It is not unusual for certain artistes to sound alike even without meaning to Saturday Beats takes a look at the singers who fall in that category
K1 de Ultimate and Ganiu Ayinde, Onanuga Kolade, David Ayinde, Ramoni Akanni
These singers all propagate the ‘gospel’ of fuji music. Undisputedly, one of the biggest fuji artistes in the country, it is not surprising that many singers sound like K1 de Ultimate. Younger singers who sound like him include David Ojei, aka David Ayinde, who can be mistaken for K1 when he sings.
Another singer who sounds like K1 is Ramoni Akanni, who is popularly referred to as RK1. Apparently aware of his musical doppelganger, RK1 frequently pays homage to K1 whenever he is performing.
Kolade Onanuga is another fuji singer that sings like K1. Formally known as K2, he is patronised by fans of K1, and some have attributed this to his adopting the name K2. He is usually engaged by fans in Europe and the United States of America
Another person that sounds like K1 is Ganiu Ayinde, aka X1. And, this has been a blessing to him and his family. The singer has been enjoying his own fair share of patronage from the large fan base that K1 has established over the years. He has also had opportunities to perform outside the country.
Tems and Fave
Female singer, GodsFavour Ugochinyere, popularly known as Fave, has been said to have a sound similar to that of award-winning artiste, Tems. When the former released the song, ‘Baby Riddim’, some people actually thought it was Tems singing because of the similar texture of their vocals. However, though they sound similar, their craft and style are different.
When asked about her sound being similar to that of Tems during an interview with Premium Times in 2022, Fave had said, “I don’t sound like Tems. I only discovered Tems last year, so it would not be accurate to say that she influenced or inspired my music. I think my sound is unique to me.”
Asake and Seyi Vibez
Seyi Vibez is another artiste that is said to have a similar sound to rave-of-the-moment singer, Asake. The comparison became heightened when Seyi Vibez released his song titled, ‘Chance’.
In an Instagram video, controversial singer, Portable, claimed that Seyi Vibez copied Asake’s style. He said, “Change pattern make dem no see you finish. Na so TG Omori see Asake finish. Na him dey shoot video for Asake o before you know, he see say Seyi Vibez trend, he run go meet Seyi Vibez wey dey copy Asake.
“No be Asake pattern Seyi Vibez dey do? No love in the city. Dem no see my fake do, copy copy. Sing your own pattern, me I gat my own pattern. Why dem dey do that thing? Fake love dey industry.”
Yinka Ayefele and Ere Asalatu
The way Islamic singer, Bukola Alayande, popularly known as Ere Asalatu, sings has been said to be similar to that of gospel singer and broadcaster, Yinka Ayefele.
This was confirmed by Ere Asalatu when in an interview with Sunday PUNCH on June 7, 2020, he said, “No, I did not adopt Ayefele’s style. When I released my first album, I listened to it with some people, and that was when I realised it was similar to Ayefele’s style. I believe that whosoever God has positioned ahead (of one) should be given due respect.”
Wizkid and Rema
It has been said that Mavin Records signee, Rema sounds like internationally acclaimed star, Wizkid. This became more evident after Rema released the song titled, ‘Dumebi’, which was contained in his self-titled Extended Play album of 2019.
However, in an interview, Rema maintained that he does not sound like anyone. He said, “I don’t sound like anyone actually. They might sound like me, but I don’t sound like anyone.”
Teni and Lade
The singer of the viral ‘Adulthood Anthem’, Lade has been compared with popular singer Teniola Apata. The comparison became more pronounced after Lade recorded the soundtrack for a telecommunications company, Airtel commercial. Many people actually thought the song was recorded by Teni. When asked in an interview with Tribune how she felt about the comparison, Lade said, “Yes, there had been controversy about the real owner of the song but I see it as a privilege to be compared with Teni. It is a big deal for me to be spoken of in the same breath with a star. Although when people insist that the voice is Teni’s especially when I am there, it hurts. But, the fact that she is famous spurs me to work even harder. I really hope that I can start meeting the people peddling the rumour to clarify to them that I am the face behind the song.”
Obey and son, Tolu
Veteran juju singer, Ebenezer Obey, and his son, Tolu, have similar characteristics, which include the fact that he followed in his father’s career footsteps. He not only follows the same career path, he also has the same style with his father. Whenever Tolu sings, some listeners even mistake him for his dad. Tolu actually started a band with his elder brother, Folarin, who later left the band to him. Tolu later formed the Miliki Band, which he has been managing ever since. Like his father, Tolu performs on several big stages and has been winning over fans to his side.
