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.
Sesan Ogunro, born on January 11, 1983, is a renowned Nigerian music video director based in the UK. Known for his work with top Afrobeats artists like D’Banj, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and Davido, he is the CEO of Film Factory Nigeria and Film Factory South Africa.
Sesan was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and later moved to the UK, where he studied 3D Animation and Visual Effects at the University of West London. Inspired by his late father, a prominent Nigerian advertising mogul, Sesan began his career in the UK’s urban underground scene before transitioning to mainstream music video direction. His breakthrough came in 2007 when he directed D’Banj’s “Suddenly,” leading to a long collaboration, including the award-winning “Oliver Twist.”
Sesan’s portfolio includes hits like “The Sound” (Davido), “Soweto Baby” (Wizkid), and “Gringo” (Shatta Wale). He has won several prestigious awards, including Channel O’s Most Gifted Male Video for “Oliver Twist” and MTV Africa’s Best Collaboration Video for “Soweto Baby.”
Sesan runs Film Factory with his sister, Fade Ogunro, and remains a key figure in the global Afrobeats music scene. His work continues to shape the visual identity of the genre.
