Tyler, the Creator, Missy Elliott, The Weeknd, Rihanna, Nas & More: R&B and Rap Artists Who’ve Sampled & Interpolated Old African Songs
Contemporary R&B and hip-hop artists have increasingly turned to Africa’s rich musical heritage, sampling and interpolating classic African songs to create innovative sounds that bridge generations and continents. Here’s a look at how some of today’s biggest stars are honoring Africa’s musical legacy.
🎤 Tyler, the Creator – NOID (2024)
Tyler, the Creator’s track “NOID” from his album Chromakopia prominently features a sample from “Nizaka Panga Ngozi” by the Zambian rock band Ngozi Family. This 1970s Zamrock classic, sung in Chewa, adds a raw, psychedelic layer to Tyler’s exploration of fame and paranoia. Tyler, of Nigerian descent, has previously incorporated African influences, such as Nigerian singer Bibi Mascel and Cameroonian-Nigerian producer Nkono Teles, into his work .
🎶 The Weeknd – False Alarm (2016)
The Weeknd’s “False Alarm” from the album Starboy includes a brief sample of Ethiopian singer Aster Aweke’s vocals. The Weeknd, born to Ethiopian immigrants, has expressed admiration for Aweke, referring to her as “the Whitney Houston of Ethiopia”.
🎧 Nas – Patience (2010)
In collaboration with Damian Marley, Nas sampled Amadou & Mariam’s “Sabali” for their track “Patience” from the album Distant Relatives. The song blends hip-hop and reggae with African rhythms, reflecting the artists’ shared heritage and commitment to exploring African roots .
🎤 Rihanna – Wild Thoughts (2017)
Rihanna’s performance of “Wild Thoughts” at the 2018 Grammys included the South African dance move Gwara Gwara, popularized by DJ Bongz. This dance move, which gained international attention during the performance, showcases Rihanna’s embrace of African culture and its influence on global pop music .
🎵 Missy Elliott – Let It Rain (2001)
Missy Elliott’s track “Let It Rain” from the album Miss E… So Addictive features a prominent sample of Fela Kuti’s “Water No Get Enemy,” a classic Afrobeat anthem. The incorporation of Afrobeat elements into Missy’s work highlights the genre’s influence on her innovative sound.
🎶 J. Cole – Let Nas Down (2013)
J. Cole’s “Let Nas Down” from the album Born Sinner samples Fela Kuti’s “Gentleman,” a seminal Afrobeat track. This homage to Kuti underscores the enduring impact of Afrobeat on contemporary hip-hop artists .
🎧 Kelly Rowland – Hitman (2020)
Kelly Rowland’s “Hitman” from the album K incorporates elements from Fela Kuti’s “Mr. Follow Follow,” blending Afrobeat rhythms with modern R&B to create a dynamic and culturally rich track .
These artists’ use of African samples and influences not only enriches their music but also honors the continent’s diverse musical traditions. As global audiences continue to embrace these sounds, the fusion of African heritage with contemporary music promises to inspire future generations of artists and listeners alike.
