Curated most influential Nigerian record producers of all time.
Nigerian record producers and artists have always received all the plaudits for creating hit songs, but record producers also deserve to share that fame.
However, Over the years many talented producers have walked these streets, mesmerizing us with their melodious beats and brilliant musical ingenuity.
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These producers have not only given us great songs, but they have also carried the music industries on their shoulders and brought Nigerian music into the limelight.
Don Jazzy
Don Jazzy is arguably the greatest Nigerian producer ever, collaborating with virtually every A-list artist in the industry since he and D’Banj burst onto the scene in 2004.
His catalog of production credits is filled with endless smash hits such as Tongolo, Surulere, Dorobucci, Oliver Twist, Mr. Endowed, to mention a few, as well as numerous classic albums.
Don Jazzy has also had international collaborations, most notably his work with Jay-Z and Kanye West on the production of Lift Off, featuring Beyoncé on the album Watch The Throne which was released on 8 August 2011.
OJB Jezreel
The late OJB Jezreel single-handedly produced ‘Face 2 Face’ which contained arguably the biggest record by any Nigerian artist in the 21st century, ‘African Queen’.
He also produced for Jazzman Olofin, Weird MC, Paul Ik Dairo, Daddy Showkey, Sir Shina Peters, Olu Maintain.
OJB also produced albums and songs for Faze, Iyanya, D’banj, Durella, Wizkid, Yemi Alade among others.
ID Cabasa
ID Cabasa is another veteran producer who took the Nigerian music industry by storm producing hit songs for 9ice and Lord of Ajasa.
9ice’s 2008 album, which was majorly produced by ID Cabasa is regarded as one of the greatest albums ever with back-to-back hits that defined both his career and 9ices.
After a while away from the limelight, he made a comeback with Totori which featured Wizkid and Olamide in 2019.
Sarz
Sarz has one of the most impressive production CVs in Nigeria, with countless hit collaborations.
In 2010, Sarz produced the hit single “Jor Oh” and the Remix for Jahbless which featured Durella, RuggedMan, Reminisce, Ice Prince, and eLDee.
Sarz has produced tracks for an array of artists which include Wizkid, Naeto C, Banky W, Skales, Shank, Reminisce, Goldie Harvey, eLDee, Wande Coal, YQ, and Niniola.
Samklef
Samklef is mostly known for producing a large portion of Wizkid’s widely acclaimed album Superstar, thereby significantly contributing to the huge success of the album.
The producer has also worked with names like Sunny Neji, Ruggedman, Durella, Skales, D’Prince (Mo’ Hits), Simisola, J Bryte, Emmsong, O’cube, Jahdiel, Vector, Mudina.
Some of his hits include Enemies by Durella, Noni by Wizkid, Kilode by Vector, Jonzing World by D’Prince among others.
Shizzi
Shizzi achieved recognition for his work on Davido’s 2011 single “Dami Duro”, and produced six songs on the singer’s 2012 debut album Omo Baba Olowo.
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Prior to that, the producer had worked with Wizkid, producing “Love My Baby” off his 2011 album, Superstar.
He also produced more hits such as “Skelewu” and “Gobe” and has worked with the likes of Sasha, Harrysong, OD Woods, Naeto C, Sauce Kid, Wande Coal, Wizkid, D’Prince, May D, Danagog, Emmy Gee, Shank, and Skuki, among others.
Pheelz
Pheelz burst onto the scene in 2012 as the main producer in Olamide’s Baddest Guy Ever Liveth album which contained hit singles such as “Durosoke” “First of All” and “Fucking With The Devil” to mention a few.
He further established himself as a top producer in the country with more collaborations with Olamide in several acclaimed albums like Street OT, Eyan Mayweather, 2 Kings among others.
Pheelz went on to produce and be credited in popular songs and albums including The Chairman by M.I, Ghetto University by Runtown, and Seyi or Shay by Seyi Shay.
MasterKraft
Masterkraft is regarded as one of the most versatile music producers in Nigeria especially because of his ability to play multiple instruments.
He began his professional music career with Kennis Music and has worked with artists such as Flavour, Bracket, Banky W., Sound Sultan, Timaya, Lynxxx, M.I, and J. Martins, among others.