5 Zimbabwean Songs that Sound Like Other Songs

Music is the universal language that inspires many. It is common practice for musicians to do covers of other artists songs. There is a saying that imitation is the highest level of flattery. Others sample artists music into their own including the likes of Drake, Chris Brown and even AKA. They take old songs and sample lyrics or beats. However there are procedures to using other artists music. In Zimbabwe we have seen several musicians have smash hits. They bring a unique style to their sound. However when a hit song sounds a little too familiar, it can become a problem. Some have called it plagiarism whilst others called it inspired. Below are Zimbabwean Songs that Sound Like Other Songs, by other artists.

Mukoko- Sauti Sol Sura Yako

This smash hit and second Zimbabwean song to hit one million views on YouTube hasn’t been without controversy. Producer Just Dementor was accused of ripping off Kenyan boy band, Sauti Sol’s hit ‘Sura Yako’. The guitar strings and instrumentation are pretty similiar. In his defence, Jusa was inspired and Mukoko gave both Ammara Brown and Tytan a cross over hit.

Losing Kilos- Omarion Post to Be

Ex Q and Roki are always the perfect hit making combination. We have always loved how they make great music from the days of Ndichamutevera to Alleluya. Losing Kilos was part of the Kenako compilation which included several artists including Nutty O, Gary Tight and Dboi & Sparxx. Losing Kilos was however accused of sounding similar to Omarion’s Post to Be.

Mwanasikana- Emmanuel Samini Samini

Jah Prayzah has been accused on occasions of taking songs that he doesn’t own. This was the case for his Tsviriyo single ‘Mwanasikana’. The song is similar to Ghanaian singer Emmanuel Samini’s ‘Samini’.

Madrinks Mucup – Ed Sheeran Shape of You

We love Winky D’s party songs and Madrinks Mucup is one of those. But the Gombwe singer just rode on the Ed Sheeran hit.

Mutupo – Bebi Philip Balaumba

Juntal scored himself a hit with Mutupo. It has an African feel to it visually while being a rhumba track. And we all know how Zimbos love their rhumba. However this single is too similar to Ivory Coast artist Bebi Philip’s Balaumba. From the song to the video concept everything’s done to the tea. Only difference is language!

Nzenza – Patoranking ft Wizkid This Kind of Love

Ex Q’s current hit off his album ‘Tseu Tseu’ has Afro beats elements. But these elements sound the same as Nigerian dancehall artist Patoranking’s ‘This Kind of Love’.

Mai Mwana – Alicia Keys Noone

Takura’s most popular single to date doesn’t necessarily sound like the Grammy award winning singer’s Billboard number one. But Mr Okay, Okay does sample the lyrics of Noone.