Afrobeats is powered by more than just the stars on stage; the brilliant women behind the scenes also shape it.
From producers and songwriters to executives and managers, women across West Africa are redefining the sound and spirit of Afrobeats with bold creativity and quiet force. As Marie Claire notes, their influence continues to shine brightly across the industry.
Our latest series celebrates the powerhouse women driving African music forward, visionaries behind the sound who shape culture and make history with every beat.
Producers & Songwriters Spotlight
Tems (Temilade Openiyi)
A genre-defining voice and creative powerhouse, Tems isn’t just a singer-songwriter; she’s a visionary reshaping global soundscapes from Lagos to Los Angeles and the rest of the world. With a signature blend of raw emotion and sonic minimalism, she has carved a space for herself as one of Afrobeats’ most compelling forces.
From producing her debut single “Mr. Rebel” to co-producing the breakout anthem “Try Me”, Tems has consistently taken creative control of her artistry. Her acclaimed debut EP, For Broken Ears, not only spotlighted her vocal depth but also her production prowess, setting the stage for a meteoric rise that shows no signs of slowing.
Tems co-wrote “Lift Me Up” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack — a deeply personal tribute nominated for both Academy and Golden Globe Awards. She has worked with some of the world’s biggest artists — Drake, Rihanna, Wizkid, and Future yet maintains an authenticity that’s unmistakably her own.
Tems continues to redefine global music and culture, becoming the first African-born woman to own a Major League Soccer team in 2025—a groundbreaking business move that solidified her legacy beyond sound. With 60 awards and counting, she holds the historic title of being the first African artist to win two Billboard Impact Awards.
Her Grammy wins for “Love Me JeJe” and Future’s “Wait for U” (featuring Drake), alongside nominations for co-writing “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, showcase her songwriting brilliance. From chart-topping hits like “Essence,” “Fountains,” and “Love Me JeJe,” to No. 1 on the Billboard Emerging Artists Chart and UK Afrobeats Chart, Tems has carved a sonic identity that’s both intimate and expansive. Collaborating with giants like Rihanna, Wizkid, and Drake while earning honors from BET, NAACP, Soul Train, Billboard Women in Music, and Future Awards Africa, she remains a cultural force—unapologetically authentic and globally revered
Bloody Civilian (Emoseh Khamofu)
Unflinchingly bold and fearlessly experimental, Bloody Civilian is one of the freshest, most arresting voices rising from Nigeria’s new wave. A self-taught producer, songwriter, and creative auteur, she’s pushing sonic boundaries with every release, blending vulnerability, rage, and artistic rebellion into her sound.
She introduced herself to the world with the self-produced 2022 debut “How To Kill A Man” a genre-defying anthem that showcased her raw honesty and control behind the boards. Her debut EP Anger Management saw her produce every single track, further solidifying her as a rare kind of artist: one who crafts her sound from the ground up.
From co-writing and co-producing “Wake Up” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack alongside UK artist RAYE, to contributing to the Grammy-winning Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired by the Film—with credits shared alongside Wizkid, she has consistently proven her global impact through sound.
With her self-produced Anger Management EP, a six-track exploration of emotion and identity, and a fiery collaboration with ODUMODUBLVCK on “Blood on the Dance Floor,” her artistry continues to shape conversations at the intersection of culture and music. Recognized with a Grammy Award, official certificate of contribution, and chart success including #1 on TurnTable NXT Emerging Top Artistes and #16 on the Artist Top 100, her presence in the industry is not just rising—it’s undeniable.
Saszy Afroshii (Priscilla Saszy Duru)
Trailblazing, bold, and intuitively gifted, Saszy Afroshii is a name redefining the soundboard of contemporary Afrobeats. As the first female producer signed to Aristokrat Records, her journey is nothing short of historic, and her sound speaks for itself: rich, emotional, and effortlessly genre-fluid.
Saszy brings an experimental flair to her production, drawing from emotion, not formulas. Her ability to intuitively sculpt beats and melodies has made her one of the most promising producers on the continent, shaping hits for both new-school icons and industry heavyweights.
Saszy Afroshii is carving her name into the soundscape of African music with a production style that’s richly layered, emotionally driven, and defiantly original. From co-producing Fave’s sultry anthem “Mr Man” to crafting the haunting atmosphere of Qing Madi’s breakout “Sins For U” and helming the heartfelt vulnerability of Taves’ “Apology,” Saszy’s fingerprints are all over some of Afrobeats’ most evocative records.
Her portfolio boasts collaborations with industry heavyweights like Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Kizz Daniel, Runtown, and FAVE, reflecting a mixing approach that’s rooted in feeling, not formulas. In 2023, she was named Smirnoff Female Producer of the Year at the Beatz Awards—an acknowledgment of her brilliance and boundary-breaking role for women behind the console.
Saszy isn’t just making music; she’s curating emotional experiences and leading a sonic revolution that continues to inspire the next generation of female producers across the continent.
Dunnie (Oladunni Lawal)
A force of sound, soul, and self-expression — Dunnie is not just shaping Afrobeats from behind the console; she’s rewriting the narrative for women in African music production. A self-taught producer and proud alumna of the Sarz Academy, her work seamlessly blends Afrobeats with trap, R&B, and soul, creating a sonic signature that’s undeniably hers.
Known for writing much of her material, Dunnie is a multi-hyphenate creative with a voice as rich as her beats.
Dunnie is one of Africa’s most dynamic producer-songwriters, blending rich tradition with global influences to craft sounds that are both timeless and contemporary. Her breakout moment came with Oxlade’s “Overdose (Remix),” a sultry, rhythm-driven hit that showcased her signature fusion of emotion and groove. She went on to produce Wande Coal’s “Nobody Holy” and “Dues,” where bold percussion met melodic finesse, proving her ability to breathe new energy into legendary voices.
With credits spanning a diverse roster—from Falz, Yemi Alade, and LAX to Cassper Nyovest, Focalistic, and Fiokee—Dunnie’s production continues to push boundaries across Afrobeats and beyond.
Named to YouTube’s Fifty Deep Class of 2024 and profiled by Global Citizen as one of the most influential women in Nigerian music, she’s also a proud mentor through Audio Girl Africa, championing young female creatives in the industry. Drawing inspiration from icons like Fela Kuti, Taylor Swift, and Duncan Mighty, Dunnie’s sound is a conversation between heritage and innovation, anchored in purpose and crafted with heart.
Kleros (Inioluwa Atere)
With a flair for genre-bending and rhythm-sculpting, Kleros is one of the most exciting emerging producers from Nigeria’s new wave. Known for her seamless fusion of Afrobeats, house, and electronic influences, Kleros brings a futuristic touch to African soundscapes, threading emotion, groove, and intention into every beat.
Whether spinning behind the decks or sculpting sounds in the studio, she’s proof that versatility isn’t just a skill — it’s a sound.
Kleros is a boundary-pushing producer and genre-defying DJ at the forefront of Africa’s next sonic revolution. From her standout contributions to the Montego Riddim compilation—where she brought cohesion and bounce to a collaborative Afropop journey—to her co-production on Killervybez’s “Reasons”, which challenged rhythmic conventions with bold, melodic precision, Kleros is steadily carving her lane.
Her work on “Be There” by Oremade & Musta4a seamlessly blends Afrocentric grooves with subtle house textures, offering listeners an immersive cross-genre experience. Whether curating the pulse of Lagos club nights or exploring experimental electronic spaces, Kleros moves with intention—her productions are soulful, percussive, and deeply textured. With a fast-growing list of credits, she represents the new wave of African creatives unafraid to blend mood, culture, and innovation into sound.
Sensei Lo (Cleopatra Amartey)
Blending the pulse of African rhythms with the pulse of global electronic music, Sensei Lo stands at the vanguard of a sonic movement. Born Cleopatra Amartey to Ghanaian parents in Lagos, her identity, rooted in three cultures, breathes through her music: bold, borderless, and unmistakably Afrocentric.
With over seven years in the game, Sensei Lo has carved a lane of her own in the Afro-electronic scene, bringing high energy and experimental soul to every stage she graces.
Sensei Lo is a fearless sonic architect redefining Africa’s dance floors with her bold fusion of Afro-electronic, house, and techno. Known for her immersive, percussion-heavy productions like “Afro Tech” and “Ibadan Malimbe”, she seamlessly blends ancestral African rhythms with deep, futuristic electronic beats. Her remix of Chike’s “Insecure” on the Dance of the Booless project transformed an Afropop ballad into a vibrant, club-ready anthem — a testament to her genre-bending creativity.
From her early days as a resident DJ at Blak Lounge in Lagos to commanding sets at Glastonbury Festival’s virtual stage, Budweiser’s BUDX Lagos, ART X Live, Gidi Fest, Chale Wote Festival, and more, Sensei Lo has earned her place as one of the continent’s most exciting live performers. As a core member of The Village Sound System and resident DJ at Bounce Radio Live, she continues to champion Afro-electronic music, pushing its boundaries with authenticity and radical experimentation. Her mission is clear: to shape global dance culture while staying rooted in the pulse of Africa.
Yimeeka (Olayinka Owoseni )
With a voice as ethereal as it is commanding, Yimeeka is emerging as one of the most compelling voices in Nigeria’s evolving Afro-house scene. A singer, songwriter, and producer, she crafts deeply emotional, genre-blending records that blur the lines between Afrobeats, house, R&B, and amapiano — all while staying rooted in a strong sense of self-expression.
Born Olayinka Owoseni, her musical journey began at just 12 years old in her local church choir, planting the seeds of what would later become a career defined by both vocal power and production finesse. Her breakout project, the 2022 “Alter Ego” EP, was self-produced and intimate — a bedroom project that wove together Afro-R&B, soul, and Afropop to tell stories of love, identity, and emotional release. Collaborators included Pheelz, D1wav, and Joyce Olong, all of whom helped elevate the project’s raw, personal edge.
Pheelz, in particular, remains a central figure in Yimeeka’s journey, not just a collaborator, but a confidant and creative mirror, deeply influencing her sound and process.
Yimeeka is steadily carving a luminous path in Nigeria’s genre-bending music scene, where Afro-house, alternative soul, and vivid storytelling converge. Her artistic evolution reached new heights with the 2023 release of “Issues/Tsunami”, a two-track single that marked her full embrace of Afro-house. This creative leap set the stage for her self-titled six-track EP in April 2024 — a bold and graceful declaration of sonic identity.
Seven months later, she followed up with INÓ, a collaborative EP with BLACK CULTURE, further diving into the emotional terrain of heartbreak, desire, and healing — all wrapped in lush, danceable textures. Balancing introspection with rhythm and elegance with energy, Yimeeka invites listeners into a deeply personal yet universally resonant soundscape.
With each release, she continues to affirm her place as one of the genre’s most emotionally attuned voices — not just contributing to the Afro-house movement, but actively shaping its future.
Talent Managers Spotlight
Mariam Abass
With a career that bridges engineering, fashion, and entertainment, Mariam Abass is one of the most dynamic figures reshaping the music industry in Africa. As the founder of Malc Agency and the current manager of Afrobeats star Joeboy, she brings both vision and strategy to the forefront of talent management, with a keen focus on representation, brand growth, and women-led leadership.
Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Mariam Aduke Abass began her professional life far from the spotlight. A trained civil engineer with a master’s in oil and gas pipeline engineering, she was based in the UK, working in the energy sector — until the oil crash changed everything.
Drawn to creativity and people-centered work, Mariam pivoted to fashion styling, discovering her talent for curating looks and building narratives around public figures. She became a top-rated seller on DEPOP, specializing in retro sunglasses, and launched Luxe Reloaded, her first talent-focused business.
Mariam Abass stands at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and purpose — a visionary talent manager and entrepreneur redefining the landscape of African entertainment. Beginning her journey as a stylist for global stars like Mr Eazi and Davido between 2017 and 2018, she brought brand clarity and cultural precision to music videos such as “Let Me Live” by Major Lazer and “Risky” featuring Popcaan. That stylist’s eye evolved into a manager’s mind, laying the foundation for Malc Agency — her brainchild and now a force in talent management and brand marketing.
Under her leadership, Malc Agency has brokered impactful partnerships with brands like Meta, Spotify, Mugler, and Cilla Purple, while guiding artists like Joeboy to global recognition. Beyond talent representation, Mariam is deeply committed to women’s empowerment, building all-women teams, and championing Black and ethnic minority creatives across the UK, U.S., and Africa.
In 2023, her growing influence earned her induction into the Recording Academy’s Class of 2023. Today, she continues to chart a bold path forward — expanding Malc Agency and developing her sustainable luxury brand — proving that with purpose, precision, and passion, African women can lead, build, and transform the culture.
Bose “Mama Burna” Ogulu
At the intersection of legacy, leadership, and love stands Bose Ogulu, manager to Grammy-winning global star Burna Boy, his sister Nissi, and a matriarch redefining what it means to lead in the African music industry. Known affectionately as Mama Burna, she brings both heritage and strategy to the business of music, embodying the rare balance of family and executive focus.
The daughter of renowned music critic and Fela Kuti’s first manager, Benson Idonije, Bose Ogulu grew up steeped in Nigeria’s cultural and musical evolution. That foundation shaped her intuitive grasp of the artist-manager relationship, centered on trust, transparency, and vision.
Armed with a Bachelor’s in Foreign Languages and a Master’s in Translation, she initially built a career in academia, teaching at the University of Education in Port Harcourt. But when her son, Damini Ogulu—better known as Burna Boy—chose music over the classroom in 2010, it marked a turning point. He asked his mother to guide his path. She said yes, and never looked back.
From the underground rise of Burna Boy’s early mixtapes to his 2012 record deal with Aristokrat Records, Ogulu was instrumental every step of the way. Her business acumen, combined with a personal investment in her son’s vision, created a powerful blueprint for sustainable global success.
Under her leadership, Burna Boy’s career has soared: sold-out arenas, headline festival slots, collaborations with global stars, and a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021. But her role extends far beyond logistics—she has become an architect of artistic identity, safeguarding Burna’s creative freedom while anchoring him in professionalism.
“If you have a manager that you trust,” she says, “you can focus on your music.”
Balancing the dual roles of mother and manager, Ogulu’s leadership extends to her daughter Nissi, a genre-bending artist and creative force. Beyond her children, she has built Spaceship Collective, a multi-pronged entertainment and publishing company supporting a new generation of African talent.
Her ethos is rooted in nurturing creativity while protecting legacy, ensuring artists under her care are empowered to own their narratives and their businesses.
In 2023, Ogulu was honored with the “History Maker” Award by the Best of Africa Awards, a recognition of her impact on the global music landscape. Her acceptance speeches have become moments of cultural pride, centering African excellence and calling for deeper investment in the continent’s creatives.
Her influence, however, goes beyond the accolades. Whether she’s standing beside her son on international stages, accepting awards with power and poise, or speaking about the importance of African ownership in music, Bose Ogulu is steadily building a legacy that bridges generations.
Elizabeth Sobowale
At the heart of Nigeria’s evolving music business stands Elizabeth Sobowale—a name that may not light up marquees, but whose influence reverberates through the success of some of Afropop’s brightest stars. From Adekunle Gold to DJ Cuppy and beyond, she has built a reputation as one of the most trusted and intentional talent managers of her generation.
Born and raised in Sagamu, Ogun State, Elizabeth’s story begins in a large, vibrant family that placed a high value on education, discipline, and determination. Her earliest influences came not just from home but also from the Head Teacher at Solomon Iluyomade Academy, a former military man whose structure and guidance left a lasting impression. These early lessons—about leadership, consistency, and vision would become the foundation for her life’s work.
She entered the world of talent management at just 21 years old, transitioning straight from university classrooms into boardrooms, artist camps, and world tours. From the beginning, she was driven by a simple but powerful ambition: to build legacies, not just careers.
Over the past nine years, Elizabeth has quietly shaped the trajectories of some of Nigeria’s most recognizable names. As Talent Manager to Adekunle Gold, she has played a pivotal role in crafting the sound, style, and global appeal of the artist known today as AG Baby. Her understanding of branding and artist development, honed during her time managing DJ Cuppy, sets her apart as a rare breed of manager who bridges strategy with soul.
What defines Elizabeth’s management style is her deep investment in people. Her approach blends clear-sighted business acumen with a nurturing presence that artists find both empowering and grounding.
In 2022, she was appointed Program Director at the Music Business Academy for Africa, where she now channels her industry knowledge into training the next wave of managers, executives, and music professionals. Here, her passion for mentorship and knowledge-sharing shines just as brightly as her behind-the-scenes work in entertainment.
Through this role, Elizabeth not only breaks down industry myths but she builds up human capacity, offering young creatives across Africa the tools to navigate and thrive in a complex ecosystem.
Vanessa Amadi-Ogbonna
With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, Vanessa Amadi-Ogbonna is a name synonymous with excellence, strategy, and global influence. A British-Nigerian powerhouse, she has carved a space for herself at the intersection of music, media, and international branding, shaping the rise of Afrobeats on a global scale.
Vanessa began her journey in the world of public relations, founding VA-PR, a London-based firm that has represented a constellation of stars, including Whitney Houston, Usher, and Estelle. Her early success in PR laid the foundation for a career rooted in powerful storytelling, industry relationships, and cross-continental strategy.
What began as a publicity gig with Tiwa Savage evolved into one of Afrobeats’ most defining management partnerships. Vanessa transitioned into full-time management, guiding Tiwa through a career-defining evolution—from African starlet to international music icon. Under her leadership, Tiwa signed a global deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) in 2019, expanding her reach to over 60 countries and unlocking a wave of brand endorsements, high-profile collaborations, and global performances.
Vanessa’s work is a masterclass in global artist development. Her ability to bridge African music with international platforms has not only shaped the success of her clients but has also helped push Afrobeats into mainstream consciousness.
Her talents extend far beyond management. In 2019, Vanessa co-produced Davido’s sold-out O2 Arena concert in London—a milestone event in Afrobeats history. Most recently, she stepped into film as an Executive Producer on Tiwa Savage’s cinematic project, Water and Garri, showcasing her multidimensional vision for African storytelling.
In an industry often driven by male leadership, Vanessa Amadi-Ogbonna stands as a trailblazer, reshaping narratives and opening doors for the next generation of African talent. She embodies the blueprint for excellence: a strategist, mentor, mother, and mogul whose legacy is defined not just by the names she’s worked with, but by the bridges she’s built between Africa and the world.
Her work is not just about managing careers—it’s about moving culture, elevating stories, and ensuring that the African voice is heard, respected, and celebrated on the global stage.
Isioma Nwuaruoch
At the pulse of Afrobeats’ viral moments and chart-topping records is Isioma Nwuaruoch—a powerhouse executive whose work in promotions and A&R continues to shape the modern sound of Nigerian pop music. As the Head of Promotions at Chocolate City Music, Isioma is one of the key architects behind some of Afrobeats’ most far-reaching hits.
From curating rollout strategies to driving streaming numbers and TikTok traction, Isioma’s keen understanding of music trends and audience behavior has propelled hits from studio to stardom. She played a pivotal role in amplifying global smashes like Ckay’s “Love Nwantiti” and “Emiliana”—songs that not only broke streaming records but cemented Afrobeats as a dominant genre worldwide.
Her work goes beyond campaign coordination. Isioma builds bridges between music, culture, and platform trends, ensuring the right sound meets the right moment, every time.
Beyond her promotional role, Isioma is also an A&R force, managing superstar producer-turned-artist Young Jonn, whose evolution from beatmaker to solo hitmaker has been both strategic and seamless under her guidance. Her dual role allows her to not only champion songs but to nurture the talents behind them, ushering in a new wave of Afrobeats creatives.
As the Afrobeats movement continues to surge globally, executives like Isioma Nwuaruoch are vital in shaping the sound, structure, and strategy behind its rise. Her work at Chocolate City spans multiple artist campaigns, from up-and-coming voices to industry mainstays—each carefully positioned for impact across radio, streaming, and digital platforms.
Morin Oluwatobi
A dynamic force in the Nigerian music business, Morin Oluwatobi is the talent manager steering the career of genre-defying rapper Blaqbonez under the powerhouse label, Chocolate City Music. With a sharp eye for branding, strategy, and artist development, Morin stands at the forefront of a new era of hip-hop in Nigeria, bold, unfiltered, and unapologetically original.
A graduate of Computer Science from Yaba College of Technology, Morin transitioned into the music industry with a rare blend of technical precision and creative intuition. Her ability to bridge data-driven insights with artistic storytelling has helped position Blaqbonez as one of the most distinct and forward-thinking voices in African rap today.
Beyond artist management, Morin is deeply passionate about amplifying female voices in entertainment. She took center stage as a speaker at HER Sound Festival in Ghana (2023), a platform celebrating women across Africa’s music ecosystem. Her voice, both in boardrooms and on panels, is one advocating for representation, equity, and the power of women behind the scenes.
Whether she’s crafting a rollout, securing brand partnerships, or mentoring future leaders through industry masterclasses, Morin Oluwatobi is not just managing artists—she’s shaping the narrative of what modern African talent management looks like. Her work is a masterclass in strategy, care, and fearless innovation.
Industry Executives Spotlight
Grace Ladoja (Nigeria/UK)
A visionary at the intersection of music, fashion, and art, Grace Ladoja is a Nigerian-British cultural powerhouse reshaping the global perception of African creativity. As the founder of the Lagos-based Homecoming Festival and creative agency Metallic Inc., Grace has spent years building bridges between Africa and its diaspora, empowering youth, amplifying culture, and redefining cool on a global stage.
Grace first made waves managing British-Nigerian rapper Skepta, helping catapult grime into global consciousness. Her work with him not only shifted the music landscape but also earned her a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2018 for her contributions to the UK music industry. Her influence extends far beyond music—she’s also a filmmaker, brand consultant, and cultural strategist working with leading institutions around the world.
Though raised in London, Grace’s first trip to Nigeria over a decade ago sparked a personal and professional transformation. Seeing herself as a bridge between both worlds, she created Homecoming as a way to invest in roots, celebrate identity, and reclaim narratives. Her work continues to uplift African voices, push boundaries, and shape a future where culture leads the conversation.
Faiza Hersi (Kenya)
A powerhouse reshaping the East African music landscape, Faiza Hersi is setting a new precedent for artist development, strategic management, and cultural innovation. From founding Nairobi R&B to building the all-women-led creative agency Soul Headquarters, Hersi is making it clear—East Africa has a global seat at the table, and she’s helping pull out the chair.
Based in Nairobi, Hersi first caught attention through her genre-defining event series, Nairobi R&B—a platform that pushed alternative soul and R&B to the forefront in a scene heavily dominated by hip-hop, Afrobeats, and gengetone. What began as a passion project in 2019 turned into a cultural shift, hosting boundary-pushing talents from across the continent and beyond, including Xenia Manasseh, Sasha Keable, Tay Iwar, and Lady Donli.
That pivotal night, when Masego graced the Nairobi R&B stage, may have been her breakthrough, but it was the co-sign from Sauti Sol backstage—“Look at what you’ve built”—that cemented her calling. Kenyan R&B had a future, and Faiza was ready to help shape it.
When the pandemic put live events on pause, Hersi pivoted, launching Soul Headquarters in 2021 with longtime collaborator Emily Awino. What started as an artist management agency quickly expanded into a fully-fledged creative house offering PR, distribution, and label services.
Artists like Karun, a Berklee College of Music alum and former Camp Mulla star, found structure and strategy through Soul HQ. Together, they charted a course toward artistic independence, with Karun now running her team—proof of the agency’s vision: to develop artists who can eventually stand on their own.
Today, Soul HQ manages the careers of Xenia Manasseh, AYLØ, and 19-year-old rising star Altair Saïd, shaping each narrative with intention, identity, and global alignment.
Though her roots are deeply East African, Hersi’s vision is distinctly Pan-African. Having worked with artists like Xowié from South Africa, she’s been instrumental in building cross-regional bridges through her events and artist collaborations. Her Nairobi R&B series has become a pan-African touchpoint—blending live music, storytelling, and artist development into one sonic ecosystem.
As a Black woman and music executive, Faiza Hersi has had to navigate the gendered power dynamics and systemic challenges that persist within the industry. Beyond those personal hurdles, she also points to the structural issues in East Africa’s music scene, particularly the lack of cohesion, strategic planning, and collaboration, which stand in stark contrast to the more unified and calculated approach seen in West Africa.
Faiza Hersi’s vision goes beyond artist management; she’s focused on creating long-term structures that empower the African music industry. Through Soul Headquarters, she is laying the groundwork for African-led, women-run creative agencies, aiming to build a more unified and sustainable music ecosystem across the continent. Her work is shaping a legacy of infrastructure, independence, and intentional growth.
As Afrobeats continues to expand its reach across borders and playlists, it’s important to remember the brilliance fueling the movement from within. These women aren’t just behind the scenes; they are the heartbeat behind the hits. They shape soundscapes, challenge norms, and hold the sonic pen that writes the future. Their stories, beats, and boldness are redefining what it means to lead, to create, and to be heard. In every chord, every chorus, and every console session, they are building history, one masterpiece at a time.
We at Music Custodian remain committed to documenting and celebrating the women shaping the rhythm of African music—today, tomorrow, and always.
