Behind The Beats: The Producers Powering Nigeria’s Global Sound
Producers are often the unsung heroes of the music world—crafting the rhythms, melodies, and sonic landscapes that bring an artiste’s vision to life. In Nigeria, their impact is not just behind the scenes; it has woven into the very fabric of Afrobeats’ global takeover. As the sound of Africa dominates international charts, the masterminds behind the beats are gaining overdue recognition for shaping one of the world’s most exciting music scenes.
From Grammy recognition to chart-topping hits, Nigerian music producers are no longer just background players, —they are the architects of a sound that is crossing borders and breaking barriers.
In this piece, OSUN DEFENDER takes you through some of the beatmakers redefining the pulse of the industry:
Don Jazzy
Named Michael Collins Ajereh known globally as Don Jazzy. The “Don” isn’t just a name, it is a legacy. Don Jazzy stands as a pioneer of modern Nigerian music production. Founder of the powerhouse Mavin Records, Don Jazzy has shaped the careers of artists like Rema, Ayra Starr, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks afrobeats queen, Tiwa Savage and many others. With over 100 production credits, his influence stretches from Lagos to Los Angeles, including collaborations with Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Burna Boy. As the industry evolves, Don Jazzy remains a central figure, mentoring the next generation while redefining what it means to be a producer in Africa.
Kel-P
“It’s Kel-P vibes!” echoes across global airwaves and for good reason. Udoma Amba, professionally air jordan 1 low og florida gators pe known as Kel-P, has become a core architect of the new Afrobeats wave. He made history with Burna Boy’s African Giant, earning a Grammy nod, and continued his winning streak on Davido’s Timeless. His sound is a fusion of depth, rhythm, and energy, making him one of the most sought-after producers in Africa today. As Afrobeats continues to grow, Kel-P is at its vanguard.
Young Jonn
He calls himself “The Wicked Producer,” and Young Jonn has lived up to the title. From producing street anthems with Olamide to his solo hit Xtra Cool, Young Jonn has seamlessly transitioned from producer to performing artiste. His Amapiano-inspired beats and Afropop rhythms have made him a staple in the current music wave. With Headies and Soundcity MVP awards under his belt, his sound continues to evolve—and so does his star power.
Sarz
When you hear “Sarz on the beat,” expect innovation. Osabuohien Osaretin, aka Sarz, is one of Nigeria’s most versatile producers, blending Afro-fusion with experimental flair. With recent credits on Asake’s buzzing Lungu Boy project, he proves his style remains as fresh as ever. Since 2007, Sarz has worked with Wizkid, Lojay, Niniola, and more, with each track dripping with his signature sonic fingerprints. With four “Producer of the Year” awards, Sarz is nothing short of a beat wizard.
ID Cabasa
A cornerstone of the Nigerian sound since the early 2000s. ID Cabasa whose real name is Olumide Ogunade has stood the test of time. As the mind behind classics from 9ice and founder of Coded Cheap Cra-wallonie Jordan Outlet , adidas Originals Crew Παιδική Μπλούζα Φούτερ , Pantalones cortos negros Squadra 21 de adidas Football Tunes, his influence runs deep. Nearly three decades in, Cabasa made a brilliant comeback with a reimagined version of Styl-Plus’ Olufunmi, showing he still has the Midas touch. He’s not just a veteran; he’s a legend.
London
A new-school maestro with international reach. London, born Michael Hunter is the sound behind Rema’s global smash ‘Calm Down’ featuring Selena Gomez. The Nigerian-British producer has carved out a niche that bridges continents. Signed to Sony Music Publishing France, his sound blends Afrobeats with Afropop, creating crossover gold. With credits alongside Tiwa Savage, 6lack, Wizkid, and Ayra Starr, London is building a legacy one global hit at a time.
Masterkraft
Sunday Nweke, better known as Masterkraft, is a veteran whose catalogue reads like a history of Nigerian pop music. From Flavour to Timaya and M.I Abaga, his beats have defined eras. With roots in Kennis Music, his versatility Giuseppe Zanotti low top embossed croc-effect sneakers spans gospel, hip-hop, highlife, and street pop. A two-time “Producer of the Year,” Masterkraft continues to evolve, maintaining relevance in an industry that changes by the second.
Jesse Jagz
More than just M.I’s younger brother, Jesse Abaga, aka Jesse Jagz, is a producer with a flair for blending hip-hop and Afrocentric sounds. Behind hits like Oleku and Jargo, Jesse carved a space for introspective, genre-defying production. His award-winning skills earned him the “Producer of the Year” at the Future Awards in 2010. Though more low-key today, his influence on Nigerian hip-hop is lasting.
Legendury Beatz
This sibling duo—Uzezi and Okiemute Oniko revolutionized Afrobeats with their genre-blending magic. From the viral dance hit Azonto to the global smash Ojuelegba by Wizkid, Legendury Beatz have created timeless tracks. Their production fuses Afrobeats, reggae, house, and hip-hop, and they’ve worked with J Balvin, Seyi Shay, and more. As a unit, they’ve shown that two heads nike ja 1 scratch are truly better than one in music production.
Pheelz
Once the quiet genius behind YBNL’s signature sound, Pheelz (Philip Moses) is now a front-liner in the Afrobeats-to-the-world movement. Known for Olamide’s Durosoke and Teni’s Billionaire, Pheelz made a solo leap with Finesse—a global hit that cemented his status not just as a producer but a chart-topping artiste. Versatile and visionary, Pheelz is proof that behind every great artiste is a producer ready to shine.
As Afrobeats continues to chart new territories and dominate playlists worldwide, it’s clear that the heartbeat of this movement lies with the producers. These sonic architects are not just pushing buttons, they’re pushing culture.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
