Nigeria’s music industry is brimming with excellent musicians, but where would they be without their managers.
These managers also organize media tours for their artists and represent them in all aspects of the business.
In most circumstances, an artist’s success is determined by how hardworking his or her management is.
In No Particular Order, Here Are Top 10 Artiste Managers In Nigeria
Jada Pollock
Jada Pollock is a manager in the music industry, She’s 37 years old and currently manages Grammy-award-winning musician Wizkid.
Jada and Wizkid met back in 2012 but their relationship became more than just professional. They had a child together in 2017, and appear to still be together in 2021.
Jada was the driving force behind singer Pia Mia’s music career. She also previously managed Chris Brown and started out in talent management by managing Tinchy Stryder
Sunday Are
The fact is, this man is a legend in the business of artiste management in Nigeria.
He has worked with countless artists before Wizkid, he has once worked with legends like Majek Fashek, Asa, Adewale Ayuba, and other artists in and out of Nigeria.
During his youthful days, Sunday Aare created Nigeria’s one and the only faceless artiste who can sing, dance, and play instruments.
Yes, it takes the iron hand of Sunday Aare to create the legendary “Lagbaja” brand you all know today.
Asa Asika
He is one of the most successful artiste managers in Nigeria’s music industry.
No doubt, Asa‘s inclusion in Davido‘s career journey has been very instrumental to OBO’s success.
He’s got very amazing music distribution and talent management tactics which set him apart from others in the music industry.
In a recent interview, Asa Asika revealed how he made Davido a hitmaker. According to him, he always distributes Davido’s songs to major clubs for DJs to be banging it 2 weeks before the official release.
This way they monitor the reaction of people to the song in clubs before releasing it and that was exactly how “Dami Duro” became a hit.
Asa Asika who has also worked with artists like Naeto C, Eldee, YQ, Sinzu among others is no doubt a tactical genius when it comes to artist management.
Osagie Osarenz
The history of music business and management in Nigeria can’t be written without recognizing this powerful Osagie Osarenz.
The intelligent woman managed EME artists like Skales, Niyola, Shaydee including Wizkid for 5 years under her management company M.et.al. She Contributed Largely To Wizkid’s early Success.
The fearless Osagie forged ahead with harnessing and working tirelessly with Skales and Aramide of Baseline Music even though the business ended on a sad note as she was accused and arrested for fraud.
Osagie’s wealth of experience and understanding of the music industry made her found ‘The Zone Agency’ in 2016 which manages various talents like Timaya, Reminisce, GGB Dancers, Starboy Terri, Kemi Smallzz (OAP), Ehiz, GoodGirl LA.
Mrs. Osagie Is happily married and has been appointed as the country manager for Independent Music Solutions Company (ONERPM) in Nigeria
When next you hear the name Osagie Osarenz, put some respect on her name because she has paid her dues.
Bose Ogulu (Mama Burna)
Bose Ogulu is the mother of the world-acclaimed “African Giant“, Burna Boy and she successfully manages the career of her son to what it is today.
She is a very important personality not only as a talent manager but also as a professional in foreign language arts.
Burna Boy‘s mum can conveniently speak French, Italian, German, English, and Yoruba.
No wonder her son fast became an international superstar with Grammy nomination under her watch.
Abifade Bayarn Tomide Tosin
Bayarn whose real name is Abifade Tosin Tomide popularly known as Bayarn of Lagos has been in the music business for a while, the CEO of Orb-Bayarn Entertainment.
The music lover who accounts for the birth of the Management company.
Abifade Tosin Tomide manages Buju and RTKesh who is also partial to Afro beats.
She is a UK-based Nigerian singer with a few songs under her belt with an EP imminent.
Ubi Franklin
In the music business, Ubi Franklin has successfully made a name for himself.
As one of the co-founders of Made Men Music Group and managers of the artists under the label, Ubi is more than deserving to be on this list.
The success of artists like Iyanya, Tekno, Emma Nyra, and Selebobo can be attributed to him.
Tekno and Iyanya were big acts flourishing under Ubi Franklin‘s management some years back.
It is, however, true to say that the career of these two artists took a dive downwards after they left Ubi.
Muyiwa Awoniyi
Muyiwa Awoniyi popularly known as Donawon is fast becoming a force to reckon with as an artist manager in Nigeria’s music industry.
With the way he has shot many young and coming artists to the limelight, it is safe to say Muyiwa Awoniyi is the Next Rated artist manager in the country.
Artists like Tems came into the limelight under his management.
Ijoba Na Danku
The name Ijoba Na Danku is such a big name within Nigeria’s music industry.
He has been in the business of talent management and music promotion for many years having worked with Oritshefemi, Rayce, and some others.
Presently, Ijoba Na Danku is a major plug for many street talents, and of course “Öri” crooner, Areezy is currently doing well under his management.