The soundscape of the Nigerian entertainment industry is fast evolving, thanks to producers who constantly infuse unique sound elements into their work, giving rise to the exploration of several genres of music.

This piece peeks into 5 Nigerian music producers who have shaped the soundscape.

1. Sarz

Every Nigerian music lover and Afrobeats enthusiast is familiar with the ace music producer called, Sarz. Sarz, born Osabuohien Osaretin shot into prominence following the rise of hit single  “Jor Oh” and its remix by Jahbless, featuring Durella, RuggedMan, Reminisce, Ice Prince, and eLDee.

Apart from being an Afrobeats junkie, Sarz is known for fusing elements of Electronic dance music (EDM) into his productions.

Sarz is also the magic fingers behind the queen of Afrohouse, Niniola’s catchy vibe. He has also produced records for Wizkid, Banky W, Naeto C, Skales, Reminisce, Shank, Goldie(RIP), eLDee, Wande Coal, YQ, and Harvey. 

In 2021, Sarz won the Headies Award for Producer of the Year. He was also nominated at AFRIMA for Best Artist, Duo, or Group in African Contemporary for his work on Lojay’s “Monalisa” in the same year.

2. Don Jazzy

Michael Collins Ajereh is not only a record label owner, but also a multitalented music producer and a lot more. The 41-year-old began music production at the age of 16. He once revealed in an interview that he had never learned how to play musical instruments before playing them.

The Mavin Huncho produced all the tracks on Wande Coal’s evergreen album, “Mushin2Mo’hits” in 2009. Jazzy also produced “Oliver Twist”, a mega-hit record that expeditiously became one of Afrobeats’ earliest international exports.

Additionally, Don Jazzy is the production mastermind behind the successful and critically acclaimed “Bounce” by Rema, while simultaneously lending his sick vocals.

Jazzy has also worked with artists like D’Banj, Dr. SID, D’Prince, Wande Coal,  Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello,  Di’Ja, Rema, Johnny Drille, Ladipoe, Ayra Starr, and Burna Boy. He has also been able to positively influence upcoming artists. 

3. Kel P

Kel P, whose real name is Udoma Peter Kelvin Amba is a Nigerian record producer, singer, and songwriter, notable for producing the Grammy-nominated and winning World album “African Giant” in 2019. The talent also co-produced the Grammy award-winning beat for the Global Music Album for “Mother Nature” by  Angélique Kidjo.

Kel-P takes production credit for  Burna Boy’s “On The Low” pioneering the singer’s first smash hit. To date, the song remains Burna Boy’s top 3 most streamed songs on Spotify with 243 million streams. Away from his production prowess, Kel-P’s beats has a tropical feel reminiscent of an evening on an island & feel very Afrobeats-y.

4. Pheelz

Phillip Kayode Moses is not a fresher in the production game. His credit trails as far back as 2012, when he produced Olamide hit single, “Durosoke”. He, furthermore co-produced the rapper’s sophomore album, “YBNL” alongside Tyrone (producer), Samklef, 2 Kriss, and ID Cabasa.

More recently following his transition into music artistry, he produced Davido’s “Stand Strong” in 2022, which currently has over 10.8 million streams on Spotify.

Pheelz additionally won hearts after the live production of his hit song, “Jelo” on TikTok. The music producer cum singer walked his fans through all the stages of production and displayed his versatility, through the lenses of his production discography.

He has worked and partnered with Olamide Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Teni, Davido, Fireboy DML, and Bnxn.

5. Magicsticks

You know how it’s almost impossible to jam Asake’s songs without dancing? Yeah, that’s the work of Magicsticks. By now, you’re very familiar with the popular tag, ‘Tune into the King of sounds and blues’. The amazing thing about him is how he infuses ingredients of juju derived from the traditional Yoruba percussion.

Let’s not get started on his Nigerian-styled Amapiano or Afropiano & also the use of violin in Afrobeats. Magicsticks single-handedly produced all the songs on Asake’s “Mr. Money With The Vibe”, and “Work of Art”, projects. In his words, “Asake and I make magic”.

He made his mainstream debut with Joeboy’s “Nobody”, featuring Mr. Eazi and DJ Neptune in 2020. He worked on Tiwa Savage’s “Stamina” and Young Jonn’s “Aquafina” – both are smash hits. In 2023, he was nominated for Producer of the Year by Headies.