Accra, Ghana – April 11, 2025 – Ghana’s vibrant music scene, renowned for its Highlife and Hiplife genres, continues to leave an indelible mark on the global stage. Over the decades, Ghanaian artistes have crafted timeless hits that resonate far beyond the country’s borders, inspiring international musicians to sample these classics in their own work—sometimes sparking controversy over copyright issues. From Drake to Kelly Rowland, here are seven popular Ghanaian songs that have been reimagined by artistes worldwide, showcasing the enduring influence of Ghana’s musical heritage.
- Obrafour’s “Oye Ohene (Remix)” ft. Tinny (2003) – Sampled by Drake
In 2022, fans were astonished to discover that Canadian superstar Drake had sampled Ghanaian rapper Obrafour’s “Oye Ohene (Remix)” in his track “Calling My Name” from the album Honestly, Nevermind. The iconic phrase “Killer cut blood, killer cut” from Obrafour’s song was woven into Drake’s production, sparking widespread discussion online. However, the sampling led to legal action, with Obrafour filing a $10 million lawsuit against Drake for alleged copyright infringement, highlighting the complexities of cross-cultural musical borrowing. - Kofi Nti ft. Ofori Amponsah’s “Odo Nwom” (2004) – Sampled by Tion Wayne ft. One Acen
The romantic Highlife classic “Odo Nwom” by Kofi Nti and Ofori Amponsah found new life in the UK’s music scene when British rapper Tion Wayne and singer One Acen sampled it for their 2019 track “2/10.” The duo incorporated the song’s unforgettable “Owaee, Owaee” melody, blending Ghanaian rhythms with urban Hip-hop to create a vibrant cross-cultural hit that retained the original’s emotive essence. - VIP’s “Ahomka Wo Mu” (2003) – Sampled by Wizkid & Mut4Y
One of Ghana’s most celebrated Hiplife anthems, “Ahomka Wo Mu” by VIP, was reimagined by Nigerian producer Mut4Y and Afrobeat sensation Wizkid in their 2017 hit “Manya.” The track infused VIP’s infectious rhythm into a modern Afrobeat sound, captivating audiences across Africa and beyond. Notably, Nigerian actress Patience Ozokwor, popularly known as Mama G, also sampled the same song in her collaboration with Tonto Dikeh, “Make We Jolly,” further amplifying its influence. - Ebo Taylor’s “Odofo Nnyi Ekyir Biara” (1973) – Sampled by Kelly Rowland
Highlife legend Ebo Taylor’s 1973 masterpiece “Odofo Nnyi Ekyir Biara” was brought to a global audience by American R&B star Kelly Rowland in her 2021 single “Black Magic.” Rowland’s track paid homage to Taylor’s pioneering sound, blending Ghanaian Highlife with contemporary soul and R&B. Taylor’s enduring legacy continues to inspire artistes seeking authentic African influences. - Ofori Amponsah ft. Kofi Nti’s “Odo Nwom” (2004) – Sampled by Rotimi ft. Afro B
“Odo Nwom” proved its versatility once again when American-Nigerian singer Rotimi and UK-based artiste Afro B sampled it for their 2019 collaboration “Mega Love.” The track leaned heavily on the rhythmic foundation of the Ghanaian love song, creating a fusion of Afrobeat and R&B that resonated with international audiences, underscoring the song’s timeless appeal. - Kojo Antwi’s “Nfa Me Nko Ho” (2002) – Sampled by Yxng Le & Frenna
Ghanaian music icon Kojo Antwi, celebrated for his soulful ballads, saw his 2002 hit “Nfa Me Nko Ho” sampled by Dutch artistes Yxng Le and Frenna in their 2021 track “Wat Is Je Naam.” The Dutch duo reinterpreted Antwi’s smooth melodies, blending them with contemporary European sounds to create a cross-continental hit that introduced his music to new audiences. - Wutah’s “Kotosa” (2008) – Sampled by Flavour
Wutah’s 2008 dance anthem “Kotosa” became a staple in Ghana’s music scene, and its infectious energy caught the attention of Nigerian singer Flavour. In 2012, Flavour reworked the track into his remix of “Kwarikwa,” infusing it with his signature Highlife-inspired Afrobeat style. The collaboration highlighted the seamless musical connections between Ghana and Nigeria.
A Legacy of Influence and Legal Debates
While these international samples celebrate Ghanaian music’s global reach, they also raise questions about intellectual property rights. The case of Obrafour versus Drake underscores the need for proper licensing and acknowledgment when borrowing from African artistes. Nonetheless, the continued sampling of Ghanaian classics by global stars affirms the country’s rich musical heritage and its role as a creative powerhouse in the world of music.