Ever wonder who is behind the fire beats, top-notch sounds and overall production of the Nigerian music hits you enjoy on a daily? Here are four of the top-tier music producers in the industry.
A music producer refines a song to the tune that the intended audience will enjoy. With Nigerian music and its love of Afrobeats, here are four of the best in the game:
1. Sarz (known by his signature sound ‘Sarz On The Beat’)
Sarz (real name: Osabuohien Osaretin) is a record producer who hails from Benin, Edo State in Nigeria. The 31-year-old act set out on his journey as a producer in 2007 and since then, he has worked with Wizkid, Banky W, Reminisce and is closely associated with Afro-house queen, Niniola. He is a top-tier music producer and is definitely one of the game-changers in the Nigerian music scene. He released his album, ‘Sarz Is Not Your Mate’, in early 2019 and also released a joint album with Afro-soul artiste, WurlD, titled ‘I Love Girls With Trobul.’ His name, simple and catchy, is definitely not one Nigerians will forget in a long time.
Watch ‘Oyin’ by Niniola, produced by Sarz:
2. LeriQ
LeriQ (real name: Eric Issac Utere) is a Nigerian record producer and songwriter. He is closely associated with Burna Boy and he is signed to Burna’s previous record label, Aristocrat Records. He is also signed to Sony Music Entertainment. He produced Burna Boy’s hit single ‘Like To Party’ and solely produced Burna Boy’s debut album ‘L.I.F.E’ (Leaving an Impact for Eternity) in 2013. He is also accredited for some tracks on Burna’s ‘Outside’ album and most recently, ‘Twice As Tall,’ where he produced ‘No Fit Vex’ and ‘Monsters You Made’ (featuring Chris Martin). He released his album ‘The Lost Sounds’ in 2015 which features Wizkid, Phyno, 2Face, Illbliss, among others.
Watch the classic ‘Like to Party’ by Burna Boy, produced by LeriQ:
3. Kel P Vibes
The 24-year-old was the music producer that swept Nigerians off their feet in 2019. He was the primary producer and co-writers of some songs on Burna Boy’s ‘African Giant.’ With ‘Gbona,’ ‘On The Low,’ and ‘Dangote’ (where Burna Boy name-dropped him), Kel P was the name on everybody’s lips. His fame heightened when ‘African Giant’ was selected for a Grammy award later in the year, which he, unfortunately, didn’t win. It, no doubt, went on to win the All Africa Music Awards as Album of The Year. In December 2019, he produced three songs out of Wizkid’s EP ‘Soundman Vol. 1’.
Watch ‘Dangote’ by Burna Boy, produced by Kel P:
4. Pheelz
Pheelz (real name: Phillip Kayode Moses), signed to YBNL Nation started off his career in 2012. He is known by his signature sound, Ridimakulayo. He is also one of the leading producers in the Nigerian music industry. He has worked with his label’s owner, Olamide, on several projects. He produced every song except one on Olamide’s Baddest Guy Ever Liveth in 2013. He has also worked with Runtown, Tiwa Savage and the newest addition to the YBNL family, Fireboy DML, on his debut album, ‘Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps,’ as well as most of the work on Fireboy’s latest album, ‘Apollo.’ Pheelz is no doubt talented and we can’t wait to see more great music he’ll make.
Watch ‘What if I say’ by Fireboy DML, produced by Pheelz:
Did you enjoy putting a face to the names of these great producers?
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