The creative bond between Nigerian and Ghanaian music is undeniable. For decades, artists from both nations have shared and sampled sounds, blurring borders to produce timeless hits that define West African music. This isn't just a friendly exchange; it's a deep-rooted musical conversation where one classic track inspires another, leading to a new wave of hits that feel both familiar and fresh.

This cross-pollination is a hallmark of the Afrobeats genre. If a global star like Burna Boy can reinterpret Toni Braxton's "He Wasn't Man Enough" for his global smash "Last Last," or Davido can channel Brenda Fassie on "Funds," it’s no surprise that the rich soundscape of Ghana has been a constant muse for Nigerian stars.

👉 Read also: Afrobeats vs Hip Hop: Who Really Rules Nigeria’s Music Scene?

From Highlife and Hiplife to Azonto and contemporary Afrobeats, here are 10 Nigerian songs that pay homage to their Ghanaian inspirations.

Patoranking – "Park Well"

Inspired by: Guru – "Lapaz Toyota"

In 2011, Guru’s "Lapaz Toyota" was a massive Hiplife anthem, thriving in the heart of the Azonto era with its catchy storytelling and irresistible production. Patoranking’s "Park Well" is an obvious and brilliant tribute. The song samples the beat almost note-for-note, but Patoranking layers it with his unique dancehall style and Lagos swagger, making it a fresh take that stands on its own. It's a prime example of a near-cover that finds a new life and audience.

Burna Boy – "Chilling Chilling"

Inspired by: Vision DJ & AI – "Grind"

The original "Grind" was a track that lived in Ghana’s vibrant alt-rap and Afrobeats crossover scene. Burna Boy’s "Chilling Chilling" draws heavily from its melodic flow and feeling. While it honors the original's vibe, Burna Boy speeds it up and gives it his signature, unmistakable delivery, transforming it into a track that’s all his own.

Flavour – "Kwarikwa"

Inspired by: Wutah – "Kotosa"

Wutah's "Kotosa" is known for its smooth, soulful melodies. Flavour's "Kwarikwa" beautifully reinterprets this classic, lifting both the lyrical themes and melodic phrases—such as "your love took me by surprise"—and reimagining them into a Highlife classic. It feels like a romantic rewrite, proving how a great melody can transcend genres and cultures.

Ice Prince ft. Peruzzi – "Yawa"

Inspired by: Joey B ft. Sarkodie – "Tonga"

"Tonga," a minimal, beat-driven track by Joey B, was a Ghanaian club staple. Ice Prince’s "Yawa" doesn't just borrow its sonic palette; it inherits its core "bounce." "Yawa" leans into the same minimal rhythm but builds on it with a modernized tempo and heavier bass, creating a new anthem that honors its predecessor's hypnotic feel.

DJ Tunez ft. Wizkid & Blaq Jerzee – "Gbese"

Inspired by: Tic Tac ft. Tony Tetuila – "Fefe Ne Efe"

One of the most iconic Ghana-Nigeria collaborations of the early 2000s, "Fefe Ne Efe" by Tic Tac and Tony Tetuila, featured a hook that was impossible to forget. Nearly two decades later, DJ Tunez, Wizkid, and Blaq Jerzee brought that hook back to life with "Gbese." The trio borrowed the iconic line, "Fefe Ne Efe, na the beauty of a woman," and used it to craft a sultry new groove that stands firmly on its own.

Wizkid – "Manya"

Inspired by: VIP – "Ahomka Womu"

VIP’s 2003 smash hit "Ahomka Womu" wasn’t just a Ghanaian anthem—it was a pan-African club staple. In 2017, Wizkid channeled its timeless energy into "Manya." He retained the infectious vibe of the original while layering it with a sleek, contemporary Afrobeats sound, resulting in a new hit that dominated airwaves and dancefloors across the continent.

Kida Kudz ft. Jaykae – "1 am"

Inspired by: VIP – "Ahomka Wo Mu"

Kida Kudz, a rising artist known for blending UK and Nigerian sounds, enlisted British MC Jaykae for his track "1 am." The song pays a subtle but clear homage to VIP's "Ahomka Womu." "1 am" takes the infectious groove of the original and weaves it into a fresh, modern context, proving the enduring legacy of the Ghanaian classic.

Curtis J ft. Tomie Boy – "Check Your Balance"

Inspired by: Ofori Amponsah & Kofi Nti – "Atweetan"

Rising star Curtis J, who is known for his unique blend of UK and Nigerian influences, pays tribute to Ghanaian Highlife on his standout track "Check Your Balance." The song samples the distinctive beat from the classic "Atweetan" by Ofori Amponsah and Kofi Nti, showcasing how a new generation of artists is connecting with and honoring the sounds of the past.

Mama G ft. Tonto Dike & Charles Awurum – "Make We Jolly"

Inspired by: VIP – "Ahomka Womu"

Before Nollywood stars crossing over into music was a full-blown trend, Patience Ozokwor, popularly known as Mama G, was a trailblazer. Her track "Make We Jolly" leaned on VIP’s "Ahomka Womu," demonstrating how the song's influence reached beyond the club scene and into the world of film and pop culture.

👉 Read also:   The Business Side of Afrobeats: How Nigerian Artists Build Wealth Beyond Music 

DMW All-Stars – "Aje"

Inspired by: R2Bees ft. Sarkodie & Nana Boroo – "Ajeii"

While the connection might not be immediately obvious, the chant "Ajei" that echoes throughout R2Bees’ 2013 track finds a new life in DMW’s "Aje." This stylistic lift gives the Nigerian track a subtle but undeniable undercurrent of Ghanaian swagger, showcasing how a simple phrase can become a powerful element of a song.

This exploration is a testament to the fact that great music transcends all borders. The creative exchange between Nigeria and Ghana continues to be a driving force in shaping the sound of Afrobeats, proving that a shared musical heritage is the strongest foundation for new classics.