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

Taves Breaks New Ground With Historic “Don’t Dull” Sample on “Uche Jumbo”

In a move that bridges Afrobeats’ golden past with its vibrant present, rising Nigerian artist Taves has accomplished something no one else has managed to do in over a decade. The Ibadan-born singer-songwriter just dropped “Uche Jumbo,” a track that marks the first-ever official sample of Wizkid’s legendary 2011 anthem “Don’t Dull.” For anyone who came of age during that era-defining moment in Nigerian pop music, this is more than just a new single—it’s a full-circle cultural moment.

Produced by the dynamic duo of Arieenati and OG Sterling, “Uche Jumbo” doesn’t simply replay nostalgia for easy streams. Instead, Taves takes the DNA of that classic record and rebuilds it entirely within his own musical universe. The result is a track that respects its source material while pushing forward with fresh energy and contemporary production sensibilities. It’s the sound of two distinct generations of Afrobeats having a conversation—one that started in the early 2010s when artists like Wizkid were laying the foundation, and continues now as new voices reshape the genre’s boundaries.

For those who’ve followed Taves’ trajectory from his viral acoustic covers to his increasingly ambitious releases, this level of creative boldness tracks perfectly. The artist has consistently refused to be boxed into a single sound, seamlessly moving between mainstream Afrobeats, trap-influenced R&B, and experimental sonic territories. His 2024 project “Are You Listening?” showcased this versatility in full force, and “Uche Jumbo”—released through the Mother Africa Reigns Supreme (MARS) imprint—continues that evolution. By threading his own artistry through one of Afrobeats’ most beloved classics, Taves isn’t just paying homage; he’s claiming his rightful place in the genre’s ongoing story.

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