By Oma Emina & Honour Aghedo
As we continue our tribute to Afrobeats in the 21st century, TurnTable proudly presents its definitive list of the greatest Afrobeats producers of the century. To compile this list, we considered four key criteria: longevity, commercial success both locally and internationally, artistic merit, and cultural impact.
For the purpose of this list, the term "Afrobeats" encompasses the broader musical movement, rather than the specific genre. Additionally, we focused solely on the producers' work behind the console, excluding their achievements as artists or executives.
- Don Jazzy
Here's the thing about Don Jazzy: it's easy to conflate his success as a producer and music executive, as he's mastered both with unparalleled expertise. Throughout his career, he's achieved the same remarkable feat – launching and elevating the careers of the most influential artists in Afrobeats history.
His production credits during the Mohits Era are a testament to his genius. If his only claim to fame was his work on Wande Coal's seminal album "Mushin To Mohits", he would still rank among the top 5 producers on this list. The album is arguably the most sonically impactful debut of the 21st century. However, his influence extends far beyond that, with production credits on all of D'banj's albums from that era.
Furthermore, Don Jazzy's innovative spirit and collaborative mindset led to groundbreaking work with Mavin, as well as iconic international collaborations with Jay-Z and Kanye West on "Watch The Throne". While his commercial achievements are undeniable, Don Jazzy's most lasting impact lies in his instrumental role in shaping Afropop into the global phenomenon it is today.
For his staggering commercial success, artistic excellence, and groundbreaking cultural impact, Don Jazzy stands as the greatest Afrobeats producer of the 21st century and possibly, of all time.
- Sarz
Sarz has been integral to a diverse range of artists across eras and genres, including Wizkid, Runtown, Niniola, Wurld, Lojay, and Obongjayar. His collaborations with the latter three are regarded as culturally significant bodies of work in modern Afrobeats. Additionally, his EP "Sarz Is Not Your Mate (SINYM)" is the most successful project of its kind in Afrobeats history. Also, by taking complete ownership of his work, Sarz pioneered the trend of producers being regarded as artists in their own right.
- OJB Jezreel
The Nigerian music industry can often seem like a rat race. Producers can appear to be guns for hire, flitting from one artist to the next, trying to create a hit song and move on. Artistry is often secondary, and timeless music is all too fleeting. This was not OJB Jezreel's approach. Many producers have made significant strides for Afrobeats in its various eras this century, but OJB laid the groundwork at the very beginning.
Perhaps his greatest work is his solo production on the standard version of 2Baba's debut album, "Face 2 Face", arguably the greatest Afrobeats album of the 21st century. Although Afrobeats had achieved international success since at least the 1980s, "African Queen" marked the first sign of what was to come in the 21st century. His work with Ruggedman, Paul Play Dairo, and Kennis Music was instrumental in laying the groundwork for Afrobeats in the 21st century. While others may have taken the movement to new heights, OJB laid the foundation.
- Pheelz
YBNL has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping the music landscape in Africa, and a significant portion of that success can be attributed to Pheelz. He has been instrumental in crafting the sound of some of the label's most iconic artists. Pheelz produced nearly all of Olamide's early street-hop discography, Adekunle Gold's genre-bending Fuji-pop sound, and most of Fireboy's culture-defining debut, "Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps", as well as his genre-defying sophomore album, "Apollo". Notably, Pheelz has maintained his relevance for well over a decade, a feat few producers have achieved. If that's not genius, we don't know what is.
- Masterkraft
A lot of producers on this list are celebrated for their diverse work across different artists and genres, and Masterkraft is perhaps the greatest example of versatility on this list. With one of the longest careers in the industry, Masterkraft's journey began at Kennis Music, where he honed his craft before collaborating with some of the biggest artists of the time, including Banky W, Lynxxx, and Bracket. He went on to work with a wide array of artists and genres, including Flavour (Highlife), Tim Godfrey (Gospel), and CDQ (street-hop). Masterkraft is particularly renowned for his unparalleled influence in the eastern part of the country, becoming the go-to producer for artists in the region.
Masterkraft's versatility and high-profile collaborations proved to be a dynamite combination. With a legacy spanning over two decades, Masterkraft has cemented his place as one of the most influential producers in Afrobeats history.
- ID Cabasa
Every few months, whispers of the same argument resurface: who has the greater legacy, 9ice or Flavour? For Flavour, the evidence is overwhelming, with multiple accolades to his name. However, 9ice boasts “Gongo Aso”, one of the greatest albums of the 21st century, with its chart topping lead single of the same name, masterfully produced by ID Cabasa. Many producers on this list are recognized for their role in evolving Afrobeats and bridging eras and soundscapes. Like only two others on this list, ID Cabasa earns his spot for being a pioneer. His work with 9ice is iconic, but ID Cabasa’s impact extends further, with major production credits on Faze’s best-selling album “Independent”, Iyanya’s debut,and especially, his contributions to Olamide’s sound in his first two albums. ID Cabasa is the embodiment of an OG before IG.
- P. Priime
A Sarz Academy graduate and former drummer, P.Priime's curiosity led him to build one of the most impactful production runs of the new Afropop era. His beats are sleek, futuristic, and emotionally rich, pushing the sound of Nigeria into new territory.
P.Priime became a household name while still in his teens, earning early acclaim by crafting standout production on albums for Olamide (Carpe Diem) and Cuppy (Original Copy). Since then, he has ascended to become one of the most revered and in-demand producers during what many consider the most commercially explosive era in Nigerian music history.
His signature producer tag—"Giddem"—has become a sonic stamp of quality, a signal that something culturally potent is about to unfold. P.Priime’s fingerprints are all over the 2020s' most influential projects: from Wizkid’s Grammy-nominated Made in Lagos to Asake’s genre-blending Work of Art, from the emotional vulnerability of Omah Lay’s Boy Alone to the futuristic textures of Rema’s HEIS. With each credit, P.Priime has not only proven his versatility but has also helped shape the evolving sound of modern Afrobeats; balancing street sensibilities with pop innovation, and pushing Nigerian production to global standards. __
- Cobhams
While many producers on this list boast significant commercial success, Cobhams Asuquo embodied the very essence of "MUSIC" in the 2010s. For music purists nationwide, Cobhams was the go-to collaborator, sought after for his exceptional craftsmanship. It's no surprise that he's worked with some of the most critically acclaimed artists of the 21st century, including Asa, Darey, Banky W, Timi Dakolo, and Omawumi.
A masterful creator of ballads, Cobhams played a pivotal role in popularizing what we now recognize as "conscious" music. His groundbreaking work with Asa on her debut album is widely regarded as the foundation of the genre. Moreover, Cobhams is a triple threat – an exceptional singer, songwriter, and producer who stands alongside the best in the industry.
As far as legends go, it doesn't get much higher than Cobhams Asuquo.
- Magicsticks
“Tune into the king of sounds and blues.” That iconic producer tag has become synonymous with some of the most infectious, era-defining hits in Nigerian music. Magicsticks is best known as the sonic architect behind Asake’s genre-blending dominance—where Afropop collides seamlessly with amapiano, house, and the textured vibrancy of Fuji music. His production isn’t just about sound; it’s about immersion, building entire worlds around rhythm, cadence, and mood. As a duo with Asake, they’ve crafted arguably the two most important albums in the 2020s in Mr Money With The Vibe and Work of Art – Magicsticks served as the sole producer of the former while he also served as a mix and mastering engineer for the latter, to go with his 10/14 credits.
From the streets to global stages, Magicsticks has helped sculpt a new language for Nigerian pop music—one that is deeply rooted in tradition but wildly progressive in its execution. His fingerprints are etched across an era where sonic innovation met cultural relevance head-on, ushering in a wave of music that feels both familiar and futuristic. More than just a producer, Magicsticks has become a defining force in the modern Afrobeats movement, proving that behind every groundbreaking artiste is often a visionary sound designer pulling the strings. Since the launch of TurnTable Charts in 2020, Magicsticks has emerged as the No. 1 Producer on the Year-End Charts twice—2022 and 2023—holding the record as the only producer to achieve the feat multiple times.
- Nelson Brown
You cannot talk about the origins of Afro-Pop without Nelson Brown. His legacy spans decades, from Lagos studio sessions in FESTAC and Apapa to birthing foundational sounds of the '90s. He laid the groundwork for icons like Plantashun Boiz, Sound Sultan, and Daddy Showkey.
Notable Productions:
- Plantashun Boiz – Body & Soul
- Sound Sultan – Motherland
- Bigiano – “Shayo”
- Young Jonn
You have to understand, "Story For The Gods" was everywhere in 2012. While the controversy surrounding Olamide's lyrics certainly contributed to its virality, people often overlooked the fact that Young Jonn's genius was the foundation of that record. However, by the time "Bobo" was released, any lingering doubts about Young Jonn's talent were quickly dispelled. At just 20 years old, he had produced the biggest song in the country, and his subsequent work with YBNL yielded some of the label's most iconic hits, including "Efejoku" and "Pepper Dem Gang". In 2016, he solidified his reputation as a versatile producer, crafting the year's biggest hit with Kiss Daniel's "Mama". Although his reign as a hit producer was relatively brief compared to his peers, Young Jonn's impressive track record speaks for itself: producing at least four of the country's biggest hits within a three-year span is a testament to his incredible potency.
- Rexxie
"Street ti takeover!" was the declaration by Olamide, Reminisce, and Phyno in 2015. Years later, Rexxie fulfilled that prophecy. His beats became the soundtrack to the street revolution in Nigerian music. Like a tailor with perfect cuts, he designed sounds that elevated street-hop into mainstream success. From the rise of the Zanku movement with Zlatan to the Marlians era, Rexxie was the chef, and every record was a gourmet dish.
Notable Productions includes Chinko Ekun’s “Able God,” Naira Marley & Zlatan’s “Am I Yahoo Boy,” Burna Boy’s “Bebo,” Zlatan “Zanku (Leg Work),” Naira Marley’s “Mafo and Victony’s “Ohema”
- Del B
When it comes to longevity and the sheer number of artists they've collaborated with, very few producers can match Del B's impressive résumé. Starting with D'Banj's breakout hit "Why Me" in 2006, Del B went on to produce an array of iconic and varied hits, particularly during the 2010s. Name a prominent artist from that era, and chances are you'll find Del B's credits somewhere in their discography. His notable productions include Wizkid's "On Top Your Matter", Kcee's "Limpopo", and Flavour's "Shake". Although his momentum slowed down in recent years, Del B's indelible impact on Afrobeats remains undeniable.
- Paul Play
Before digital was the norm, Paul Play was penning soul into every chord. A rare hybrid of producer and vocalist, his music felt like heartfelt love letters. He elevated Nigerian R&B and soul, making music feel like a long, sweet conversation with emotion. Notable productions include Tony Tetuila’s “Omode Meta,” his own tracks “Angel of My Life” and “Mo So Rire.”
- Shizzi
Davido is widely regarded as Afrobeats' most reliable hitmaker, and that's in no small part thanks to the creative genius of Oluwaseyi Akerele, aka Shizzi. The man with the magic fingers, Shizzi produced an impressive six tracks on Davido's debut album, including the hit single "Dami Duro". He would go on to produce some of Davido's most iconic hits, including "Gobe", "Tchelete", "Skelewu", and the international collaboration "Blow My Mind" featuring Chris Brown. When it comes to crafting hits, Shizzi is the go-to producer – his Midas touch is undeniable.
- Blaisebeatz
If the last half-decade of Afrobeats had a sonic thread, Blaisebeatz was holding the needle. His production style—fluid, richly textured, and undeniably catchy—has evolved in real time alongside the genre itself, often setting the pace for what comes next. As Afrobeats stretched into new territories and tempos, Blaisebeatz was right there, crafting the blueprint. He’s been behind some of the biggest hits and most defining records from Nigeria’s top-tier artistes: Adekunle Gold’s introspective anthem “Okay,” Davido’s emotionally resonant “FEEL,” Asake’s global smash “Lonely At The Top,” and Kizz Daniel’s cultural juggernaut “Buga (Lo Lo Lo).” Each production carries his hallmark blend of clarity and bounce—commercially magnetic yet musically layered. Blaisebeatz isn’t just producing records; he’s quietly shaping the emotional and sonic pulse of Afrobeats in its most expansive era yet.
- Coublon
Most people know Coublon for his seminal work on Kiss Daniel's early hits, producing the chart-topping singles "Woju", "Laye", and "Good Time". However, his impressive discography extends far beyond that. He went on to collaborate extensively with several artists, crafting their biggest hits, including Yemi Alade's "Shekere", "Knack Am", and "Ferrari", as well as Iyanya's "Le Kwa Ukwu" and "Applaudise", and Tekno's "Duro" and "Wash". Coublon was a master at playing to his strengths, delivering hit after hit.
- Andre Vibez
Andre Vibez, the son of Nigerian music legend Sir Victor Uwaifo, has been producing for over 15 years—but it wasn’t until 2020 that his name truly broke into the mainstream. His breakout moment came with Omah Lay’s “Ye Ye Ye,” a sultry, genre-blending track that introduced his signature flair for balancing intimacy with mass appeal.
Since then, Andre Vibez has quietly become one of the continent’s most consistent hitmakers, responsible for some of the biggest songs African music has ever produced. His collaboration with Rema and Ayra Starr on the global smash “Calm Down” & “Rush” marked a seismic moment—not just for Afrobeats’ global reach, but for his own ascent as a cross-continental force. Known for weaving together elements of Afropop, R&B, trap, and highlife into smooth, emotionally resonant productions, Andre Vibez has emerged as a key figure in defining the sound of a new generation, bridging legacy and innovation with every beat.
- J Martins
J. Martins stands as one of the foundational figures in the evolution of contemporary Nigerian music. As both a producer and artist, he played a pivotal role in shaping the pan-African pop sound of the late 2000s and early 2010s—merging highlife, Nigerian pop, and Francophone influences into a cohesive, celebratory style. His work on classics like “Good or Bad” (featuring P-Square and Timaya), “Jupa”, and “Oyoyo” not only ruled dancefloors across West Africa but also laid the groundwork for the genre-fluid experimentation seen in today’s Afrobeats. Beyond his infectious melodies and signature production style, J. Martins helped bridge regional sounds across the continent, making him a true cultural connector in the early wave of Nigerian pop globalization.
- Tempoe
With Afrobeats, there's often an emphasis on rhythm and rich production. However, Tempoe revolutionized the game by championing a new sound fueled by melody and minimalism. The results have been stunning. Tempoe has quietly amassed one of the most bankable discographies in the business, with mega-hits like "Love Nwantinti", "Godly", and "Soweto" becoming some of the most streamed African songs of all time. This year, he already produced one of the most dominant songs in Davido’s “With You” featuring Omah Lay – a song that will almost certainly become a classic in Nigerian folklore.
More importantly, Tempoe has garnered widespread acclaim for his innovative artistry. In an era where songs felt overproduced and listeners were left feeling overstimulated, Tempoe's work felt like a breath of fresh air, yielding songs with astonishing longevity and timeless appeal. His influence on the Afrobeats landscape is undeniable. How could he not be here?
- D Tunes
Between 2011–2015, D’tunes provided the soundtracks to weddings, club nights, and joy. If Iyanya and Sean Tizzle were LeBron and Kyrie, D’Tunes was their Kevin Love, the silent MVP behind every smash
Notable Productions:
- Iyanya – Kukere, Your Waist
- Sean Tizzle – Perfect Gentleman
- Legendary Beatz
Production duos are a rare gem on the Afrobeats music scene, making it fitting that Legendury Beatz lives up to their name. They rose to fame with their work on Brymo's Headies award-winning "Ara", but it was their collaborations with Wizkid that catapulted them to widespread recognition. Legendury Beatz had already made a name for themselves with hits like "Azonto" and "Caro", but "Ojuelegba" remains their magnum opus, widely regarded as the song that ushered in a new era of international acclaim for Afrobeats artists. Their success extends beyond Wizkid, with notable credits on Chidinma's "Emi Ni Baller", Mo'Cheddah's "Ko Ma Roll", and Simi's "Ayo". As far as names go, “Legendury” couldn't be more apt.
- Sossick
Sossick’s beats hit like a heavyweight boxer, every kick, snare, and bassline lands with intention. From Dagrin’s CEO album to Eva’s "I Done Did It", his production doesn’t just back an artist, it fights for them. His work with Dagrin immortalized him as a legend of Nigerian hip-hop.
Notable Productions:
- Dagrin – CEO (Album)
- Gino – No Be God
- Eva – I Done Did It
- KDDO
KDDO (formerly Kiddominant) doesn’t just make beats, he engineers success. His production feels like a luxury car ride: smooth, precise, and destined for greatness. From Davido’s "Fall" to Chris Brown’s "Under The Influence", KDDO’s soundscapes whisper to the lyrics, guiding them straight to hit status.
Notable Productions:
- Chris Brown – Under The Influence
- Davido – Fall
- Bas – Amnesia
- Orezi – Rihanna
- Spaxx
"I hold Spax for the camp’s sound." — Tec (Show Dem Camp)
Spax is the curator of sonic identities. Whether it’s SDC’s palmwine vibes, Tems’ dreamy textures, or Falz’s introspective flows in comic, Spax creates worlds. If an artist needs a sonic fingerprint, Spax is the architect.
Notable Productions:
- Falz – Chardonnay Music
- Tems – Love Me Jeje
- SDC – Palmwine Music Series
Honorable Mention;
- Selebobo
- Spellz
- Dokta Frabz
- Niphkeys
- London
- Samklef
- Kel P
- Sess
- K Solo