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- The Nigerian music industry has continued to witness immense growth in terms of talent and versatility
- Over the years, several Nigerian music producers have successfully transitioned into becoming recognised artists
- Davido and Don Jazzy are among the top Nigerian artists who have made this transition from record producers to music performers
As Afrobeats continues to make waves on the international scene, the Nigerian music industry has experienced growth in talent, reinvention, and versatility.
This growth has seen popular music producers move from behind the scenes to the center stage as performing artists.
Credit: youngjohnn/davido/runtown
Source: Instagram
Some music producers, once known for crafting beats and mastering sounds in the studio, have also demonstrated their ability to captivate audiences with their voice and stage performances.
In this article, Legit.ng highlights popular Nigerian producers who have moved from behind the console to taking the big stage as full-time artists.
1. Davido started as a producer
Many of David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, new fans may be surprised to learn that he originally started his career in the music industry as a producer. Davido began his career producing for the likes of Skales and his cousin NPZ. In 2011, he produced his debut single “Back When” featuring Naeto C, and co-produced his hit song “Dami Duro” with Shizzi.
Since hitting the spotlight with “Dami Duro,” Davido has transitioned into a full-time artist, releasing albums like A Better Time, A Good Time, Timeless, and now 5ive.
2. Runtown Produced Some of J Martins’ Songs
Douglas Jack Agu, aka Runtown, began his career as a producer, working with veteran singer J. Martins. He contributed to the latter’s second studio album through both collaborations and production.
Runtown would later find his true calling as a singer and songwriter, releasing his hit song “Gallardo” featuring Davido in 2014. He followed up with other popular songs like “For Life” and “Mad Over You” from his debut studio album Soundgod Fest Vol. 1.
3. Pheelz ‘Mr. Producer’ Worked Mostly with Olamide
Pheelz, whose real name is Phillip Kayode Moses, is one of Nigeria’s most popular music producers and played a major role in popularising the Afrobeats genre.
He is mostly known for his work with YBNL label boss Olamide, producing the latter’s Baddest Guy Ever Liveth album. Besides Olamide, Pheelz has produced for music stars like Tiwa Savage, Fireboy DML, and Adekunle Gold.
In 2022, Pheelz shook the music scene after he dropped the hit song “Finesse,” featuring BNXN (formerly Buju). “Finesse” achieved 200 million global streams and was even featured on former US President Barack Obama’s 2022 Summer Playlist.
4 Young Jonn the Wicked Producer
Young Jonn, whose real name is John Saviours Udomboso, like Pheelz, was also affiliated with Olamide’s YBNL label at the start of his career.
He produced Olamide’s hit song “Story For The Gods” and was nominated for Producer of the Year at the 2015 edition of The Headies for his work on “Bobo,” another track by the YBNL label boss.
In 2022, Young Jonn transitioned from being a producer to a performing artist after signing a record deal with Chocolate City.
He released his first single, “Dada,” which was a success. Since his transition, Young Jonn has been featured on songs with Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, and Davido.
5. Alhaji Tekno Produced a Song Featuring Drake
Tekno, born Augustine Miles Kelechi, is a producer, singer, and songwriter who has worked with artists beyond Nigeria.
In 2019, Tekno was credited as one of the producers for “Won’t Be Late” by Swae Lee featuring Canadian rapper Drake. He also produced Davido’s hit song “IF,” which won Best Pop Single and Song of the Year at The Headies 2018.
He released his debut single “Holiday” in 2013, featuring Davido. Tekno was also featured on Beyoncé‘s The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack with the song “Don’t Jealous Me” in 2019.
6. Phyno Fino Produced for Illbliss
Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, better known as Phyno, started his career as a producer, working with rappers Illbliss and Niga Raw.
He later transitioned into a recording artist, releasing hits like “Ghost Mode” and “Man of the Year” from his debut studio album No Guts, No Glory.
7. Mavin Label Boss Don Jazzy
Michael Collins Ajereh, aka Don Jazzy, is one of the producers who has significantly contributed to the growth of Afrobeats.
He has also been instrumental in the success of new-generation artists like Rema and Ayra Starr. Don Jazzy began his career as a music producer, working with singers D’banj and Wande Coal at the now-defunct Mo Hits record label.
Don Jazzy has also worked with internationally recognised stars like Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé.
Over the years, Don Jazzy has transitioned from being behind the console to performing as a singer. One of his popular features was with his signee Johnny Drille in the song “How Are You (My Friend).”
Why Davido cursed producer
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Davido cursed a producer, Napji, who accused him of debt.
Napji had accused Davido of owing him royalties and the publishing rights for three songs he produced on the A Better Time album.
However, in his response to Napji’s claims, Davido refused to address the allegations and cursed the music producer.
Source: Legit.ng
