Despite the stigma surrounding the use of songwriters, Nigerian artists have deployed talented writers who help pen some of Afrobeats’ unforgettable hits.
Songwriters play very important roles in the careers of artists by steadily aiding them in the songwriting process. While some songwriters remain in the background and don’t venture into becoming recording artists, some songwriters have enjoyed successful careers as recording artists.
1. Like That – Teni
2. Aye – Runtown
Runtown wrote Davido‘s 2014 smash hit single ‘Aye’. The hitmaker also appeared in the music video and would go on to feature Davido on his hit song ‘Gallardo’.
3. Limpopo – Harrysong
Harrysong is one of the early songwriters in Nigerian music with many hit records to his credit. In 2013, he assisted KCee in crafting the continental smash hit ‘Limpopo’.
4. Lonely At The Top – Olamide
5. Frames – Tay Iwar
The supremely talented Tay Iwar lent his talent in co-writing some songs on Wizkid’s Grammy-nominated album ‘Made In Lagos’. He also helped pen part of ‘Frames’ off Wikzid’s fifth album ‘More Love, Less Ego’.
6. 1 Milli – Adekunle Gold
Multi-talented hitmaker Adekunle Gold helped write the groovy Highlife fusion ‘1 Milli’ off Davido‘s second album ‘A Good Time’.
7. Rush – Mbryo
One of the leading songwriters in Nigerian music, Mbryo has written hit records for several artists including ‘Rush’ which he co-wrote for Ayra Starr.
8. If – Tekno
After Davido returned to Nigerian following a bold attempt to break into the American market, he linked up with the sensational producer and songwriter Tekno who handed him his comeback smash hit record ‘If’.
9. Contour – Kemena
One of Joeboy’s classic deep cuts ‘Contour’ was written by the gifted songwriter Kemena whom he featured on his second album ‘Body & Soul’.
10. 49 – 99 – Olamide
Tiwa Savage has collaborated with Olamide on different occasions. The Afrobeats Queen has also praised Olamide for writing her hit single ’49 – 99′.
11. Gbagbe Oshi – General Pype
Davido‘s 2016 hit song ‘Gbagbe Oshi’ was written by Nigerian Dancehall maestro General Pype whose version has since surfaced online.
12. Gobe – Password
Davido‘s 2013 hit record ‘Gobe’ was written by Password who first recorded the song.
13. Fall – Kiddominant
Super producer and artist Kiddominant co-wrote Davido‘s 2017 international smash hit ‘Fall’.
14. FIA – Peruzzi
Renowned for his songwriting, Peruzzi has written multiple hit songs for different artists including Davido’s hit single ‘FIA’.
15. Right Now – Harrysong
Harrysong assisted Seyi Shay in writing her 2015 hit single ‘Right Now’ which is one of her biggest hits.
16. Hmm – Bobo Ajudua
Lawyer and Talent manager Bobo Ajudua is popular for his work with Davido but not many know he co-wrote Chris Brown & Davido‘s collaboration ‘Hmm’.
