A slew of artists has helped to establish Nigerian music as a global phenomenon. Notably, producers are key members of this group. Since the dawn of time, music producers have promoted musical palettes that incite pop culture in Afrobeats.
Some music producers are at the forefront of introducing hit sounds – laying the foundation on which artists’ vocals and lyrics are built – that project the origins of West Africa for worldwide recognition.
Therefore, with due regards, as we wrap up the year 2021, we have highlighted the top 7 Afrobeats producers of the year.
P.Priime
P.Priime has produced some admirable works for your favorite Nigerian superstars. The likes of Ice Prince, Fireboy DML, Burna Boy, Terri, Zlatan Ibile, Oxlade, DJ Cuppy, and Good Girl LA amongst others have enjoyed his music production.
Despite the fact that his melodies sound afro-pop, the producer is undeniably diversified and one creative who already making a name for himself in the music industry. A Grammy nomination nod, Afrima nominations, plus various collaborations this year. That’s very applaudable.
Tempoe
Alagwu Michael, better known by his stage name Tempoe, has risen steadily in the Nigerian music industry over the years. He has managed the production of hit singles for some of the country’s biggest artists, including JoeBoy‘s Door and Oh, Morning by Teni and Reminisce, and Niniola‘s Jensimi, and so on.
Tempoe‘s songs have spent a total of 23 weeks at the top of the Nigerian charts (Turntable). “Godly” is 11 weeks long, “Alcohol” is 9 weeks long, and “Understand” is 3 weeks long. The tally is pretty impressive; it exceeds that of any other producer/artist.
Tempoe is unrivaled when it comes to having superb senses for terrific sound. The 24-year-old music producer has had a massive impact on Afrobeats‘ global boom, from producing many number one songs on Apple Music‘s chart to having Billboard record-breaking single.
Sarz
Sarz has been proving himself through these years, you know – Sarz Is Not Your Mate. No dispute about his consistency and his quality collaborations with some lit afro-fusion artists.
Notably, Sarz has gone through several cycles, each introducing a new side of the producer. He switches signatures but never jeopardizes the quality and performance of his tunes; a path that has not only characterized his creative abilities and put labels on his collaborations, but has also defined styles in Nigerian music.
Pheelz
Pheelz, christened Phillip Kayode Moses, is a renowned and gifted producer, singer, and songwriter who is known for his jaw-dropping music production and discography across multiple genres for some of the biggest music heavyweights in Africa, Europe, and America.
Notably this year, Pheelz shows off his musical prowess on his first EP as he prepares to share what he has been working on with the world. The album, which is an extended play, shows off his ability as a lyricist, singer, composer, and music producer.
Rexxie
With his self-proclaimed Afro Streets sound, Nigerian producer and performer Rexxie managed to carve his own niche, cleverly overcoming mainstream expectations.
A couple of years before now, Rexxie started out producing a number of tracks for up-and-coming artists, which has helped him hone his music-producing talents further in the industry. Notably, the talented producer has been releasing hits after hits since then – to date, cementing his status as one of Nigeria‘s fastest-rising producers.
Remarkably, Rexxie is credited with being the creator of the current “Zanku Sound,” which is used by a number of top Nigerian musicians and producers.
London
London is well renowned for his unique sounds and tunes. With global hits like “Gyrate by Wizkid, “Koroba by Tiwa Savage,” and “Soundgasm by Rema,” you won’t easily tell his career as a music producer only began in 2018.
A Grammy nomination and producing work for big names like Wizkid, Rema, Johnny Drille, Ayra Starr, and Tiwa Savage. That’s a pretty decent career shape so far.
London has been quoted to be grateful for how far his work has progressed especially with regards to the remarkable growth of the Afrobeats genre globally. You’d mostly hear his tag on your favorite Afrobeats hits when you turn on the radio.
Up to date, London is proving to be a style icon for Nigerian artists and music producers who want to make great afrobeat music and prove to the world the jewels that abound in Africa.
Legendury Beatz
Legendury Beatz is a production duo that specializes in Afrobeats. And with all due respect, the duo has been producing songs to keep us entertained.
Well, you know the song of the summer and one of the biggest Afrobeats tunes of 2021 – of course, Essence. Legendury Beatz is the music production backbone of that global hit.
Plus, Legendury Beatz has proven their creative skills over the years and the production duo has risen to the top of the OGs in the industry.
Despite the fact that the duo is no longer signed to Starboy, the bond they developed in 2012 is still alive and well. They still enjoy making music together, and Wizkid continues to have faith in and respect for their craft – as he did in “Essence”.