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.
Buari Olalekan Oluwasegun, born on April 2, 1987, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a renowned music video director, often known as Unlimited L.A.
He is a cousin to prominent music video director DJ Tee and has been active in the industry since 2011, working with artists like Olamide, Timaya, and Reekado Banks.
In 2015, he won Best Director at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and Best Music Video at The Headies, also receiving a nomination at the All Africa Music Awards. His work continued to earn recognition, with multiple nominations at The Headies and the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in 2016.
He won Best Director of the Year at the 2017 City People Entertainment Awards.
Unlimited L.A.’s videography includes popular hits such as Olamide’s “Story for the Gods,” “Wo!!,” and “Science Student,” as well as Timaya’s “Bam Bam” and “Sanko.” His work extends to commercials for brands like Glo, Gala, and Essenza Beauty.
Over the years, Unlimited L.A. has won several accolades, including the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best Music Video of the Year for Di’ja’s “Awww” and the 2017 City People Entertainment Award for Best Music Video Director.
