Behind every era-defining Afrobeats superstar is an OG: a veteran artist, producer or executive who recognised their potential and provided the backing needed to unlock success. They use their leverage, record labels and co-signs to launch the next generation of talent.
From the early foundation laid by mid-2000s pioneers to the modern global platforms built by contemporary icons, these talent pipelines have shaped the evolution of Nigerian and African music. This is a list of Nigerian music OGs and the artists whose careers were transformed under their guidance.
1. ID Cabasa
ID Cabasa is a veteran music producer and the founder of Coded Tunes. He’s instrumental in shaping the indigenous street-hop sound in Nigeria from the mid-2000s to the early 2010s.
9ice: After collaborating closely with ID Cabasa on his breakthrough album Gongo Aso (2008), 9ice had huge continental success and won multiple awards. He went on to release other successful albums and establish his own label, Alapomeji Ancestral Records.
Seriki: Benefiting from Coded Tunes’ platform and ID Cabasa’s production, Seriki established himself as a notable indigenous rapper. He built a solid core fanbase with his street-relatable lyricism and released acclaimed projects, including his debut album, Seriki’s Diary.
Olamide: He was discovered and nurtured under Coded Tunes. He also released his debut album, Rapsodi (2011), to critical acclaim under the same label. He subsequently founded YBNL Nation and became one of Africa’s most successful hip-hop artists and music executives.
2. Olamide
Olamide, AKA Baddo, is a multi-award-winning rapper and the founder of YBNL Nation. He has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most influential artists and music executives by consistently discovering and launching the careers of mainstream superstars.
Lil Kesh: After signing to YBNL Nation in 2014, Lil Kesh dominated the airwaves with back-to-back hit singles like “Shoki” and “Efejoku.” He later left to establish his own imprint, YAGI Records, and continued releasing music.
Chinko Ekun: After getting exposure under YBNL, Chinko Ekun gained mainstream recognition, especially for his off-the-top freestyles. He later left YBNL and released the 2018 smash hit “Able God” under Dek-Niyor Entertainment. The track won him ‘Best Street Hop Artiste’ at The Headies.
Adekunle Gold: Initially signed to YBNL, where he released his acclaimed debut album Gold (2016), Adekunle Gold transitioned into a global star. He has since released multiple chart-topping albums, secured an international record deal with Def Jam, and performed at major global festivals such as Afro Nation.
Asake: He joined YBNL in 2022 and has achieved unprecedented chart dominance with his fusion of Amapiano, Afrobeats and Fuji. He has released four highly successful albums, releasing the latest under his Giran Republic imprint. He has also earned two Grammy nominations and sold out major global arenas, including the O2 Arena in London and Barclays Centre in New York.
Subscribe to Chronically Online, a Saturday special edition of the Zikoko Daily Newsletter, Where We Break Down Five Topics That Got The Internet Talking That Week
3. Banky W
Banky W is a veteran R&B singer and co-founder of Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). He played a pivotal role in transitioning Nigerian contemporary music to the global stage during the early 2010s.
Wizkid: Under E.M.E, Wizkid released his seminal debut album Superstar (2011) and Ayo (2014) that laid the foundation for his global superstardom. He later founded Starboy Entertainment, toured globally and has become one of the most-streamed African artists in history.
Skales: After his stint at E.M.E., where he gained initial mainstream exposure, Skales founded OHK Music Records and signed with Baseline Music. He released the massive 2014 hit “Shake Body,” which became an international club anthem, and has maintained a consistent career with multiple studio albums.
4. Don Jazzy
Don Jazzy is a legendary music producer and the founder of Mavin Records. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful record executives in African music history.
Tiwa Savage: After joining Mavin Records, Tiwa Savage released multiple successful projects and singles, and established herself as the “Queen of Afrobeats.” She eventually signed a global deal with Universal Music Group, collaborated with international stars like Beyoncé, and performed at King Charles III’s coronation concert.
Ayra Starr: Since her debut under Mavin Records in 2021, Ayra Starr has become a leading figure in the global Afrobeats movement. She has earned two Grammy nominations for her hit “Rush” and “Gimme Dat”, released successful albums, and toured extensively alongside major international artists.
5. D’Prince
D’Prince is a singer and the founder of Jonzing World, an imprint operating in partnership with Mavin Records. He has successfully pivoted from a performing artist to a highly effective A&R and record executive. He discovered Rema and worked in partnership with Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records.
Rema: He was launched by Jonzing World in partnership with Mavin Records in 2019. Since then, Rema has achieved global fame. His 2022 song, “Calm Down,” featuring Selena Gomez became the highest-charting African song on the Billboard Hot 100. He has performed at Coachella and several prestigious global concert venues. His 2024 album HEIS earned a nomination for Best Global Music Album.
Ruger: He was discovered and signed to Jonzing World in 2021. Ruger released his debut EP Pandemic in 2021, with the hit single “Bounce.” He achieved continental success with subsequent releases like “Dior” and “Asiwaju” before launching his own label, Blown Boy Entertainment, in 2024.
READ NEXT: The 40 Greatest Wande Coal Songs, Ranked
6. Keke Ogungbe and D1 (Kennis Music)
Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo “D1” Adeneye are veteran broadcasters and the founders of Kennis Music. They revolutionised the Nigerian music industry in the late 1990s and 2000s by providing structure, promotion and distribution for local artists.
2Baba (FKA 2face Idibia): After the Plantashun Boiz disbanded, 2Baba signed with Kennis Music and released Face 2 Face (2004), which gave us the mega-hit “African Queen.” He became the first winner of the MTV Europe Music Award for ‘Best African Act’ and is now recognised globally as an Afrobeats pioneer.
Eedris Abdulkareem: Under Kennis Music, Eedris released a string of beloved albums and singles including “Jaga Jaga” and “Mr. Lecturer” (2004). He became one of the most prominent voices in Nigerian hip-hop and notably carried the Olympic torch for Nigeria in 2004.
Tony Tetuila: After his exit from The Remedies, Tetuila found massive solo success with Kennis Music, releasing hits like “My Car.” He became a staple of early 2000s Afropop across the continent.
Paul Play Dairo: With Kennis Music’s backing, Paul Play successfully transitioned from a producer and backup vocalist to a mainstream R&B star. His hits like “Angel of My Life” and “Mo So Rire” got him multiple industry awards and solidified his legacy in Nigerian R&B.
7. Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti is a widely-recognised Afrobeat musician, a multiple Grammy nominee and the eldest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. He has spent decades touring globally and advocating for social justice through his music.
Made Kuti: Benefiting from his father’s mentorship and playing in his Positive Force band, Made Kuti launched his solo career. He has released a critically acclaimed album For(e)ward (2021) and secured a Grammy nomination alongside his father for their joint album Legacy +. Made Kuti has established himself as a highly skilled multi-instrumentalist carrying the Afrobeat torch.
8. Timaya
Timaya is an OG dancehall and Afropop artist and the founder of Dem Mama Records. He has maintained consistent mainstream relevance in the music industry for nearly two decades.
King Perry: He was signed to Dem Mama Records in 2018 and introduced his “Continental Boy” sound to the mainstream. He collaborated with Timaya on hits like “Kom Kom” and released his debut album Citizen of the World (2021). King Perry has carved out a niche in the dancehall and Afropop space.
9. Burna Boy
Burna Boy is a Grammy Award-winning global music superstar and the founder of Spaceship Records. Burna is widely recognised as global ambassador of Afrobeats and known for selling out major stadiums worldwide.
BNXN (formerly Buju): After getting Burna Boy’s co-sign and feature, BNXN got more mainstream exposure. He also has an appearance on projects like Wizkid’s Made in Lagos. He has won a Headies award, released a successful debut album, and became one of the most sought-after featured artists in Afrobeats.
10. Moses Bliss
Moses Bliss is a famous gospel singer, worship leader and founder of Spotlite Nation. He’s known for gospel hits like “Too Faithful” and “Daddy Wey Dey Pamper.”
Ebuka Songs: After receiving a co-sign and signing with Spotlite Nation in 2023, Ebuka Songs gained widespread recognition in the gospel music scene. His breakout single “I Will Pray” became a big hit and has given him global performance engagements and awards within the Nigerian Christian music community.
11. Steve Babaeko
Steve Babaeko is an advertising executive, entrepreneur and the founder of X3M Music. His record label provided a structured and professional platform that nurtured one of Nigeria’s foremost alternative, soul and R&B talents.
Simi: After signing to X3M Music in 2014, Simi released breakout singles like “Tiff” and “Jamb Question,” which appeared on her award-winning sophomore album Simisola (2017). She has since founded her own independent label, Studio Brat.
12. iLLBliss and Clarence Peters
iLLBliss (a veteran rapper and music executive) and Clarence Peters (a renowned music video director and producer) co-founded Capital Hill Music and The Goretti Company. Through their partnership, they provided crucial management, audio production and visual direction for a new generation of Nigerian artists.
Phyno: Under the management of The Goretti Company, Phyno transitioned from a behind-the-scenes producer to a frontline artist. He released his classic debut album, No Guts No Glory, in 2014. He completely took indigenous Igbo rap to the mainstream, founded his own imprint, Penthauze Music, and has remained a continental heavyweight with multiple hit albums.
13. BNXN (formerly Buju)
BNXN is an award-winning singer, songwriter and the founder of T.Y.E (To Your Ears) Entertainment. Having navigated his way from an independent internet talent to a mainstream global star, he used his imprint to launch an emerging artist like taves.
taves: He benefitted from BNXN’s co-sign and officially signed to his T.Y.E imprint in partnership with Atlantic Records UK briefly. After gaining mainstream attention, capitalised on this momentum by releasing successful singles like “Eleyele” and “Folake.” He has since established himself as a rising star in the global Afro-R&B space.
14. Davido
Davido is a multi-award-winning global Afrobeats superstar and the founder of Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). He’s been instrumental in identifying and launching the careers of several mainstream African artists through his label’s extensive reach and resources.
Mayorkun: Discovered on social media and signed to DMW in 2016, Mayorkun found immediate mainstream success with his debut single “Eleko.” Since then, he has won the Headies ‘Next Rated’ award and released a critically acclaimed album, The Mayor of Lagos (2018).
Dremo: He signed to DMW alongside Mayorkun in 2016. Dremo served as the primary rap act for the label. He released his Codename EP series and has maintained a consistent presence in the Nigerian hip-hop scene through solo releases and collaborations.
Peruzzi: After joining the DMW camp, Peruzzi became widely recognised for his exceptional songwriting and heavy vocal contributions to the label’s biggest collaborative hits. He has simultaneously built a highly successful solo career, released acclaimed projects like Huncho Vibez, Rum & Boogie and SABALI.
