In the music business, while certain roles like artists, producers, and video directors receive recognition, there are numerous unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth sailing of the industry. Among these background workers are A&R professionals, who serve as vital intermediaries in the intricate workings of the music industry, bridging the gap between artists, labels, and fans.
A&R professionals undertake a multitude of functions, including talent scouting through various channels such as social media, live performances, and networking events, with the aim of identifying and recommending promising artists for label signings. Once artists are signed, A&Rs become the primary liaisons between the artists and labels, as well as between the artists and their fanbase. They play a pivotal role in selecting songs for projects, participating in artist development, and managing a significant portion of the logistical aspects of an artist’s output and overall career maintenance.
The importance of A&R in steering the course of the music industry cannot be overstated. Here, we present ten carefully selected notable Nigerian A&R professionals who have made significant contributions to the industry:
Temitope Olowo-Ake
Temitope Olowo-Ake or Temitoyourscreen, is the first name on the list of notable A&R professionals in Nigeria. She is an alumna of the prestigious MBA for Africa program at the University of Lagos, showcasing her depth of educational knowledge and management skills. Additionally, she is a foremost creative with expertise in graphics design and brand marketing. With a tenure of about four years as an A&R at Native Records, Temitope has made significant contributions to the Nigerian music industry. She is recognized as a music business executive, particularly renowned for her impact in the underground scene. Beyond her role at Native Records, Temitope is the founder of Discovery Deck, a platform dedicated to discovering underground and undiscovered music acts.
Osagie Onobun (10Ten)
Osagie Onobun, known by his moniker 10TEN, is a multifaceted music creative who has demonstrated his talents across various domains including as a music act, songwriter, and producer, garnering several notable accolades along the way. His exceptional show of talent is evident in his diverse skill set and achievements.
However, it’s his role as the Head of A&R and Talent Management at Chocolate City for nearly three years that truly showcases his expertise and influence in the industry. Having climbed up the ranks within the organization, Onobun has left an indelible mark through his A&R efforts.
His A&R expertise is credited on notable projects such as “Sex Over Love,” “Emeka Must Shine,” and “Young Preacher” by Blaqbonez, as well as “Son of the Moon” by Tariq, among others. Furthermore, he has played a pivotal role in the signings of promising talents such as Tar1q, Major AJ, and Noon Dave.
In addition to his A&R contributions, Onobun has also showcased his prowess as a producer, having worked with artists such as Cheque, Blaqbonez, and Tar1q. His talent also extends to songwriting, with credits on tracks for Qing Madi, Blaqbonez, and Tar1q.
Despite his demanding role in talent management and A&R, Onobun has not neglected his personal music career. He has released a single that has received impressive acclaim, further solidifying his standing as a respected figure in the music industry.
Precious Ayomikun Romiluyi
With a prestigious law degree and depth in the legal intricacies of the music businesa, Precious Ayomikun Romiluyi provides a more than complete package. He eorks closely with Freeme Digital Limited and is an A&R personnel. His most notable works inclide Yabasi (Basketmouth), Roots (Cavemen), Bars & Lamba (Magnito) and a host of others.
Oluwakemi Owatemi (Kemi Smallz)
On the surface level, many people are more familiar with Kemi Smallz as a radio presenter, a role she has held since she was fourteen, making waves and leaving her impact at various stations, to which she now mainly bases herself at City FM Lagos. Unbeknownst to many, she is also an A&R for Universal Music Nigeria, which serves as home to many African acts such as Davido, Odunsi the Engine, Juls, Nasty C, Stonebwoy, and many others.
Abiodun “Bizzle” Osikoya
Bizzle Osikoya, as he is mostly known, is an industry giant in the Afrobeats or Nigerian music scene, widely recognized as one of the most prominent figures. He is the co-founder of The Block Party Series and The Plug (Plug Entertainment, Plug Sports, and Plug Music), showcasing his stature as a music professional. Additionally, he is a professional member of the Recording Academy, class of 2022, further affirming his influence and expertise.
His A&R journey commenced in 2012 under Mavin Records, where he served in that capacity until 2016. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in projects such as Mavin’s compilation album “Solar Plexus” and Reekado Banks’ studio album “SPOTLIGHT.” Furthermore, he has contributed to notable projects such as Oxlade’s EP “Oxygene,” Alpha P’s debut EP “King of the Wolves,” and the collaborative album “Make E No Cause Fight 2” by BOJ and Ajebutter22. He has been instrumental in propelling the careers of artists such as Oxlade, Tomi Agape, Alpha P, Vict0ny, and Tems.
Awe Babalola (Trill Xoe)
Almost every Nigerian first heard about this creative maestro from ODUMODUBLVCK’s hit song “Trillo say na Native be the matter.” That singular lyric catapulted him into household name status. Awe Babalola, also known as Trill Xoe, not only excels as a recording artist but also demonstrates prowess as a producer and DJ, thus embodying an all-around music creative. Trill Xoe is an A&R at Native Records, working closely with ODUMODUBLVCK, particularly, and his contributions are instrumental in executing his duties as a key personnel for both ODUMODUBLVCK and Native Records.
Tunji Balogun
Tunji Balogun is a prominent Nigerian-American music executive with nearly two decades of experience in the music business. Throughout his career, he has held various roles, including A&R positions at major labels such as Interscope and RCA.
As an A&R executive, he has been responsible for signing or actively involved in signing international artists, including Brockhampton, Childish Gambino, Goldlink, H.E.R., Khalid, SZA, Bryson Tiller, and Cozz. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian music scene by facilitating the signings of Davido, Wizkid, and Tems to RCA.
Since 2022, Tunji Balogun has also served as the CEO of Def Jam Recordings. Under his leadership, Def Jam has formed partnerships with labels like Native Records, where he has played a crucial role in supporting artists signed to the label.
Karim Mobolaji
Kareem Mobolaji takes his place at the forefront of the main propellers of Afrobeats in Africa, a significant accomplishment not to be underestimated. His primary role in the music business is as the Regional Head for West Africa at EMPIRE, a position that makes him an integral part of the careers of all EMPIRE signees from West Africa. This includes the entirety of YBNL, BNXN, Black Sherif, and many others under or affiliated with the label. Moreover, he serves as the lead A&R for the Afrobeats queen, Tiwa Savage, .
Wonu Osikoya
Wonu Osikoya’s talents revolve around her avid ability to tell and convey stories in the best way possible. She has worked and is currently working in various capacities at different music collectives. Previously, she served as the social media editor at The NATIVE and worked as a content marketer on the Ejoya Class of ’22 project. In 2021, Wonu Osikoya launched her podcast, “Osikoya Speaks,” which has positioned her as one of the young creatives reigning in the Nigerian entertainment scene.
Princess Okereugo
With a keen ear and passion for discovering new sounds, Princess Okereugo has distinguished herself as a key A&R figure in today’s industry. She began her journey in radio in 2018 as an intern and has steadily climbed the ranks to reach the pinnacles of the music industry business.
Presently, she owns Panda Entertainment and holds the position of A&R Manager at Sony Music West Africa. She played a pivotal role in the signings of artists such as Remi Baggins and Moravvey. Additionally, she currently manages top artists including Qing Madi, Tempoe, Morravey, TypeA, and more.