Nigeria, like most parts of the world, has witnessed an array of music producers who debuted as musicians.
From the depths of their creative studios to the electrifying energy of live performances, these gifted individuals have set the stage ablaze with their boundless talent. They possess an innate ability to craft mesmerizing melodies and lyrics that resonate with audiences far and wide. They have seamlessly transitioned from orchestrating behind the scenes to commanding the spotlight, captivating audiences with their infectious rhythms and magnetic performances.
Join us on this edition as we venture into the captivating world of these multi-talented artists, exploring the depths of their creativity and the profound impact of their music.
Here is a list of some Nigerian music producers who double as musicians:
YOUNG JOHN
Udomboso John Saviours, popularly known as Young Jonn is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer, currently signed to Chocolate City Music. He is also known for his hit singles Dada and the remix with Davido. He had music production credits on industry hits during the 2010s and was affiliated with the YBNL mafia family going on to be ranked #3 in The NET's list of "Nigeria's Top 7 Biggest Music Producers" and went on to be nominated in the "Producer of The Year" at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and The Headies 2015.
Jonn has been credited for producing songs like "Gbese" and "Efejoku" by Lil Kesh, "Biggest Backside" by Davido, and album credits including The Baddest by Davido, 2 Kings by Olamide and Phyno and Eyan Mayweather by Olamide.
SAMKLEF
Samuel Oguachuba popularly known as Samklef is an Afrobeats leading music producer and recording artiste. He produced a large portion of Wizkid’s widely acclaimed album ‘Superstar’, thereby significantly contributing to the huge success of the album. He has also worked with names like Sunny Nneji, Ruggedman, Durella, Skales, D’Prince, Simisola, J Bryte, Emmsong, O’cube, Jahdiel, Vector, Mudina, to mention a few. He released his debut album titled “NONI” in 2010 and later re-packaged and re-introduced it with an international edition titled “NONILIZING”, released in January 2011. He has been nominated for awards and has won many, one of which is the award for Producer of The Year 2011 at the City People Awards
PHEELZ
Phillip Kayode Moses better known as Pheelz, is a Nigerian record producer, singer, and songwriter who has worked with several artists and musicians, such as Olamide and Tiwa Savage. For more than a decade, he’s been crafting chart-topping hits for the hottest stars in Afrobeats, while also pushing his music career. But in 2022, the Afrobeats sensation Pheelz had the spotlight fixed firmly on him with the catchy song ‘Finesse’ featuring BNXN. From there, his career skyrocketed, signing with Warner Records, embarking on tours, and collaborating with global heavyweights like American R&B musician Usher, rapper Diddy, and music producer Dr. Dre. Some of his releases are: Electricity, stand by You, and Feels Like Summer.
J MARTINS
Martins Okechukwu Justice popularly known by his stage name J. Martins, is yet another talented music producer, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his song "Oyoyo" "Jupa" and "Good Or Bad. J. Martins is also known to have featured on the song by P-Square, "E No Easy". Not only has J Martins produced a few major tunes for others, but as a singer, he has sold tens of thousands of copies. In 2022, J Martins bounces back on the music scene with a new single titled ”Kiss & Tell” and a new EP that combines dominating Afrobeats elements with his sound and pan-African essence.
KDDO.
Ayoola Oladapo Agboola also known as KDDO is a Nigerian recording producer, songwriter, and artist. He's best known for producing Afrobeat longest charting billboard single "Fall" by Davido, which peaked on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart at number 13 and US Hot R&B Songs chart at number 25 on Billboard. In 2020, Kiddominant became the first Afrobeats producer in history to be certified by the Recording Industry Association of America, after which "Fall" became a certified gold record in the US. KDDO is managed by Cameron Penney at Pentlife Music. Some of his songs are: Show Me Love, holy ghost fire, and Company.
JOHNNY DRILLE
John Ighodaro, professionally known as Johnny Drille, is a Nigerian singer, record producer, and sound engineer.
He produced “Jaiye” (Time of Our Lives) by LadiPoe featuring him.
He is also credited for the engineering Mavin act, Boy Spyce’s EP titled after his moniker. He won the Headies award for Best Alternative Song of the Year in 2020. His career came into the spotlight when he released a cover of “Awww” by Di’Ja. He is currently signed to Mavin Records. Some of his songs are how are you and believe me.
Kel P
Udoma Peter Kelvin Amba popularly known by his trademark It's Kel-P Vibes is a Nigerian record producer, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for producing and co-writing the Grammy-nominated world album African Giant in 2019. He is currently signed to Aristokrat Records, and Universal Music France, with a management deal with Jones Worldwide. Kel-P was credited by OkayAfrica, as one of the key figure who have helped take Afrobeats to new heights. In 2021, he co-produced the Grammy award winning Best Global Music Album Mother Nature by Angélique Kidjo, and Grammy nominated album Made in Lagos (Deluxe version) by Wizkid.
Ckay
Chukwuka Ekweani , better known by his stage name Ckay, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and record producer signed to Warner Music South Africa and Atlantic Records. He was formerly signed to Chocolate City, a member of Warner Music Group's independent label services ADA. His international hit single "Love Nwantiti", was released in 2019 by Chocolate City. On 29 March 2022, the song debuted at number one, following the launch of the Billboard Afrobeats chart. On 9 May 2022, it became the first-ever African song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify and has since been deemed "the biggest hit in African history". Some of his songs are trumpet, Wetin' Be Love, and ‘Hallelujah’ debuted on Nigeria's Apple Music’s Top 100 Chart.
Tekno
Augustine Miles Kelechi popularly known as Tekno , is a Nigerian singer and songwriter and Record producer. His song “Enjoy” was the closing song in an episode of the Emmy-winning TV series Ted Lasso (Season Three, Episode Six). He has produced a number of tracks, including a Swae Lee and Drake collaboration titled “Won’t Be Late” Some of his songs are Mufasa, jinja and more.
COBHAMS ASUQUO
Cobhams Asuquo is a Nigerian musician, producer, and songwriter. In 2005, Asuquo was signed on with Sony ATV London as a songwriter. After working as Head of Audio Productions at a local label, Questionmark Entertainment, he set up his own recording facility in 2006. He is the former CEO/Head of Productions of CAMP (Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions), which he co-managed with Bez Idakula and Stan Iyke. He was responsible for Aşa's highly acclaimed international album ASA and has been mentioned on many artists' sleeve credits as producer and writer. He is now the Founder/CEO of Vintage Grey Media.
Phyno
Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike known professionally as Phyno, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. A native of Anambra State, Phyno was born and raised in Enugu State. He started his music career as a producer in 2003, and is renowned for rapping in the Igbo language. His debut studio album No Guts No Glory was released in 2014. It was supported by the singles "Ghost Mode", "Man of the Year", "Parcel" and "O Set". Phyno has worked with artists such as Olamide, Wizkid, Davido, Timaya, Flavour, Ruggedman, Bracket, J. Martins, and Mr Raw. Some of his songs are Bia, belong to You and ojemba.
Echo The Guru
Emmanuel Nwachukwu Ejidike aka Echo The Guru is a record producer and music creative, telling stories with music.
His songs include ‘Ajuru’, ‘Heaven on Earth’ and ‘Complicated’.
He spent 2019 making and uploading one beat per day.
Echo’s discography includes tunes with Skales, Yemi Alade, OBT, Fireboy DML.
He’s credited for producing Fireboy DML’s ‘King’.
Maleek Berry
Maleek Shoyebi professionally known as Maleek Berry, is a British-Nigerian record producer and recording artist. After his break into the spotlight in 2012, Maleek Berry was nominated as "Music Producer of the Year" at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. Maleek Berry has worked with prominent artists such as Wizkid, Davido, Wale, Fuse ODG, Runtown and Iyanya. In 2017 the Starboy Label signed act was nominated in the Best Male category of the annual MOBO Awards.He has songs such as ‘Kontrol’, ‘Bend it’, ‘Pon My Mind’, ‘4 Me’ and ‘Sisi Maria’ to his credit.
JESSE JAGZ
Jesse Garba Abaga known professionally as Jesse Jagz, is a Nigerian rapper, record producer and songwriter. He signed a record deal with Chocolate City in 2010 and released his debut studio album Jag of All Tradez that same year. Later in 2013, he voluntarily exited the Chocolate City deal and announced the launch of his independent label, Jagz Nation. Jagz released his second studio album. He returned to Chocolate City in 2015 but left the label again prior to releasing his fourth studio album Odysseus in 2017. In May 2020, he released a 5-track EP titled Garba.
Jesse Jagz has produced songs for several artists, including Majek Fashek, M.I Abaga, Banky W, Ice Prince, Mode 9, and Proverb and Dekunle Fuji.
