The Nigerian music industry is worth around $ 200 Billion according to unverified sources. Thanks to YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify, Naija Loaded and other music streaming platforms, the Afrobeat genre which originated in Nigeria has gone beyond the African shores unto the global music scene.

It is not uncommon to find Nigerian superstar artistes Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Niniola, Mr Eazi, Yemi Alade, Patoranking and Burna boy collaborate with huge international acts, hit foreign charts and make the playlists of top music curators and DJs in Europe, America and the Caribbean.

Even the signature Zanku and Shaku shaku dance moves have traveled alongside popular Nigerian music almost becoming a global phenomenon.

All of this is made possible because of the millions of fans at home and in diaspora that these artists have gathered on social media over the years. The fans or soldiers quickly spread the brand and message of their beloved musicians. Nigerian being the most populous black nation on earth means you’ll likely find a Nigerian in every country in the world and as the fans travel they take along the music and Naija culture wherever they go.

Note that Nigeria sets the pace when it comes to music, fashion and entertainment in Africa so whatever happens in Nigeria reverberates around the African continent.

The growing influence of Nigerian musicians and their resulting cultural cross pollination has led major Record companies like Sony Music, Universal Records, Warner Bros and Jay Z’s Tidal rush to sign the biggest and the best of Nigerian artistes with the hope of grabbing a pie in the fast emerging African market.

Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see Beyoncé in local Ankara fabric and her hubby Jay Z reference the city of Lagos in his outlandish rap lyrics. Sometimes, these type of people even steal our music without giving us due credit.

But that’s a story for another day.

Today, we look at the 7 most powerful people in the Nigerian music industry.

These crop are not artistes so you most likely won’t see them on your TV screens.
They’re mostly behind the scenes sealing deals, arranging collaborations and granting access to networks that fosters capital flow for the Nigerian music and entertainment industry.

They have huge drive, solid business acumen, and strong work ethic through which they have made monumental impacts for the benefit of most in the entertainment industry in Nigeria. I really want to be like these people when I grow up.

Meet the movers and shakers of the Nigerian music industry.
1. Paul Okoye aka Pauloo


A secret Billionaire, Pauloo as he is fondly called is the CEO of Upfront and Personal a talent and events Management Company in Lagos. He is also the creator of One Africa Music Fest – the biggest Afrobeats festival in the world which holds annual music festivals in huge venues at major cities across the world which brings together the biggest Nigerian and African music stars to their fans.
Pepsi-endorsement-Nigeria

Paul O has held successful music festivals in New York, London, Lagos & Dubai. He has also facilitated endorsement deals between artists and multi corporations like Pepsi, MTN and Interswitch group.
We hear Pauloo was the agent of football legend JJ Okocha after which he crossed into music and events. He is one of the most respected and admired music business personalities in Nigeria.

2. Bizzle Osikoya

From his days of humble beginings as social media manager at Mavin Records, Bizzle today runs one of the most successful