Nigerian music, specifically Afrobeats, has been repeatedly accused of having no lyrical “substance”. This argument is based on the genre artists’ propensity to chase more catchy rhythms that oftentimes don’t amount to groundbreaking literature. Regardless of this stance, there is still value in music that emits happiness and elation and does not compete with the literary genius of Chimamanda Adiche. Besides, the belief that the genre has no substance is more incorrect now than it was a decade ago. Afrobeats artists are becoming more introspective and vulnerable in the music they produce, targeting a more relatable experience in their audience, as well as making smash hits.
Another thing that has changed over the years is how artists used to be slighted for the mere suspicion of collaborating with a songwriter to write their songs. An artist having a “Ghostwriter” used to be a taboo that had listeners outraged. Nowadays, it is normal to have someone else write songs, and their collaboration is now publicly known and credited. As much as Afrobeats artists write their own songs, a few of them enlist the help of songwriters who are specialised in the art and have proven themselves authors of hit tracks. We have compiled a list of Nigerian songwriters who have contributed lyrically to some Afrobeats favourites.
Peruzzi
Before Peruzzi came into the spotlight as an artist in 2018, he was primarily the songwriter behind a few of Davido’s hit songs. His contribution to Davido’s discography is well known in earlier songs like FIA, Risky, Assurance, Holy Ground featuring Nicki Minaj and his Timeless hit Unavailable. Peruzzi’s collaboration with Davido has evolved since he was signed into Davido’s Record label, DMW, where he began charting his own success as an artist as well as a songwriter.
Milar
When Ayra Starr emerged into the music industry, she was accompanied by her younger brother Milar who is a producer and excellent songwriter. The duo have been on this musical journey since they were young, forming a band with the rest of their siblings and going for competitions. Although Ayra Starr has existed in the spotlight since her debut, Milar has occupied the more low-key role as her songwriter. Two years after Ayra Starr was signed into Mavin Records, Milar was also signed, keeping their lucrative bond intact. Milar has co-written a lot of Ayra Starr’s hit songs, including Sability, Beggie Beggi, Fashion Killer and Bloody Samaritan.
Mbryo
Mbryo’s debut into the music scene began with his feature on Ruggedybaba, pt 2 by Nigeria veteran rapper, Ruggedman. The artist was later signed into Ruggedman’s record label Rugged Records in 2012 where they both created the album Money Making Music. Mbryo’s stint as an artist continued with the release of his own songs, Hallelujah featuring Patoranking in 2014 and his last released track Story in 2021. Since then, Mbryo has succeeded as a top songwriter signed into the Mavins Records label in 2022. He has contributed to hit tracks by Mavins artist; Ijo Laba Laba by Crayon, Overloading, Sability by Ayra Starr and other Afrobeats hit songs including Tiwa Savage, Young Jonn and Ayra Starr’s Stamina and Davido’s Godfather and For The Road.
Tay Iwar
Tay Iwar is known for the magic he creates in his own tracks, but beyond that, the multitalented artist has been responsible for writing some of the most stirring and thought provoking music in the industry. His collaborations with Wizkid in Made In Lagos (Deluxe) as a performer on True Love and writer on Steady introduced Nigerians to the synergy the two artists create. Since then, Tay Iwar has contributed to the lyrics of Wizkid songs, Deep and Frames off More Love, Less Ego. Although Tay Iwar and Wizkid have shown to be a perfect combination, creating low tempo and sultry tracks, Iwar has also been credited on Burna Boy’s Alone off Black Panther: Wakanda Forever album as a writer.
Ileri BigFish
Ileri Bigfish is a producer and songwriter behind a couple of Afrobeats hits. He has co-written a few of Adekunle Gold’s tracks including the 2023 jam Ogaranya and FYE featuring Steff London. He has also been involved in Ckay’s most recent album Sad Romance (Deluxe) where he co-wrote Leave Me Alone, Lose You and You Cheated, I Cheated too.