When people talk about the global rise of Nigerian music, the conversation usually begins with the stars. But behind many of the songs that have propelled these artists onto the world’s biggest stages are songwriters whose contributions are every bit as important as the voices delivering the records.
Songwriting has become one of the most valuable assets in the modern music industry. A great songwriter doesn’t just write catchy lyrics; they build emotion, shape melodies, define an artist’s identity, and, in many cases, create songs that transcend borders.
In Nigeria, a growing number of writers have become the quiet architects of Afrobeats’ global success. Some are artists in their own right. Others prefer to stay behind the scenes. Together, they have helped create some of the biggest songs of the past decade.
Here are ten Nigerian songwriters whose work deserves just as much recognition as the artists who perform it.
Cobhams Asuquo
Not many Nigerian songwriters have earned the respect Cobhams Asuquo commands. Cobhams is a celebrated producer, composer, and singer who has built his reputation through thoughtful songwriting that prioritizes storytelling over trends. Formerly signed as a songwriter with Sony/ATV UK, he played a pivotal role in Aṣa’s landmark self-titled debut album, co-writing enduring classics such as “Fire on the Mountain” and “Jailer.”
Those records helped introduce African songwriting to a global audience long before Afrobeats became an international phenomenon, proving that emotionally rich, socially conscious music could travel across borders.
Peruzzi
Long before audiences recognized Tobechukwu Victor Okoh, aka Peruzzi, as a solo artist, he had already become one of Nigeria’s most dependable hitmakers. His writing has been instrumental to the success of Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), helping shape the label’s commercial sound. Among his best-known songwriting credits are Davido’s chart-topping hits “Assurance” and “Risky,” songs that became defining moments in the singer’s catalog.
Peruzzi is no doubt one of Afrobeats’ most influential creative voices.
Tay Iwar
The singer and songwriter born Austin Iornongu Iwar Jr. moves effortlessly between alternative music and mainstream Afrobeats. He has quietly contributed to some of the biggest projects in contemporary African music. His credits include “True Love” and “Steady” from Wizkid’s Made in Lagos (Deluxe), as well as “Deep” and “Frames” from More Love, Less Ego.
He also contributed to Burna Boy’s “Alone,” featured on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, further cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most versatile songwriters.
WurlD
Sadiq Onifade, known professionally as WurlD, is a singer and songwriter born in Lagos. His songwriting journey stretches beyond Nigeria.
Before becoming one of the country’s most distinctive alternative artists, he wrote for American acts including B.o.B., refining a style that blends soulful melodies with international appeal.
Back home, his pen helped shape Davido’s crossover records “Blow My Mind,” featuring Chris Brown, and “Sweet in the Middle,” songs that showcased his ability to merge Afrobeats with contemporary R&B influences.
Milar
While many listeners know Ayra Starr’s music, only a few realize that some of her biggest records were crafted alongside her brother, Oluwadamilare Aderibigbe, known by his stage name Milar.
The producer, songwriter, and creative collaborator contributed to songs such as “Bloody Samaritan,” “Fashion Killer,” and “Beggie Beggie.” He has also written for himself. Milar is part of the writers behind his debut single “Sweet Rhythm.”
Ileri BigFish
Abayomi “BigFish” Ilerioluwa has become one of the producers and songwriters helping define contemporary Afrobeats.
Known for shaping modern production styles, Ileri has collaborated with some of Nigeria’s biggest names, including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, CKay, and Adekunle Gold.
He co-wrote Adekunle Gold’s “Ogaranya” and “FYE” featuring Stefflon Don. Ileri also contributed to Ckay’s album Sad Romance (Deluxe), co-writing “Leave Me Alone”, “Lose You”, and “You Cheated, I Cheated too”.
Mbryo
Grammy-nominated songwriter Maxwell Omoferi, professionally called Mbryo, has quietly assembled one of the most impressive catalogs in Nigerian music. Signed to Mavin Records, he has contributed to records including Crayon’s “Ijo Laba Laba” and Ayra Starr’s “Rush.”
Mbryo also co-wrote Tiwa Savage’s “Stamina” featuring Young Jonn and Ayra Starr, as well as Davido’s “Godfather” and “For The Road.”
Tems
Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, has become one of Africa’s most celebrated artists, but her songwriting success extends far beyond her own catalog.
She is one of the writers behind Rihanna’s Academy Award-nominated “Lift Me Up,” created for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, introducing her songwriting to a wide global audience.
Simi
Simisola Kosoko, aka Simi,’s gift for songwriting has always matched her extraordinary voice. Across her own discography, she has consistently demonstrated an ability to write deeply personal songs that connect with listeners through honesty and warmth.
Behind the scenes, she has also contributed to songs by fellow artists, including her husband Adekunle Gold’s “Mercy” and Chike’s heartfelt duet “Running (To You).”
Andre Vibez
Alexander Uwaifo, professionally known as Andre Vibez, is one of Mavin Records’ most influential producers and songwriters, contributing to Rema’s global phenomenon “Calm Down,” one of the most successful African songs ever released.
He also contributed to LADIPOE’s “Feeling” featuring BNXN, Omah Lay’s “Ye Ye Ye,” Magixx’s “Loyal,” and Mr. Eazi’s “Chop Time, No Friend.”
These songwriters may not always stand in the spotlight, but their fingerprints are all over the soundtrack of modern African music.
