The Nigerian music scene is saturated with talented creatives, ranging from songwriters and singers to producers and sound engineers. All work together to create the amazing records we love and enjoy.
In recent times, advancements in technology have made it possible for artistes, songwriters and producers to create music without the hassles involved in looking for a suitable recording studio and paying for studio time. The existence of several music production apps has given young talents the opportunity to hone their production skills from an early age, this has resulted in a surge of talented young music producers in the Nigerian music industry.
These young producers are pushing boundaries and propelling Afrobeats to unimaginable heights with their skills. In no particular order, here are eight new generation nigerian producers who are absolutely killing the game right now!
Tempoe
Michael Chigozie Alagwu, known professionally as Tempoe, is a producer and songwriter born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. This 27-year-old musical genius is responsible for producing and co-writing massive hits like Soso and Godly by Omah Lay; Alcohol by Joeboy, Soweto by Victony and Ckay’s international smash hit Love Nwantiti. He worked as a statistician and web developer before venturing into music production. He is currently signed to Panda entertainment and has a publishing deal with American independent record publishing group, APG.
Magicsticks
In 2022, Nigerians witnessed Asake’s unprecedented rise to stardom and chart dominance. The story of Asake’s 2022 exploits would be incomplete without mentioning veteran rapper and businessman Olamide, music video director TG Omori and record producer Magicsticks who produced all twelve songs on his debut album “Mr Money With The Vibe” and three out of four songs on his debut EP “Ololade”. In addition to producing almost the entirety of Asake’s discography, Magicsticks is responsible for producing smash hits like Nobody by DJ Neptune, Joeboy and Mr Eazi; Stamina by Young Jonn, Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr; Tesumole by Naira Marley and Unavailable by Davido and Musa Keys. His birth name is Kareem Olasunkanmi Temitayo.
Andre Vibez
Alexandre Uwaifo, known by his stage name, Andre Vibez is the son of late Nigerian music legend, Victor Uwaifo. This young producer is surely living up to his father’s legacy and gradually carving his own path in the music industry. He has produced several hit songs within the last three years, most notably Feeling by Ladipoe and Rush by Ayra Starr. He also co-produced Rema’s viral hit song, Calm Down, which recently peaked at number 6 on the US billboard hot 100 chart.
London
London, whose real name is Michael Ovie Hunter, is one of the hottest new generation producers in the game right now. The 24-year-old British-Nigerian producer was born and raised in Kaduna, Nigeria. He co-produced Rema’s Calm Down with Andre Vibez, as well as several other songs on the singer’s debut album “Rave and Roses”. Other hit songs under his belt include Bloody Samaritan by Ayra Starr, Koroba by Tiwa Savage, Gyrate by Wizkid and Bad Commando by Rema.
P Priime
This 21-year-old grammy-nominated producer is a true embodiment of the phrase “small but mighty”. At just 21, he has produced smash hits for superstars like Wizkid, Olamide, Burna Boy, Davido and Fireboy DML. Hit songs in his impressive catalogue include Bandana by Fireboy DML and Asake; Infinity by Olamide and Omah Lay; Alone by Burna Boy; Electricity by Davido and Pheelz; Ozumba Mbadiwe by Reekado Banks; Anoti by Wizkid and Zazoo Zeh by Portable, Poco Lee and Olamide. His real name is Peace Emmanuel Aderogba Oredope.
Telz
Alli Odunayo, known professionally as Telz, is a record producer from Ondo State, Nigeria.This 26-year-old maestro is well known for producing several songs on Burna Boy’s Grammy award winning album “Twice as Tall” and his most recent body of work, “Love Damini”. He also produced Patoranking’s 2020 smash hit, Abule. So far, the Babcock University graduate has worked with other notable acts like Mayorkun, Blaqbonez, Omawunmi and Big Brother Naija winner, Laycon. He has received several production awards and nominations throughout his five-year career.
Semzi
Banjo Oluwasemilogo Kayode, popularly known as Semzi Beatz or simply Semzi, is a 22 year old record producer from Ogun State, Nigeria. His magic fingers have produced monster hits such as Holy father by Mayorkun and Victony; Pronto by Ajebo Hustlers and Omah Lay; MJ by Bad Boy Timz; The Best by Davido and Mayorkun; Jaboti by Zlatan Ibile; Consent by Joeboy and Sweet Daddy by Dai Verse and BNXN.
Niphkeys
If you are an ardent listener of Marlian Music star Zinoleesky, then you have probably heard the name “Niphkeys” before now. Adebajo Oluwanifemi Adebanjo, who goes by the pseudonym “Niphkeys”, is one of the talented record producers and audio engineers making waves in the Nigerian music industry at the moment. He is well known for producing hits for Naira Marley and his 23-year-old protege, Zinoleesky. Hit songs under his belt include Kilofeshe, Rocking and Call of Duty by Zinoleesky; Koleyewon and Jo Dada by Naira Marley; I’m a Mess by Omah Lay; Ale Yi by Zlatan Ibile; Ronaldo by Mohbad and Dada by Young Jonn and Davido.
Conclusion
Music production is an invaluable aspect of music creation that is grossly underappreciated by fans and music consumers in general, especially in Nigeria.
Music producers are the unsung heroes behind all our favourite hit songs but they rarely attain the same level of fame as singers and performers because they often work behind the scenes. Despite being a crucial part of the song creation process, producers in Nigeria are often sidelined in conversations about music, artistes typically get all the credit and flowers for beautifully composed songs. This is quite ironic because most Nigerian artistes rely heavily on good production or catchy beats to create hit records. A good beat can make a song with a basic melody and mediocre lyrics highly enjoyable, even addictive. Thus, it would only be fair to accord producers the recognition and accolades they deserve.
New generation Nigerian producers are not just churning out hit records, they are redefining afrobeats and facilitating its exportability by seamlessly blending the typical afrobeats sound with more popular genres like Pop, R&B and Dancehall.
