Three top music talent managers produce hitmakers from undeveloped talent
Since ancient times, people all around the world have enjoyed Nigerian music. Afro pop music has become increasingly popular recently, in addition to its high-life music. However, one cannot wonder at the widespread acclaim for Nigerian music without mentioning individuals who have developed music superstars over the years and have been producing excellent and critically acclaimed Nigerian music.
Three music stars—Don Jazzy, Olamide, and Davido—who seem to have gone above and beyond in this regard—are examined in this feature by Potpourri.
Don Jazzy
The top spot on this list belongs to music entrepreneur Don Jazzy, real name Michael Collins Ajereh, who has made it his life’s work to find and support musical talent. Together with D’banj, he co-founded the record label Mo’ Hits Records in 2004. After Mo’ Hits was dissolved due to an internal dispute, he founded Mavin Records in 2012.
Don Jazzy managed popular musicians including D’Banj, Wande Coal, Dr. Sid, K-Switch, Ikechukwu, and D’Prince when he was still with Mo’ Hits.
Ayra Star, Crayon, Magixx, Boy Spice, and Ladipoe are just a few of the talented musicians Don Jazzy has turned into music stars at Mavin Records.
Olamide
Rapper, musician, and talent management Olamide Adedeji is sometimes referred to as Olamide Badoo by fans of music. He is reportedly one of Africa’s largest and most well-known artists. While still a member of Coded Tunes, he released his debut studio album, Rapsodi, in 2011, and ever since then, he has remained competitive.
His desire to develop talent led him to launch Yahoo Boy No Laptop Nation in 2012—also known as YBNL Nation or just YBNL—his own record label.
Over ten artists have been signed by Olamide since the creation of YBNL, including Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, Lil Kesh, Temmie Ovwasa, Davolee, Lyta, and others.
Olamide just recently announced Asake as another artist. Olamide was rumoured to have called Askae after noticing his abilities. According to rumours, Badoo is continually looking for new talent.
Without a little help from Badoo, even Naira Marley and Portable failed to achieve fame.
Davido:
Davido, who likes to refer to himself as Omo Baba Olowo, has experience in the music industry. Davido has worked hard to advance from the small bird who sung “Damiduro” many years ago to a large fish in the entertainment business. When Davido is mentioned, there is one quality that many people will be proud of: his passion for finding and developing musical potential.
Without Davido, musicians like Peruzzi, Dremo, Yonda, Mayorkun, B-Red, Idowest, DJ Ecool, and most recently Toby K, would likely still be touring with their demo tapes in search of an opportunity.