Nigerian Star-Makers: the bosses who built Afrobeats’ next generation

Behind every hit song and breakout sensation in Nigeria’s music scene lies a powerful figure who spotted the spark early, nurtured it, and turned it into a blazing star. The Nigerian music industry isn’t just thriving because of talented artists, it’s also powered by visionaries who know how to create them. From legendary producers to label bosses and mentors, here’s a look at five of Nigeria’s biggest star makers who’ve defined the sound and success of Afrobeats and hip-hop as we know it.

Don Jazzy

When it comes to star-making in Nigeria, Don Jazzy’s name is practically a brand. From his Mo’Hits days with D’Banj and Wande Coal to building Mavin Records into a powerhouse, Don Jazzy has created an ecosystem where talent doesn’t just grow, it explodes.

He discovered or groomed artists like Tiwa Savage, Rema, Ayra Starr, and Johnny Drille, giving them not just hit songs but career blueprints. Beyond production, his genius lies in branding and marketing, turning artists into cultural icons. In many ways, Don Jazzy isn’t just a producer; he’s the architect of Afrobeats’ commercial era.

Olamide

Olamide Baddo has become synonymous with discovering and nurturing street talent. From Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold to Fireboy DML and Asake, Olamide’s YBNL Nation has consistently served as a launchpad for the next generation of stars.

What makes Olamide’s formula so powerful is authenticity. He sees potential where others see rough edges, taking raw, local sounds and turning them into mainstream anthems. His mentorship extends beyond contracts; he empowers his signees to build their own empires, making him one of the most influential forces in Nigerian music today.

Davido

Davido might be one of Africa’s biggest stars, but his legacy goes beyond his hits. Known for his generosity and ability to elevate others, Davido has played a key role in introducing new artists to massive audiences.

Through collaborations and co-signs, he’s helped acts like Mayorkun, Peruzzi, Dremo, and Liya gain mainstream recognition. His DMW label has been a consistent launchpad for fresh talent, proving that Davido’s magic isn’t just in his vocals, it’s in his ability to spot and share the spotlight.

ID Cabasa

Before Afrobeats became the global sound it is today, ID Cabasa was already shaping Nigeria’s music direction. As the founder of Coded Tunes, he discovered and produced early hits for stars like Olamide, 9ice, and Reminisce.

Cabasa’s influence runs deep, he introduced a generation of artists who fused Yoruba lyricism with pop appeal, setting the stage for the Afrobeats movement. His keen ear for sound and commitment to artist development make him one of the godfathers of Nigeria’s music evolution.

M.I Abaga

In an industry dominated by Afrobeats, M.I Abaga stood tall as the torchbearer for Nigerian rap and a mentor for countless rappers who followed. As CEO of Chocolate City, M.I discovered and developed acts like Milli, blaqbonez, CKay, and many more, providing a platform for hip-hop voices in a pop-heavy space.

His leadership went beyond the studio; M.I used his influence to build confidence in young artists and redefine the business side of hip-hop in Africa. Today, his protégés continue to shape the sound of Nigerian rap and beyond.

These five icons represent different sides of the same coin: vision, mentorship, and influence. Don Jazzy builds systems, Olamide molds talent from the streets, Davido opens doors, ID Cabasa shapes sound, and M.I. empowers rappers.

Together, they’ve built a culture where discovery is constant and reinvention is the rule. In the ever-evolving world of Nigerian music, the star-makers remain the true heartbeat, the ones ensuring the next wave always has a voice.