Top 5 Naija Music Producers who are also artists.
According to Wikipedia, a record producer or music producer oversees and manages the sound recording and production of a band or performer’s music, which may range from recording one song to recording a lengthy concept album. A producer has many, varying roles during the recording process.
Most people think a Music Producer is one who makes beat which isn’t wrong but their job doesn’t stop there. A producer is one who there from the inception of the recording and making process until the final stage of a song.
The music producer often wears many hats as a competent arranger, composer, programmer, musician, or songwriter who can bring fresh ideas to a project.
While I won’t bore you out with technical jargon, a music producer is basically the one who is responsible for helping the artist put together the final product we hear play on our radios and phones.
We curated a list of 5 Nigerian singers that you might have not known were music producers.
Phyno
Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson known as Phyno is a songwriter, rapper, and Music producer who came into the music scene with his hit single, “Ghost Mode”.
The Igbo rapper started his musical career as far back as secondary school where he showed talent in playing the drum and piano.
Phyno started producing from 2003 but officially started rapping in 2010 after he moved to Lagos.
As a producer, Phyno has worked with artists like Timaya, Flavour, Bracket, Ruggedman, J Martins.
Phyno also produced his debut album, “No Guts No Glory” which housed hit tracks like Ghost Mode, Parcel, Alobam, O set amongst others.
Maleek Berry
Maleek Berry is a British-Nigerian record producer and recording artist who broke into the spotlight in 2012 after dropping ‘The Matter” featuring Wizkid.
The Producer turned singer has worked with artists like Wizkid, Davido, Runtown, Fuse ODG, Iyanya, and Wale.
Maleek Berry is also a successful artist with hit songs like “Pon my mind”, “Kontrol”, “Been Calling”, “4 Me” amongst others.
Tekno
Tekno is a songwriter, singer, dancer, and record producer who started music from childhood. Tekno was formerly signed to Made Men Music before his exit a few years ago.
Tekno dabbles as a singer and a record producer. He was responsible for the production of hit songs like “If” by Davido, “Boss” by Ice Prince, “Show” by Victoria Kimani, “Green Light” by DJ Cuppy, “Won’t Be Late” by Swae Lee featuring Drake amongst others.
He also has hit songs of his own like “Dance”, ‘Jogodo”, “Skeletun”, “Pana”, “Woman” amongst others.
Cobhams Asuquo
Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo is a Nigerian-born songwriter/music producer/singer who started his academic training as a lawyer. The blind singer is the owner of Vintage Grey Media.
Cobhams is one of Nigeria’s most iconic music producer who has produced songs for Asa, Omowunmi, Djinne, Bank W, Eldee, Sasha, Dare Art-Alade, Waje, Timi Dakolo, Djinne, Faze, Seyi Shay, Korede Bello, Tiwa Savage, Ego, Yemi Alade, Bez, Omolara, Chidinma Ekile, Shola Allyson, Lara George, Ego, Silver Saddih, Flavour, Mo’Chedda, Praiz, Simi, Rooftop MC.
His most notable works include Asa’s “Fire on the mountain”, “Jailer”, Djinne’s “Ego”, Omowumi’s “If you ask me” and “In the Music”.
Cobhams also has songs he personally released, they include, “Ordinary People”, “Empty”, “One Hit”, “We Plenti”.
Nonso Amadi
Nonso Amadi is a self-taught artist, songwriter, and music producer who began his musical journey in 2012.
Nonso released his first EP in 2015 but it was ‘Tonight” which he released a few months later that got people’s attention.
Nonso Amadi produced “Tonight” and has worked with artists like Banky W, Maleek Berry, and Juls. He recently produced “Gbemiro” by Bankuli featuring Wurld.
TOP 5 MUSIC PRODUCERS TURNED ARTISTS
- PHYNO
- MALEEK BERRY
- TEKNO
- COBHAMS ASUQUO
- NONSO AMADI