It is a known fact that some of the biggest hits aren’t originally written by the artist that sang them. This seems strange in Nigeria as fans believe that their music icons have all the wit and grit to write down engaging lyrics.

Take it or leave it, the role of Songwriters cannot be overlooked as they aid artists in the songwriting process.
let’s take a look at some popular Afrobeat songs and the writers behind them.

 

Like That – Teni
One of Davido’s impressive 2017 hit singles, single ‘Like That’ was written by Teni.

 


Aye – Runtown
Runtown wrote Davido’s 2014 smash hit single ‘Aye’.

 


Lonely At the Top – Olamide
Olamide is a recurring songwriter on Asake’s sophomore album ‘Work of Art’ with the legendary hitmaker and label boss co-writing the hit single ‘Lonely at The Top’.

49 – 99 – Olamide
The Afrobeat Queen praised Olamide for writing her hit single ’49 – 99′.

Rush – Mbryo
Mbryo who is one of the leading songwriters in the Nigerian music, he has written hit records for several artists including ‘Rush’ which he co-wrote for Ayra Starr.

 

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’.

If – Tekno
After Davido returned to Nigerian following a bold attempt to break into the American market, he linked up with the sensational Tekno, a producer and songwriter handed Davido his comeback smash hit record ‘If’.

Contour – Kemena
‘Contour’ was written by the gifted songwriter Kemena whom Joeboy featured on his second album ‘Body & Soul’.

 

FIA – Peruzzi
Renowned for his songwriting, Peruzzi has written multiple hit songs for different artists including Davido’s hit single ‘FIA’.


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’.

Gobe – Password
Davido’s 2013 hit record ‘Gobe’ was written by Password who first recorded the song.

 

Fall – Kiddominant
Super producer and artist Kiddominant co-wrote Davido’s 2017 international smash hit ‘Fall’.

Right Now – Harrysong
Harrysong assisted Seyi Shay in writing her 2015 hit single ‘Right Now’ which is one of her biggest hits.

 

Limpopo – Harrysong
In 2013, Harrysong assisted KCee in crafting the continental smash hit ‘Limpopo’.

 

The supremely talented Tay Iwar was instrumental in co-writing some songs on Wizkid’s Grammy-nominated album ‘Made in Lagos’. He also helped pen part of ‘Frames’ off Wizkid’s fifth album ‘More Love, Less Ego’.