Producers are often the unsung heroes in many music scenes across the globe, and Nigeria is no different. Veteran Afrobeats music producers like Sarz, Pheelz, and Don Jazzy have been behind the biggest tracks in Afrobeats history, but they aren’t as famously recognized as the artist that supplies the vocals.
Now, there are new age music producers emerging, each with their own unique style of melody and rhythm combinations that have revolutionized the Nigerian music industry and have Afrobeats a hot topic in the music world!
In this article, we’re highlighting the newest producers who have made a name for themselves in the Afrobeats scene!
1. Magic Sticks
If you’ve heard the ‘Nobody’ song by Dj Neptune, Mr Eazi, and Joeboy, you’ve probably heard the catchphrase ‘Tune into the king of sounds and blues.’ That catchphrase was coined by Magic Sticks, who’s been one of the most exciting Afrobeats Music Producers since 2020!
Although he only made his mainstream debut in 2020, the music producer has been active since 2013. Impressively, he also performed brilliantly on Kiss Daniel’s ‘No Bad Songs album in 2018.
In addition to the Nobody song, he’s also known for producing all 12 songs on Asake’s first album, ‘Mr Money With The Vibe.’ Kareem Olasukanmi Temitayo (his real name) has gotten international recognition for his amazing beats and sounds. The President of Uganda, Museveni, awarded him the Freedom of Katonga medal when he performed in a private show at the African General’s Granddaughter’s birthday party.
2 P Priime
P.priime is one of the youngest producers on this list. But don’t let his age fool you, he’s becoming a household name in the music scene. At only 22, he’s created songs for heavy hitters like Zlatan (Unripe Pawpaw); Dj Cuppy (Gelato); and Fireboy (Like I Do). He even created half of the beats in Olamide’s ‘Carpe Diem’ album.
The young producer looks up to Sarz, and says that he’s the inspiration for a lot of his creative processes.
3. Andre Vibes
Andre Vibes is one exciting music producer! Since he started his musical career at age 17, he’s gained mastery over various musical instruments. He played the keyboard in his father’s band “Titibiti.”
He seems to have gotten a lot of artistic inspiration and experience from his father, Victor Uwaifo. His dad was a veteran Nigerian high-like musician who won the first gold disc in Africa.
He made his music production debut in 2012 by producing a song called “Selensele” by Leroy. Since then, he’s worked with amazing musicians like Rema and virtually all of the star-studded members of Mavin Records. With Rema, he’s the co-producer behind the ‘Holiday’ singer’s hit single ‘Calm Down.’
What’s more, is that he even got signed to Mavin Records and produced the Mavin Records All-Stars single ‘Won Da Mo.’ At 36, that’s an illustrious career if you ask me!
4. Blaise Beatz
Marcel Akunwata, popularly known as Blaise Beats, is a highly talented Nigerian music producer who has hit the ground running since his debut in 2006. He achieved mainstream popularity in 2020 when he produced the ‘Pami’ song by DJ Tunez.
He’s been nominated for a Grammy and he won the Afro Highlife Producer Of The Year and Afro Dancehall Producer Of The Year categories at The Beatz awards in 2022.
The music producer has produced several hits by A-list musicians like ‘Suru’ by Tekno; ‘Okay’ by Adekunle Gold; ‘Cough’ by Kizz Daniel; and ‘In My Mind’ by BNXN.
5. Niphkeys
Did you ever vibe to the song ‘Koleyewon’ by Naira Marley? If you did, then you’ve listened to one of many Niphkeys production masterpieces. Like many producers on this list, he developed a passion for music since he was young. He held on to that passion and he refused to give up on pursuing it.
Since his debut in 2016, he’s worked on smashing hits by amazing musicians like Zinoleesky’s ‘Kilofeshe,’ Mohbad’s ‘Feel Good,’ and so on! Interestingly, he’s part of a 3-person music production collective called “The Trips.”
6. Tempoe
Tempoe is one of many new wave music producers that have added more creative variance to the Afrobeats soundscape. Since he got mainstream fame, he’s worked on multiple hits like ‘Godly’ by Omah Lay, the Tiktok sensation ‘Love Nwatiti’ by Ckay, and ‘Shut up’ by Blaqbones.
He’s behind the “MAD!” catchphrase at the beginning and end of various hit songs. Tempoe’s musical prowess is recognized by international audiences, as he signed a publishing deal with American independent record publishing group, APG. Through this deal, he was able to produce Jason Derulo’s single ‘Ayo Girl.’
7. London
London is the other co-producer of Rema and Selena Gomez’s hit single ‘Calm Down.’ Interestingly, this song remains the most internationally successful Afrobeats song. At only 24, he’s been the mastermind behind a lot of widely successful music and has produced songs for noteworthy artists like Ayra Starr, 6lack, Ladipoe, Tiwa Savage, and so on.
He signed with Blowtime Entertainment in 2019 and produced multiple bangers before signing a publishing deal in a joint venture with Sony Music Publishing France and Bluesky Music Publishing.
8. Busy Pluto
Busy Pluto is the major music producer behind Shalipopi. If you’ve pumped your first to ‘Cast’, ‘Oscroh’, or ‘Never Ever,’ you’ve vibed with Busy Pluto’s productions!
He’s created so much musical magic with Shallipopi that it’s hard not to expect bangers with each production he releases. Busy Pluto has a signature flute sound that originates from Benin music.
9. Reward Beats
What if I told you that Reward Beatz is 23? It’s hard to believe that, with the star-studded portfolio he’s created for himself. He produced the mega-hit ‘Buga’ by Kizz Daniel, ‘Like’ by Iyanya, and ‘Xtra Cool’ by Young John.
Growing up in Niger State, he went by a different name, Larryblaise, during his time in his childhood church’s choir and in a live band in the North. Since he became Blaizebeats during his university days, he’s come a long way and has worked with mega stars like Tekno (Suru), StarboyTerri (Kill Man), and Adekunle Gold (Something Different).
10. Melvitto
There’s just something about Melvitto’s music that sounds so ethereal! Melvitto writes, sings, and produces songs, but from all the songs he’s creatively contributed to, it’s safe to say that he much prefers to produce melodic bangers.
He’s the magician behind the rhythm and beat on Wande Coal’s ‘Gentility ‘, Oxlade’s ‘Wait For You’, and Gabby’s ‘As Friends.’ And, if you vibe with Melvitto, you know that he has a steady partner in crime; Gabzy. Together, they’ve created hit after hit after hit!
11. NYRP
NYRP is undoubtedly one of the “newest” Afrobeats producers on this list. Because he’s so new to the music production business, he still has a knack for producing music you’d move your feet to! NYRP (Not Your Regular Producer) worked on lots of hits last year, including ‘Saati Ramoni’ by Muis, ‘Wale’ by Candy Bleakz, ‘Wale’ remix with Simi, and ‘High and Sober’ by YKB. If his current music productions are anything to go on, we’re in for phenomenal music from NYRP in 2024 and beyond!
