So far, 2022 has been a remarkable year for Nigerian music and the Nigerian music scene, with the spotlight mostly being placed on the artists. However it is impossible to talk about the success the industry has enjoyed without talking about the interesting producer and artist partnerships that the industry has birthed. Usually taking the backseat in the music industry, Latest album are responsible for not only crafting the sounds we enjoy, but soundtracking entire generations, and collaborating with our favorite artists to create the songs we love and move our bodies to.

As we continue to give artists their accolades, it is paramount that we do not forget the producers that put in a lot of effort behind the scenes. These producers sit behind their laptops and equipment in their studios, and craft vibrant instrumentals from scratch. Gone are the days when producers—special beings who bring new and different sounds to life—were unsung heroes in the entertainment industry, with most of them becoming celebrities in their own right.

While the importance of variety and working with different producers as an artist must not be downplayed, it is arguably more important for an artist to find a producer who understands them: one they share great chemistry with. When an artist and a producer are on similar wavelengths, there is no limit to the magic they can create when they put their heads together to come up with never before seen ideas and sounds. Many music lovers look forward to specific producer-artist partnerships because there’s usually an assurance that the songs are going to be bangers.

In today’s instalment of CC Ranking, we have curated a list of some of the most notable producer-artist partnerships in the Nigerian music industry—both old school and new school—that have blown minds, dominated charts, and set major achievements.

Over the years, talented music producer, Sarz has become not just one of the best music producers in Nigeria, but has become a popular trendsetter. He has spent years serenading our ears with addictive beats behind the scenes, but he teamed up with Lojay in 2021 to deliver a captivating body of work. Over two years after his amazing collaboration with WurlD on I Love Girls With Trobul, Sarz and Lojay released LV N ATTN that featured the groovy amapiano infused Monalisa which is one of Lojay and Sarz’s biggest songs, and led to a Chris Brown remix. Monalisa was an irrefutable jam and chart-topper at the time of its release, and has remained at a healthy spot on the charts months after its release. Lojay’s smooth melodious voice coupled with Sarz’s infectious beat is the perfect recipe for a smash hit.

Burna Boy and Leriq have been partners back from their early days as Aristokrat Records signees. Leriq was responsible for producing the whole of Burna’s debut album, L.I.F.E, which featured hits like Like To Party, Run my Race, and Yawa Dey. Even though their musical journey hasn’t led Leriq to produce another full album for Burna since L.I.F.E, he was called upon again to produce Burna’s Redemption EP. Leriq is also responsible for the production of some of Burna’s smash hit records like Rockstar, Monsters You Made, Way Too Big, and No Fit Vex.