A few days ago, Jazzman Olofin called out Adekunle Gold for performing his hit song “Raise Da Roof” without permission. Many people have weighed in on this situation. Some said his publishing company should handle it, while others argued it was just a rehearsal and did not occur at the actual event. There were also opinions suggesting that venue publishing could manage the payout, among many other thoughts.

Before sharing our own view, we want to discuss the techniques used when modifying or reworking an existing song. The most common techniques include remastering, remixing, reimagining, sampling, and interpolation.

These important techniques play crucial roles in improving a song. They allow artists to express themselves in unique ways, experiment with different styles, redefine the soundscape, and promote African music. This approach helps introduce music to new audiences and presents it in new contexts for existing listeners.

What are these techniques and what do they mean?

Remastering involves taking the original audio and applying various processes to update the recording for a modern audience. This technique aims to improve the audio quality of classic recordings to meet current standards. It enhances tracks by reducing unwanted noises and optimizing the dynamic range. Remastering can also bring new clarity and higher resolution to tracks, making them sound clearer and richer, which is especially beneficial for older African songs. A great example is “Joromi” by Sir Victor Uwaifo.

In contrast, remixing is the most common way to rework existing songs. This process involves taking a recorded or released song and creating an alternative version by changing its elements. It often includes collaborations and experimentation. Changes can involve altering the tempo, adding or removing instruments or vocals, introducing new sounds or beats, and rearranging the song’s structure. Remixes can extend a song's lifespan, keeping it relevant and reaching new audiences. A notable example is the original version of the trending dance song “Tshwala Bam” by South African artists TiToM and Yuppe, along with a remixed version featuring Burna Boy. Another example is “Joromi” by Sir Victor Uwaifo, which features Mya Blue, the first AI-generated virtual artist created by Nigerian producer Nkasiobi Chukwu, also known as Eclipse Nkasi.

Reimagining, also known as reimagination, is a new interpretation of an existing song. This process significantly alters the original composition with clear changes in arrangement, instrumentation, genre, or style. It involves a more artistic and creative approach to remaking a song. From another angle, reimagination in music production serves as a marketing strategy to attract attention to the original track and artist while showcasing the contributions of new artists in the reimagined version. A solid example is the reimagined version of Styl-plus’ “Olufunmi” by ID Cabasa featuring Fireboy DML, Odumodublvck, BOJ, and Joeboy.

Another technique is sampling, which involves taking a part of another song and using it in a new piece. This portion can be a short snippet or a longer loop, often modified in various ways such as being chopped up or processed to make it less recognizable. It's important to obtain permission from the record label and a copyright license from the rights holder. For instance, listen to “Never Told” by Sizz The Truth, who sampled Alhaji K. Frimpong’s “Kyenkyen Bi Adi Mawu.”

Finally, there’s interpolation. This technique is the opposite of sampling. It involves recreating a melody note for note or using a melody from a previous song but re-recording it rather than directly sampling. An example is Ayra’s interpolation of “You Bad” by Wande Coal in Jazzy’s song.

Overall, beyond improving the listening experience, each technique offers a unique way to enjoy an existing song while providing a personal touch for modern audiences.

With this understanding, you can now identify whether a song was remixed, remastered, reimagined, sampled, or interpolated. Whether it’s a subtle remaster or a remix, these techniques highlight the versatility and creativity of music as an art form. They also help preserve and promote African music, ensuring it evolves and reaches new audiences globally while providing opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

I know you're still waiting for our stance on the issue between Jazzman Olofin and Adekunle Gold. But first, tell us: what technique did Adekunle Gold use for the remake? Watch the video here. If you figure it out, you may learn our position.

The blog post on African Music Library on Remastering, Remixing, Reimagination, Sampling, Interpolation: What’s the difference?

Remastering, Remixing, Reimagining, Sampling, and Interpolation: What’s the difference?

The blog post on African Music Library on Remastering, Remixing, Reimagination, Sampling, Interpolation: What’s the difference?

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