As afrobeats continues to expand, artists of our generation are reaching back to pull inspiration from older artists and genres that rocked the Nigerian music scene back in the day. From Abas Akande Obesere to King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), the influence of these iconic artists can be found in the songs we’re streaming today.
Here are six artists whose songs pull from the never-ending groove of fuji music:
Olamide – Anifowose
With over 10 albums to his name, Olamide is one of the most consistent hitmakers of his generation. On his 2013 album, Baddest Guy Ever Liveth, Nigeria’s number one baddo takes us on a trip down memory lane thanks to his lyricism and badass sample of KWAM 1’s fuji hit, Orin Abode Mecca Medley, which was released in the 1980s.
Naira Marley – Pxta and Opotoyi
While Burna Boy has made a name for himself as the King of Fela samples, Naira Marley is another artist that deserves a crown of his own, this time, for sampling some of our favourite fuji bangers. Tapping another musical rebel, two of the Marlian leader’s hits from 2019 sample songs from fuji legend, Obesere. On Pxta, there’s a clear sample of Obesere’s 2002 song, Obutun. And on Opotoyi, Naira Marley dips his hand into the Obesere bag to pull out Papa Worldwide.
Teni – Askamaya
Teni cemented her position as one of the most exciting stars to watch out for when she dropped this song in 2018. We couldn’t escape Askamaya because it was everywhere. Becoming a popular street and club anthem, it samples Adewale Ayuba’s old school fuji hit, Omoge Cinderella.
Wurld – Contagious
The song might not contain a direct sample of a pre-existing fuji song, but there’s no denying that Wurld’s 2019 song, Contagious contains, wait for it, a contagious fuji sound. An interesting bridge between the fuji sound and Nigeria’s booming alte scene, this song is definitely one of our favourites on the list.
DJ Tunez and Adekunle Gold – My Love
Right after the massive success that was Iskaba, DJ Tunez brought our favourite Zaddy (he wasn’t a zaddy at the time) onboard the song, My Love. Proving yet again to be one of afrobeats most in-demand lover boys, Adekunle Gold sings about happiness and love on a song that samples KWAM 1’s Can’t Just Stop Thinking about You.
Odunsi the Engine – Fuji 5000
This Odunsi single is what happens when you take fuji music, mix it with an energy drink, and dye its hair bright blonde. On paper, it sounds crazy, but something about it works. I guess we just like chaotic music.
This Sunday, 19th of December, FUJI: A: OPERA presents FUJI Vibrations.
1 stage. 5 Fuji Stars.
Venue: Muri Okunola Park Victoria Island.
Time: 5pm
Click this link to register. Registration is free.
