Nigerian hitmaker Tekno has revealed that his popular track 'Rara' was directly inspired by Wizkid's iconic song 'Ojuelegba'. In a recent interview on Cool FM, the singer and producer explained how the 2014 classic shaped his own music.
Tekno's admiration for 'Ojuelegba'
Tekno described 'Ojuelegba' as one of his favourite songs of all time, not just within Afrobeats. 'Rara is 'Ojuelegba'. It's the same thing. Same progression, same everything. A good chef is always a good chef,' he said, drawing a culinary analogy. 'I listened to the song so much that it gave me a hit track. 'Ojuelegba' is one of my all-time favourites. Not just Afrobeats, all time.'
The impact of 'Ojuelegba' on Afrobeats
Released in 2014 as a lead single from Wizkid's second album 'Ayo', 'Ojuelegba' was produced by Legendury Beatz. The song takes listeners on an emotional journey to Wizkid's early days in the Ojuelegba area of Surulere, Lagos. Its infectious melodies, emotional lyrics, and relatability made it an instant hit, opening doors for both Wizkid and Nigerian pop music globally. In 2015, the track received an international remix featuring British-Nigerian rapper Skepta and global hip-hop star Drake, further cementing its legacy.
'Rara' as a career-defining record for Tekno
Just as 'Ojuelegba' became a milestone for Wizkid, 'Rara' propelled Tekno's career, establishing him as one of Nigeria's most reliable hitmakers. The song shares the same chord progression and structure as 'Ojuelegba', a fact Tekno openly acknowledges. 'I was shocked when Wizkid said he almost didn't release 'Ojuelegba'. 'Rara' is 'Ojuelegba', same progression, same everything. It's just a good shuffle,' he added.
Continued success for both artists
Over a decade later, both stars continue to achieve new heights. Wizkid recently delivered a highly praised performance at the 2026 Afro Nation festival in Portugal. Tekno, meanwhile, has released a new 8-track project titled 'Where Did Love Go', which explores various genres and showcases his versatility as an artist.
