- Music producers in Afrobeats mostly work behind the scenes yet significant
- However, some Nigerian music producers have earned their prominent status because of their remarkable impact and discography
- TheRadar lists top 10 greatest Nigerian music producers of all time
In most entertainment industries, behind-the-scenes contributors and creatives are usually underrated and the Nigerian music production scene is no different.
The notion arguably is tied to the nature of their exclusiveness and many times fans hardly recognise them except those who pay attention.
Singers and rappers are always at the forefront of accolades that rain down on a music project with only a few recognition of producers behind the songs.
Music is an art and producers connote the canvas to create a masterpiece. Yes, the vocals have a solid influence on a song but take away the beat, it's almost bland.
Afrobeats has seen the rise and fall of music producers over two decades, each representing their unique style and stories. Some are still as relevant as when they began. For some, despite their absence, their work still stands the test of time.
TheRadar, in this article, ranked 10 greatest Nigerian music producers in no particular order. This is a recognition of the finest talents in music production surviving different eras and still relevant.
For objectivity, these producers were selected based on their hits, Collaborations, critical acclaim, impact on Nigerian music, albums produced and awards.
10 greatest Nigerian music producers of all time
- Don Jazzy
The ‘Don’ in his name is a testament. He has probably been in the game the longest. Michael Ajereh known as Don Jazzy is a multiple award-winning record producer and founder of Mavins Records. His over 100 production credits boasts of the biggest artistes from Jay-Z, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Ice Prince, Kanye West, D’banj, Wande Coal and more. He runs one of the most popular record labels in Nigeria signing numerous artistes like Rema, Ayra Starr, etc. Don Jazzy needs no further introduction. His title as one of the biggest music producers of all time might be incontestable.
- Kel-P
‘It’s Kel-P vibes’ is a trademark that represents Udoma Amba, popularly known as Kel-P. The Nigerian record producer and songwriter has paid his dues in the Afrobeats scene to be recognized as one of the greatest producers. He is best known for exclusively producing and co-writing Burna Boy’s Grammy-nominated album African Giant in 2019. With an active year since 2017 till date. He also worked on Davido’s Grammy-nominated album Timeless in 2023. The talented award-winning producer has paved a remarkable stance in the industry.
- Sarz
‘Sarz on the beat’ is his famous tag. Osabuohien Osaretin, also known as Sarz is a one of the renowned music producers in Nigeria. Sarz, who is currently trending for his latest production on Asake’s Lungu Boy album, blends a unique style of African beats and elements. His production credits has featured numerous artistes Wizkid, Lojay, Niniola and Banky W.
He made his foray in 2007 and has since remained relevant—his production discography didn't skip a year without a project. He is worthy of mention as one of the greatest music producers in Nigeria. He has won Producer of the Year four times.
- ID Cabasa
From the days of 9ice, Olumide Ogunade professionally known as ID Cabasa has been a household name in music production in Nigeria. Behind many classic Afrobeats hit songs, he has written his name in the books as one of the greatest Nigerian music producers. With nearly three decades as a record producer, ID Cabasa is the founder of Coded Tunes. Most recently, he made an impressive return with Olufunmi reimagined, a song originally sung by Styl-Plus.
- London
Michael Hunter is another fine Nigerian-British record producer. Known as London, he is acclaimed for producing the record-breaking hit Calm Down by Rema featuring Selena Gomez in 2022. He has been in the industry since 2018 mainly blending Afrobeats and Afropop genres. He has worked with artistes like Tiwa Savage, 6lack, Ayra Starr, Wizkid and Crayon. He is signed with Sony Music Publishing France.
- Mastercraft
Nigerian producer Sunday Nweke, popularly known as Mastercraft has proved his mastery in music productions. His production career kicked off with Kennis Music and he has remained in the game. He has worked with the likes of Flavour, Sound Sultan, Timaya, M.I and J-Martins. Winning Producer of the year twice, he was ranked one of the top music producers in 2015.
- Jesse Jagz
Many know him as the younger brother of Nigeria’s finest rapper M.I. but beyond that, Jesse Abaga is one of Nigeria’s greatest record producers whose impact still stands in the Afrobeats scene. The award-winning producer is known for his work on Oleku, Jargo amongst others. He won the producer of the year in 2010 by the Future Awards Africa.
- Legendury Beatz
Legendury Beats are a duo of producers comprising two siblings Uzezi Oniko and Okiemute Oniko. Their production style is deeply rooted in Afrobeats and other genres from reggae, hip-hop and electro-house. Together they made a fine entry into the industry with their critically acclaimed ‘Azonto.’ They have worked with artistes like J Blavin, Wizkid, Banky W and Seyi Shay. In 2015, the duo won Producer of the Year for their work on Wizkid’s Ojuelegba track.
- Young John
John Udomboso known as Young Jonn is an exceptional Afrobeats producer. His combination of Afrobeats and Amapiano influences sets him apart. He has produced hit songs like Xtra Cool, Dada and Aquafina. He has also worked with Phyno, Kizz Daniel and Davido with his catchy beats. In 2016 and 2017, he clinched the Producer of the Year Awards at the Headies and Soundcity MVP awards respectively.
- Pheelz
Nigerian singer and producer, Philip Moses, popularly known as Pheelz made his mark in the Afrobeats industry as a producer under YBNL, being the brain behind many of Olamide’s hit songs. As an award winner, he got the Producer of the Year at the Headies for Teni’s Billionaire.
7 popular Afrobeats producers who became music superstars
Earlier, TheRadar reported that Afrobeats' landscape had indeed evolved so much that, beyond working behind the scenes, music producers are now exploring their flair for singing at the forefront of the industry.
Many Afrobeats music producers have emerged to become hitmakers and artistes in their own right, shaping and influencing the Afrobeats movement.
