Nigeria’s music industry has evolved into a $2 billion powerhouse, propelled by a wave of chart-topping artists whose influence extends far beyond the country’s borders.
In 2023 alone, Nigerian artists generated millions in royalties from global platforms, with Spotify reporting a 25% year-on-year increase in payouts to local acts.
The sector’s rapid growth is also feeding the broader economy, boosting tourism, fashion, nightlife, and digital exports.
Yet behind every hit single and sold-out tour stands a cadre of strategic power players: the artist managers. These professionals negotiate contracts, shape public images, and craft the global rollouts that turn local tracks into international anthems.
This list highlights some of Nigeria’s most influential artist managers between 2023 and 2025, selected based on their role in shaping the success of some of the country’s biggest chart-topping musicians.
This research draws from publicly available data across multiple music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, Boomplay, and Audiomack, as well as industry reports, interviews, and press coverage.
The selection process considered the following criteria:
- The number of hit songs managed artists have released in the last two to three years, measured by consistent presence on streaming and download charts.
- Sustained relevance over the period under review, rather than short-term spikes in popularity.
- Management consistency, measured by how well the manager has navigated challenges, market shifts, and career growth for their artist.
Note: this is not a ranking but a curated spotlight on the strategists behind Nigeria’s biggest music successes.
Tiwa Savage, Nigeria’s Queen of Afrobeats, is currently managed by Vanessa Amadi-Ogbonna, a British-Nigerian music executive and talent manager with over two decades of experience. Before Vanessa took over, Tiwa was managed by Teebillz and Mekka Million, but those partnerships ended after falling out. Vanessa played a pivotal role in elevating Tiwa’s global presence, leading to her signing with Universal Music Group in 2019 and expanding her reach to over 60 countries.
Vanessa’s influence extends beyond management; she has produced major events like Davido’s sold-out O2 Arena concert in London and secured high-profile collaborations and brand endorsements for Tiwa. In July 2022, Tiwa received an honorary doctorate in music from the University of Kent for her international impact and inspirational career.
- In 2023, Tiwa co-produced and starred in the film Water & Garri, which explores themes of identity and reconciliation. She also performed at King Charles III’s Coronation Concert in May 2023, showcasing Nigerian culture through a custom Lanre da Silva gown.
Most recently, Tiwa featured on Craig David’s single “Commitment” in 2025, which charted on the UK Singles Downloads Chart. Under Vanessa’s leadership, Tiwa Savage continues to solidify her status as a global Afrobeats icon.
