The Nigerian music business has seen an increase in skill, creativity, and adaptability as Afrobeats continues to make waves on the global stage.
Popular music producers have risen from the background to the spotlight as performing artists as a result of this expansion.
Previously recognized for their abilities to create beats and manipulate sounds in the studio, some music producers have also shown that they can enthrall audiences with their vocal and theatrical performances.
Popular Nigerian producers who have transitioned from behind the console to performing live as full-time artists.
Number 1 is Davido:
The fact that Davido began his career in the music industry as a producer may surprise a lot of his new followers. Davido started out as a producer for artists like Skales and his cousin NPZ. He co-produced his smash song Dami Duro with Shizzi in 2011 and produced his debut track Back When, which featured Naeto C. Davido became a full-time artist after becoming well-known with Dami Duro, putting out albums like as A Better Time, A Good Time, Timeless, and now 5ive.
Number 2 is Runtown:
Douglas Runtown, also known as Jack Agu, started out as a producer, collaborating with seasoned vocalist J. Martins. In addition to producing the latter’s second studio album, he collaborated on it. Later, as a singer and songwriter, Runtown would discover his true purpose. In 2014, he released the smash song Gallardo, which featured Davido. Other hits from his first studio album, Soundgod Fest Vol. 1, such as “For Life” and “Mad Over You,” followed.
Number 3:
One of the most well-known music producers in Nigeria, Pheelz (actual name Phillip Kayode Moses) was instrumental in the spread of the Afrobeats genre. His most well-known collaboration was creating the Baddest Guy Ever Liveth album for Olamide, the head of the YBNL label. In addition to Olamide, Pheelz has produced music for Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, and Tiwa Savage.
Pheelz rocked the music landscape in 2022 with the release of the smash single Finesse, which featured BNXN (formerly Buju). Finesse received 200 million plays worldwide and was even included in the summer playlist of former US President Barack Obama in 2022.
At number 4 is Young Jonn:
Similar to Pheelz, Young Jonn, whose true name is John Saviours Udomboso, began his career with Olamide’s YBNL label.
He was nominated for Producer of the Year at the 2015 edition of The Headies for his work on Bobo, another song by the YBNL label boss, and produced Olamide’s blockbuster single Story For The Gods.
Dada, the first track he released, was a hit. Young Jonn has appeared on songs with Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, and Davido since his transition.
Number 5 has Tekno:
In 2019, Tekno was credited as one of the producers for Won’t Be Late by Swae Lee featuring Canadian rapper Drake.
He also produced Davido’s hit song IF, which won Best Pop Single and Song of the Year at The Headies 2018. He released his debut single, Holiday, in 2013, featuring Davido. Tekno was also featured on Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack with the song “Don’t Jealous Me” in 2019.
On number 6 is Phyno:
Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, better known as Phyno, started his career as a producer, working with rappers Illbliss and Niga Raw. He later transitioned into a recording artist, releasing hits like Ghost Mode and Man of the Year from his debut studio album No Guts, No Glory.
Lastly, is Don Jazzy:
One producer who has made a substantial contribution to the development of Afrobeats is Michael Collins Ajereh, better known by his stage name Don Jazzy. Additionally, he has contributed significantly to the success of up-and-coming musicians like Rema and Ayra Starr. Working with vocalists D’banj and Wande Coal under the now-defunct Mo Hits record label, Don Jazzy started his career as a song producer.
Additionally, Don Jazzy has collaborated with well-known celebrities including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. Don Jazzy has made the switch from behind the console to singing as a singer over the years. The song “How Are You (My Friend)” featuring his signee Johnny Drille was one of his most well-liked features.