Ghanaian artistes, from L to R: Kofi Nti, Kojo Antwi, Ebo Taylor and Obrafour
Ghana’s music industry has produced timeless Highlife and Hiplife hits that continue to inspire artistes around the world.
Over the years, Ghanaian musicians have created sounds that remain relevant today, with some international artistes sampling these classics in their songs, often without consent.
Here is a list of some popular Ghanaian songs sampled by artistes from different countries over the years:
1. “Oye Ohene (Remix)” by Obrafour ft. Tinny (2003); sampled by Drake
Netizens were stunned when it was revealed that Drake’s 2022 song “Calling My Name” was a sample of Obrafour’s “Oye Ohene Remix”.
The phrase “Killer cut blood, killer cut”, originally featured at the beginning of Obrafour’s track, was included in Drake’s song.
This led to Obrafour suing the Canadian musician for $10 million over alleged copyright infringement.
2. “Odo Nwom” by Kofi Nti ft. Ofori Amponsah (2004), sampled by Tion Wayne ft. One Acen
British rapper Tion Wayne and singer One Acen sampled the romantic Highlife classic “Odo Nwom” in their 2019 track “2/10.”
The UK-based artistes used the melody to create a fresh urban Hip-hop vibe while still capturing the essence of the original Ghanaian love song, particularly the “Owaee, Owaee” part.
3. “Ahomka Wo Mu” by VIP (2003), sampled by Wizkid & Mut4Y
VIP’s hit song “Ahomka Wo Mu” is one of Ghana’s biggest Hiplife anthems.
Nigerian producer Mut4Y and superstar Wizkid sampled it for their 2017 hit “Manya”, infusing the Ghanaian rhythm into Afrobeat.
Interestingly, Nigerian actress Patience Ozokwor (Mama G) also sampled the same song in her collaboration with Tonto Dikeh, titled “Make We Jolly”.
4. “Odofo Nnyi Ekyir Biara” by Ebo Taylor (1973), sampled by Kelly Rowland
American singer Kelly Rowland brought Ghanaian Highlife to the global stage when she sampled Ebo Taylor’s 1973 classic “Odofo Nnyi Ekyir Biara” in her 2021 song “Black Magic”.
Ebo Taylor’s influence as a pioneer of Highlife has since resonated in modern R&B and soul music.
5. “Odo Nwom” by Ofori Amponsah ft. Kofi Nti (2004), sampled by Rotimi ft. Afro B
Ofori Amponsah’s “Odo Nwom” was sampled not once but twice.
In 2019, American-Nigerian actor and singer Rotimi teamed up with UK-based Afro B to release “Mega Love”, which heavily borrowed “Odo Nwom” rhythm.
6. “Nfa Me Nko Ho” by Kojo Antwi (2002), sampled by Yxng Le & Frenna
Kojo Antwi, known for his smooth vocals and powerful love songs, released “Nfa Me Nko Ho” in 2002.
Dutch artistes Yxng Le and Frenna sampled it in their 2021 hit “Wat Is Je Naam”.
7. “Kotosa” by Wutah (2008), sampled by Flavour
Wutah’s “Kotosa” was one of the biggest dance tracks in Ghana back in 2008.
Nigerian singer Flavour reworked the song into his 2012 track “Kwarikwa” (Remix).
AK/EB
