Taves Samples Wizkid’s “Don’t Dull” for the First Time Ever on New Single “Uche Jumbo”

Nigerian rising star Taves just made Afrobeats history, and he did it by reaching back to one of the genre’s most beloved classics. The Ibadan-bred artist has dropped “Uche Jumbo,” a track that marks the first-ever official sample of Wizkid’s 2011 smash hit “Don’t Dull.” This isn’t just another nostalgia play—it’s a bold statement from an artist who’s been steadily carving out his own lane in the increasingly crowded Afrobeats landscape.

“Don’t Dull” helped define an era when it dropped over a decade ago, cementing Wizkid’s status as a generational talent and becoming a touchstone for Nigerian pop music. Now, with production from Arieenati and OG Sterling, Taves has taken that iconic melody and woven it into something entirely his own. The result is a track that bridges the gap between Afrobeats’ foundational years and the experimental sounds pushing the genre forward today. Taves doesn’t simply recreate the magic of the original—he reinterprets it through his distinctive vocal style and contemporary sensibilities, creating a conversation between past and present.

Anyone who’s followed Taves’ trajectory knows this level of creative risk-taking is part of his DNA. From his early days gaining traction with acoustic covers to his genre-blurring approach that touches everything from trap-influenced R&B to synth-heavy experimentation, he’s never been one to play it safe. His 2024 breakout project “Are You Listening?” showcased an artist unafraid to challenge conventional song structures and sonic expectations. With “Uche Jumbo,” released through the Mother Africa Reigns Supreme (MARS) imprint, Taves continues that trajectory—honoring the architects who built Afrobeats while proving he’s got the vision to help shape where it goes next.

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