It seems like some of the prestigious and talented music producers we have here in Nigeria went AWOL this year. 2016 is gradually coming to an end and we have not seen these names present in any music production throughout this year. Today, we will be looking at the profiles of the top five Nigerian music producers missing in action this year.

5. YOUNG D

Born Akintewe Feyisayo, he claims that American rapper/producer, Dr Dre, had a major influence of the adoption of his stage name, Young D due to his undying love for the American rapper. He graduated with a diploma in Computer Science from Lagos City Polythecnic. He is the founder of Murderbeatz Vibez label. He has worked with the pop and Afro dance hall musician, Timaya, in the production of the ‘Ekoloma’ track from his latest album, Upgrade. He has also helped produced other songs for Nigeria singers like LKT’s “Alaye Mi”, Oriste Femi’s “E Go Better For Every Man” and so on. Although he is not a very popular household name, he is certainly a music producer to watch out for in the coming years.

4. Jay Pizzle

His birth name is Osajiokwoen Joshua, was born 1989, and is a well known music producer in the country. He said he developed an interest in music at the age of 10 and after secondary school he went further to learn music production. At the age of 20, he started pursuing a career as a songwriter before joining the music production industry. He is known for producing Terry G’s single “Run Mad” , Slyde’s single “Banana” and Skales’ “Shake Body”. He has also worked for Patoranking and produced Naeto C’s “Thunder”. Currently he has been nominated for NEA awards 2016 as the ‘Producer of the year’.

3. Wizzy Pro

Born Nifu Haruna from Kogi State, he is a record producer and sound engineer. He is best known for his chart topping single ‘Emergency’. He produced Patoranking’s first official single ‘Alubarika’ which is said to have brought him into the limelight of his career. He also produced Runtown ft Timaya’s ‘Aunty Tolu’, Attitude ft Skales “Sweet You”, Patoranking’s “Girlie O”, Phyno ft Psquare’s “O Set” and many others. He was also nominated for The NEA 2014 and The Headies 2014 category for Best Collaboration “Emergency” and also for Beatz Award 2015 for Best Afro Dance hall Producer. Wizzy Pro is currently signed to Beatbox and is working on his debut album.

2. D’Tunes

Whose real name is Adèsanya Doyinsola was born on the 13th of Octber ,1991. He was studying at Olabisi Onabanjo University before he dropped out in 2009 to pursue his passion for beat making to the outrage of his parents. At the tender age of 20, D’Tunes had already made his mark in the industry by lacing together tracks for popular acts like Faze, Ruggedman, Dipp, Rasheed and many other artistes. He also produced many songs like 9ice and 2Face’s Joint, Tony Watch’s ‘Wata Bum Bum’, Reminisce’s “If Only” but meeting with Iyanya and Ubi Franklyn, his manager, to produce “Kukere” was what brought him to the limelight. It was a serious, piping hot, hit single that made raves in Nigeria and Africa.

Later in 2013, he left Iyanya and their record label, Triple MG to form his own label, DIFFERENCE ENTERTAINMENT. Today, he is currently among the top music producers we have in the country.

1. SARZ

Our one and only Sarz, whose birth name is Osabuohien Osareton was born on March 17, 1989. He is popularly known for the tag ‘Sarz on the beat’ at the beginning or end of all his music productions. He described his entry into music as a ‘mistake’ because it was his ability to listen to a song and remember its beat details that piqued his interest in beatmaking. Sarz, in 2010, produced hit song “Jor Oh” and the remix of “Jahbless” ft Durella, Ruggedman, Ice Prince, Reminisce and Eldee. In 2011, he produced Shanke’s Salute, Eldee’s Today Today, Skales’ Mukulu and many more. He was nominated in 2012 NEA category for “Producer of the Year”; although Don Jazzy won it, he gave the award to Sarz. Sarz also won Best New Producer in Dynamix Awards 2012. In 2013, he produced two songs off Wizkid’s album: Jaiye Jaiye ft Femi Kuti and Kilofe.
He also signed an endorsement deal with Nike that same year and was the executive producer of the official Hennesy Artistry 2014 theme song titled “Dance Go and featuring Wizkid & Tu face. He is currently among the top 5 music producers in Nigeria.

We look forward to seeing more of these music producers in 2017 after their absence in the industry this year. Who knows, they may be planning something big for next year?