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.
Moe Musa, born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in the UK, is a renowned music video director and filmmaker. He attended Carshalton Boys High School, Carshalton College, and the University of West London, where he earned a BSc in Media Technology in 2009.
Musa began his career as a freelance filmmaker and made his directorial debut in 2009. In 2012, he founded Mr Moe Musa Productions and gained international recognition with his music video for Fuse ODG’s “Antenna” featuring Wyclef Jean.
- His work includes iconic music videos for artists like Wizkid (“Azonto”), Davido (“Skelewu”), and Tiwa Savage (“Wanted”).
- Musa’s distinctive style earned him nominations and awards, including Best Music Video Director at The Headies (2013) and City People Entertainment Awards (2013).
Some notable projects in his videography include Wizkid’s “On Top of Your Matter,” Davido’s “Holiday,” and Olamide’s “Turn Up.” He also directed several hit songs like “Bobo” by Diamond Platnumz and “Waka” by Diamond Platnumz featuring Rick Ross.
