Nigeria’s music industry has become a global phenomenon, with Afrobeats taking center stage in the global music conversation.
Valued at $1.8 billion and projected to generate $14.82 billion by 2025, the industry owes much of its success to the collaborative efforts of both artists and visual storytellers/directors.
While Nigerian artists are celebrated for their talent and creativity, the role of videographers in amplifying their success is undeniable.
These directors have played a key role in refining the look and feel of Nigerian music, creating visually compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. By crafting music videos that spin millions of views on platforms like YouTube, they have elevated the profiles of artists and extended the reach of their music far beyond Africa.
Videos like Davido’s Fall, Rema’s Calm Down featuring Selena Gomez, Wizkid’s Essence, and Burna Boy’s Last Last are not just popular tracks but cultural exports with high production value. These works have set new benchmarks for visual storytelling in Nigerian music, helping artists achieve viral success and attract significant international attention. For example, Calm Down boasts over a billion views on YouTube, a milestone made possible by the seamless blend of its audio and visual elements.
Beyond generating millions of views, these music videos have helped Nigerian artists secure brand deals, international collaborations, and global awards. The high production quality of these visuals has reshaped perceptions of Nigerian music, presenting it as polished, innovative, and ready for the global stage.
In this article, we spotlight 15 videographers who have been instrumental in shaping the visual identity of Nigeria’s music industry.
These professionals are not only enhancing the storytelling potential of music videos but are also positioning Nigerian music as a global leader in creativity and quality.
Clarence Abiodun Peters is a renowned Nigerian music video director, filmmaker, and cinematographer, known for his exceptional work in the Nigerian music and film industry. Over the years, he has directed and created some of the most iconic music videos in the country, shaping the visual aesthetics of contemporary Nigerian music.
Videos directed by Clarence Peters:
- “Eminado” by Tiwa Savage feat. Don Jazzy,
- “Alingo” by P-Square
Directed by Peters, “Alingo” is one of the biggest hits from the Nigerian duo, P-Square. - “Pakurumo” by Wizkid
This video helped elevate Wizkid’s status as an international music sensation. With its colorful and engaging shots, it became one of the most loved videos of its time. - “Kedike” by Chidinma
- “Durosoke” by Olamide
Known for its street-smart appeal, this video helped define Olamide’s public persona. The visuals aligned perfectly with the raw energy of the song. - “5 & 6” by Naeto C
- “Skibo” by Solidstar
- “Yes/No” by Banky W
Peters has received numerous accolades for his work, including the prestigious Best Music Video Director award at The Headies and the Nigeria Music Video Awards. He has been recognized for his cinematography and editing skills, which have set new standards for the industry.
He is also the founder and CEO of Capital Hill Records, a prominent Nigerian record label that has worked with artists such as Chidinma, Tha Suspect, and Illbliss.
Through his label, he has helped shape the careers of several Nigerian artists, contributing to the dynamic growth of the music industry.
Clarence Peters continues to be a major force in Nigerian cinema and music video production, shaping the visual direction of music in the country and influencing the larger African music scene.
