By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Nigerian music industry has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, with revenues projected to hit $8.03m by 2027. While top artistes headline global stages, behind every chart-topping hit and sold-out tour stands a cadre of strategic masterminds—artiste managers—who make it all happen from the background.
These are the managers redefining stardom behind the scenes:
Jada Pollock (Wizkid)
When people think of Ayodeji Balogun, aka Wizkid, they envision a global afrobeats superstar collaborating with the likes of Drake and Damian Marley. But behind his meteoric rise is Jada Pollock, famously known as Jada P, the force behind his brand and business.
A music executive and entrepreneur, Pollock began her career in fashion before transitioning into artiste management, where she worked with Chris Brown, Pia Mia, and even football icon, Didier Drogba. She founded Jada Styles and later joined BU Vision, LLC. Her strategic partnership with Wizkid began in her early 20s, shaping his global brand and international deals.
More than a manager, Pollock is also Wizkid’s partner and mother to two of his children. In 2021, Billboard recognised her as ‘Executive of the Week’. Today, with over 300,000 followers on both X and Instagram, she continues to inspire a new generation of women in entertainment.
Muyiwa Awoniyi (Tems)
Before Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, became a Grammy-winning global sensation, Muyiwa Awoniyi saw the spark in her sound. A Nigerian music executive and founder of BSB Management, Awoniyi manages both Tems and Omah Lay. He also runs Faceless Distribution, supporting indie artistes, and formerly hosted The Donawon Pod.
His faith is central to his identity, openly sharing his love for Jesus Christ. Recognised by Billboard and TurnTable’s Top 30 Music Executives, Awoniyi blends faith, business acumen, and mentorship to uplift African music.
Asa Asika (Davido)
Asa Asika’s name is synonymous with hustle. At 16, he began organising concerts at Storm 360, founded by his uncle, Obi Asika. By 2013, he founded StarGaze Management and signed notable acts before launching The Plug in 2016; a brand that now spans music, events, sports, and publishing.
His reunion with Davido in 2017 brought forth some of afrobeats’ biggest moments. Asika won the ‘Artiste Manager of the Year’ award at both the City People Music Awards and The Beatz Awards. He’s also known for his past relationship with DJ Cuppy. With a growing empire and commitment to nurturing young talent, Asika is a mainstay in the industry.
Sunday Are (Wizkid)
Veteran manager, Sunday Are, was a pivotal figure in Wizkid’s early international growth. CEO of List Entertainment, Are’s career spans over three decades, managing legends like Christy Essien-Igbokwe, Majek Fashek, and King Sunny Ade.
As Wizkid’s manager, Are coordinated international tours and secured collaborations that helped position Wizkid globally. The artistehas often referred to him as a father figure. Are’s legacy continues to shape Nigeria’s global music narrative.
Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna (Tiwa Savage)
A PR maven turned artiste manager, Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna, is the strategist behind Tiwa Savage’s global appeal. With a 25-year career, she’s managed public relations for Usher, Naomi Campbell, and Whitney Houston; and helped Estelle break into the scene.
She played a key role in Tiwa’s branding, touring, and recently, executive produced her debut film, ‘Water and Garri’. Amadi-Ogbonna’s influence stretches beyond music, solidifying her as one of the most powerful women in African entertainment.
Sean Okeke (Rema)
From journalism to public relations, Sean “Super Sean” Okeke’s journey to music management was unconventional. After connecting with D’Prince and co-founding Jonzing World in 2018, he helped launch Rema and Ruger to stardom.
Rema’s hit song, ‘Calm Down’, especially its Selena Gomez remix, became a global anthem. Okeke was named among Billboard’s Top Global Talent Managers in 2023. He is also the founder of Super Sean Media, supporting emerging creatives through management, PR, and event production.
Bose Ogulu (Burna Boy)
Known globally as ‘Mama Burna’, Bose Ogulu is both mother and manager to Burna Boy. The daughter of Benson Idonijie, Fela Kuti’s former manager, Ogulu is fluent in five languages and holds advanced degrees in foreign languages and translation.
Her management career began in 2010 but fully took off in 2017. She co-produced Burna’s Grammy-winning ‘Twice As Tall’ and was named Billboard International Power Player in 2021. Ogulu is also the founder of Spaceship Collective, ensuring African artistes retain ownership of their work.
Taiye Aliyu (Yemi Alade)
Taiye Aliyu’s partnership with Yemi Alade turned the singer into an international powerhouse. As co-founder of Effyzzie Music, Aliyu took a risk in focusing the label’s resources solely on Alade. That decision paid off with the release of ‘Johnny’ in 2014.
He guided her through global tours and award wins, including two consecutive MTV Africa Music Awards. Rumours of a romantic relationship persist, but the duo remains tight-lipped, focusing on music.
Alexander Okeke (Olamide)
Known as Ikemefuna 1, Alexander Okeke is the engine behind YBNL’s growth and Olamide’s enduring relevance. He’s also credited with Fireboy DML’s rise, and he spearheaded Asake’s 2024 live concert.
Okeke wears many hats—manager, A&R executive, brand consultant, and CEO of Red and Axla Logistics. As Head of Talent and Business at YBNL, he scouts, strategises, and delivers hits that keep the label at the forefront of afrobeats.
Janet Nwose (Asa)
Janet Nwose’s relationship with Asa is one of music’s most compelling partnerships. It began at a 2004 photo shoot and blossomed into a career-launching bond. Nwose introduced Asa to producer, Cobhams Asuquo, leading to her acclaimed debut album.
Nwose remains deeply involved in Asa’s artistic journey, often seen as her backup singer and creative partner. Despite controversial media reports suggesting otherwise, their relationship remains focused and unshaken, built on trust and artistry.
Ogagus (Chike)
When singer Chike’s soulful vocals first captured hearts on ‘The Voice Nigeria’, few realised that behind his ascent was a manager whose own industry journey was just as compelling.
That man is Ogaga Sakpaide, aka Ogagus, a music executive, A&R talent, and manager whose influence now runs deep through some of afrobeats’ brightest success stories.
In 2024, Ogagus was nominated for A&R of the Year at the Beatz Awards.
Under his guidance, Chike has released hits such as ‘Beautiful People’ and ‘Running (To You)’. Ogagus’s client roster also includes Flavour, Yung6ix, Kizz Daniel, and Yemi Alade.
Ebrus Awarieta (Phyno)
Ebrus Awarieta, known in the music world as Priest, is a music executive, talent manager, and co-founder of Priest Management. He is the engine behind the scenes, driving the next chapter for popular rapper, Phyno.
Currently serving as an A&R and music executive at Penthauze Music, Priest was said to have met Phyno through a mutual friend and the connection sparked a long-standing collaboration.
Over the past decade, he has worked with artistes such as Henry Knight, director Paul Gambit, comedian Ushbebe, and Soft of Dagogo Records.
Beyond music, Priest also has a fashion and lifestyle brand, and in recognition of his work, he was named Executive of the Week by TurnTable Charts.
Anire Nanna (Johnny Drille)
In an industry dominated by trends, algorithms, and hype, Johnny Drille has managed to build a lane that’s soulful, authentic, and profoundly personal. Behind this unique musical journey stands Anire Nanna, his powerhouse manager.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, Anire noted that the most difficult part of managing a popular artiste is balancing their creative vision with commercial expectations.
She also stated that her approach is rooted in collaboration, not control. According to her, she acts as a bridge between Johnny’s deeply introspective sound and the wider industry ecosystem, crafting a delicate balance that has kept his music both critically praised and commercially relevant.