- 85 to Africa by Jidenna sampled from Obe by Fela Kuti and Nigeria ‘70:
2019 saw the release of “85 to Africa” which brilliantly samples the 1993 sonic project, Obe. Jidenna takes direct samples using the melody of the song, with stellar rap verses that exalt his African heritage.
From Wizkid’s blend of contemporary elements with Afrobeat to Burna Boy’s groovy Afro-Fusion to Falz’s tapestry of Hip-hop elements and Afrobeat, Fela Kuti’s influence is undeniably evident, decades after his demise. The substantial legacy continues to linger, transcending borders and generations to come.
The DIY Collective 