Top 10 producers of 2012

Don Jazzy and Sarz at the MAVIN HQ

In the Nigerian entertainment scene for 2012, music was definitely an on all-time high. Here are 10 music producers were the cream of the crop this year…

1. DON JAZZY: It has been a very big and memorable year for Michael Collins. Breaking up with former music label partner D’banj, launching his own label, bagging major endorsement deals, we almost forgot his true talent – making music.  But Jazzy did make some notable contributions this year – solely producing the ‘surprise’ MAVIN album ‘Solar Plexus’ and a large chunk of younger brother’s debut ‘FRENZY.’ Don’t forget D’banj’s ‘Oliver Twist’ which blew up in Europe.
2. SARZ: Osaretin Osabuohien used 2012 to fully establish himself, signing with Trybe Records. The spotlight turned to him in 2012, producing 99 percent of label boss eLDee’s ‘Undeniable’ album, working with Reminisce, EME, Banky W and more.
3. COBHAMS ASUQUO: Alternative-Soul singers Timi Dakolo and Bez might have released their ‘Beautiful Noise’ and ‘Super Sun’ albums last year, but producer Cobhams enjoyed the accolades and praise in 2012 when their singles hit the airwaves. Cobby (as Banky W calls him) also played an instrumental role, producing the ballad ‘Rich and famous’ for upcoming artiste Praiz and threw in a late one ‘Yes/No’ for Banky W.
4. SPELLZ: Most of the hits you heard in 2012 were birthed by this young talent. Working with 9ice (On point feat Wizkid), EME (Roll it, Don’t go there, London girl), Tiwa Savage (Folarin), Banky W (Good good loving) and 2face (Omo no dulling ft Dammy Krane, Rocksteady), need we say more?
5. TEE-Y MIX: If he wasn’t acting as a judge at the Project Fame West Africa talent show, he was making hits for the likes of Naeto C (Tony Montana rmx ft D’banj), working closely with 9ice on his Bashorun Gaa LP (Everyday, Adigun Ojuwon’lo, ShakaShiki, Attitude, Pace Setter, 3310) and then bagging the ’Producer of the Year’ award at The Headies 2012.
6. D’TUNES: Adesanya Doyinsola’s claim to fame is production for the hit song ‘Kukere’ by Iyanya, released in late 2011. The song peaked in 2012 and immediately became a hit record. D’Tunes worked with Iyanya for a second time and produced another club hit ‘Ur waist’. He also worked with rappers EFA on the controversial ‘E2DFA’, Reminisce on ‘If only’ and KWAM 1’s daughter Honey B.
7. SHIZZI: We might not have paid attention to Wande Coal when he screamed Shizzi’s name back in 2006 on the ‘C.V’ album but 2012 saw him knocking down walls with hit songs like Davido’s ‘Dami Duro,’ ‘Gbon gbon,’ ‘Overseas’, Wizkid’s ‘Body’ and more.
8. LEGENDARY BEATZ: The brothers Uzezi Oniko and Okiemute Oniko, who started hard with hits like Mo’cheddah’s ‘Ko ma roll’ and Brymo’s ‘Ara’ dominated this year with their production on EME’s ‘Baddest Boy.’ They also worked on Reminisce’s ‘2 mussh’ and Illbliss’ ‘Emi ni baller’ feat Tha Suspect and Chidinma.
9. WOLE ONI: The seasoned producer’s work on singer J’odie’s album is enough to put him on the list. Wole Oni’s meticulous touch and musical arrangement on J’odie’s album was exemplary and extraordinary.
10. J SLEEK: Sleeky Sleeky had a fantastic run this year (save for that Don Jazzy snub). Signing and producing for D’banj on ‘Oyato,’ working on the massive ‘Get this party started’ 2face-D’banj-Wizkid-Tiwa Savage-M.I collabo, and of course usual suspect 2face on ‘Ihe neme.’