In the worldwide explosion of Afropop, all the talk has been about the artists. Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and all the other thriving artists have been the stars of the show. While they are totally deserving of all the praise they get, we must not forget the other people involved in the music process. In this article, we'll talk about DJs and producers.

Top Producers

Instrumentals are at the very heart of Afropop. The lyrics of many Afropop songs might mean something to Nigerians, but most of the worldwide fanbase usually has no idea what the artist is saying.

This means the beat and production is critical to earn a worldwide audience. The lyrics from Ckay's Love Nwantiti may have sounded strange to many, but billions danced to it anyway. All the catchy beats and creative production come from producers.

Usually behind the stage, many producers hardly get enough plaudits for their work. In recent times, however, we've seen top producers like DJ Khaled and Alan Walker owning songs and featuring artists on them. This has helped producers get more recognition for their efforts and get paid even more. In Nigeria, the top producers are also beginning to catch on. These are my top five...

Don Jazzy

Don Jazzy is perhaps the Nigerian DJ Khaled or Dr. Dre with the amount of influence he wields in the Nigerian music industry. Don Jazzy first announced himself in 2004 alongside the legendary D'Banj. Eighteen years later, he's the founder and CEO of the biggest record label in the country, Mavins Records.

Over the years, Don Jazzy has set himself apart from the rest with his creative production style and keen eye for the right talent. Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, and a host of other top Nigerian artists are all signed to Mavins Records. Don Jazzy is a heavyweight in Nigerian music, and his desire to find the best and bring them out is second to none.

Sarz

Another heavyweight of Nigerian music, Sarz has followed the trend I spoke about earlier of producers featuring artists on songs of their own. He now has two projects called I Love Girls with Trouble and Sweetness, where he featured Afropop artists Wurld and Obongjayar.

In addition to his impressive catalog of hit songs, Sarz also owns a production school called the Sarz Academy where he focuses on building up the next generation of superstar producers. The school has already produced the likes of Tempoe and P. Prime.

Cobhams Asuquo

This man is a jack of all trades. He's known for his extraordinary skill in songwriting, his baritone voice when singing, and his flair when producing. Incredibly, he's also blind. Cobhams didn't just fight hard to get to the top, he's stayed relevant for over a decade now. My favorite work of his is the production and songwriting done on Asa's album, ASA.

Young John

With the recent release of the hit song, Uloma, one would've thought Young John made his name as an artist. It's incredible to then learn that he only tested himself on the other side of the recording booth.

Young John has made a massive name for himself as a producer, but he could very well become known for his singing prowess if he keeps releasing songs like Uloma.

Pheelz

Every Nigerian knows when they hear Pheelz's call sign that the song will be good. Philip Kayode Moses, also called Pheelz, has become a big name in Nigerian music over the last decade.

He burst onto the scene with some creative production and has worked with the very best in the business since 2012. He's worked with Teni, and Fireboy, and is the major producer for Olamide's YBNL record label. I particularly enjoyed his work on Fireboy's Apollo album.

Honorable Mention

• Shizzi
• Approach
• Legendary Beats
• MasterKraft
• Kel P
• Chopstix

Top DJs

While producers make the magic in the studio, DJs are the ones who bring the hits to the people. Clubs and shows are still very effective ways of marketing music, and DJs are at the very heart of it. Without them, the music scene would be almost completely online. Here are my top five Nigerian DJs…

DJ Exclusive

Resident DJ at Cool FM in Lagos and Wizkid's Empire Mates Entertainment, DJ Exclusive is one of the big names in Nigerian music. He's rocked many parties and built a reputation for being the very best. Whether in the club or at a wedding, he knows exactly how to get the crowd going. He's worked with global artists like Rihanna, Nas, and Fat Joe throughout his illustrious career.

Jimmy Jatt

Once a rapper trying to find his feet, DJ Jimmy Jatt switched to DJing and has become a legend in the industry. Jimmy Jatt then helped establish hip-hop as a genre in Nigeria alongside artists like Modenine, MI Abaga, and Naeto C. Today, he still provides one of the best platforms for young rappers to announce themselves, a rap battle event he hosts and produces.

DJ Spinall

DJ Spinall is another big name in the DJ industry. Signed to Atlantic Records, this man has been dominating for many years now. He's known for his stylish dressing and extraordinary mixing skills. After studying the great DJs of his youth like Jimmy Jatt, who's also on this list, DJ Spinall has risen to the top, even earning endorsements from Pepsi and Smirnoff Ice.

DJ Neptune

DJ Neptune started his career as a DJ for a local radio station, Raypower FM, and has grown into being an award-winning star of the game. He's now a freelancer who runs his shop and plies his trade all over the world. His awards include best DJ in Nigeria and vest international DJ at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and African Entertainment Awards.

DJ Cuppy

Originally known for her billionaire father, DJ Cuppy has become even more renowned for her DJ skills. Signed by the Red Velvet Music Group, she DJs for several top venues all over the world. She's tried her hand at making music but none of her singles have gotten the reception she wants, but her DJing skills have earned her an endorsement with Pepsi. Recently, DJ Cuppy sparked some gossip by announcing she was engaged twenty-five days after meeting her fiance.

Nigeria has some of the hottest talent in modern music.

Final Thoughts

Artists get all the plaudits they deserve, but we must remember the people behind the scenes. A producer mixing and mastering, and a DJ turning up a club are both essential parts of the music industry. Without them, many of the beats that make us dance wouldn't exist, and what's Afropop without a beat?