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.
Abdulazeez Greene Oladimeji, popularly known as Abula, is a Nigerian cinematographer, music video director, filmmaker, commercial director, and talent manager. He is the CEO and founder of The Greenade Company and has gained significant recognition for his work in the music and entertainment industries.
Abula has directed music videos and commercials for several prominent Nigerian artists, including Zlatan, Fireboy DML, Portable, Dr Dolor, MohBad, Adekunle Gold, and Taaooma.
His notable production credits include Zlatan’s “My Body,” Dr Dolor’s “I Go Pay,” and MohBad’s “Ponmo Sweet.” Abula’s journey into filmmaking began at a young age, starting with shooting videos on his phone at 13. While studying History and International Relations at Lagos State University, he decided to pursue video directing as a career. His professional career took off in 2016, and by 2017, he co-directed Zlatan’s “My Body.” Abula’s innovative work continued with viral skits and collaborations, further establishing him in the industry.
In addition to his directing accomplishments, Abula has also earned accolades such as a 2020 City People nomination for Music Video Director of the Year and a 2023 Future Awards Africa nomination for the Prize for Film. Abula is also personally connected to Taaooma, his wife, whom he married in 2021.
Note: The personalities featured in this compilation have been carefully selected by a distinguished panel of editors, experts, and analysts at Nairametrics. It is important to note that none of the individuals listed have solicited their inclusion.
While this list aims to be comprehensive, it is by no means exhaustive; numerous other contributors have played significant roles in advancing the Music Industry in Nigeria. This compilation is exclusive to Nairametrics and may be updated periodically to reflect changes and advancements in the field. Feedback will be appreciated.
