Nigeria’s music scene is a powerful force, touching our hearts and transporting us to different times and places. Music stirs emotions we never knew we had, connecting us to something greater. It’s no wonder that Nigeria, a country known for its vibrant music culture, has produced some of the world’s finest music video directors.
These creative maestros have the remarkable ability to bring music to life on screen, leaving us in awe. Nigerian music has been making waves worldwide for years, led by iconic artists like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage. Behind these music legends are exceptional music video directors.
These directors don’t just turn songs into visual masterpieces; they also capture the music’s emotion, energy, and essence in a way that’s both captivating and emotionally charged. Nigerian music video directors have truly mastered the art of conveying the essence of music through visually stunning and emotionally charged videos.
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Who Are The Top Leading Nigerian Music Video Directors?
Nigeria’s top music video directors, such as Clarence Peters, TG Omori, and Meji Alabi, have left a lasting mark on the industry through their creative work. Collaborating with famous artists like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage, they’ve forged cultural phenomena and pushed the boundaries of their craft.
Their artistry spans from breathtaking cinematography to innovative direction, producing pieces that resonate across generations. It’s no secret that Nigeria boasts remarkable music video filmmakers who’ve significantly contributed to the thriving music scene. Gone are the days of relying on international producers; these directors have revolutionized the industry.
Nowadays, music TV channels frequently feature their videos, bringing joy to music enthusiasts, even though the lion’s share of credit often goes to the artists. These videos have become cultural sensations, and their impact on the music world is immeasurable. Music video directors wear many hats.
They assist musicians in creating visually compelling representations of their songs to boost record sales. Skilled directors in this field are handsomely rewarded for their ability to craft videos that set artists apart in the competitive music industry. Our list of the top leading Nigerian music video directors include:
1. TG OMORI
At the top of the list is Boy Director, also known as ThankGod Omori Jesam, hailing from Cross River State but raised in a middle-class household in Agungi, Lagos State. His journey into the world of directing began at the age of 15 when he started directing plays at his church and high school.
However, it wasn’t until he turned 18 and completed his education at the PEFTI Film Institute that he ventured into professional video production, making him one of Nigeria’s youngest filmmakers. He gained widespread recognition in 2019 as the creative force behind numerous renowned music videos.
ThankGod Omori Jesam, who is alternatively referred to as TG Omori or Boy Director, is a prolific director and cinematographer based in Nigeria. He has lent his expertise to a multitude of music videos in Nigeria, and his talent has propelled him to become the most sought-after director in the country. His career primarily revolves around music videos that rival the songs themselves in terms of skill and artistry.
Some of his notable works include Asake’s “Peace be Unto You Video,” Rema’s “Are You There?” Ololade Asake’s “Sungba” video, Fireboy DML’s “Playboy” video, Kizz Daniel’s “BUGA” videos, along with several others like “Soapy” and “Am I A Yahoo Boy” by Naira Marley, “Totori” by Olamide featuring Wizkid, “Billionaire” by Teni, and “Nobody” by DJ Neptune featuring Mr. Eazi and Joeboy.
2. H2G FILMWORKS
Olaolu Akorede Olabode Folarin, who goes by the alias HG2 Filmworks, is a multi-talented individual with Nigerian-American heritage. He wears many hats as a director of commercial films, a creator of music videos, a graphic designer, a business owner, and a cinematographer.
HG2 Filmworks has an impressive portfolio of music video direction, collaborating with renowned musicians such as D’banj, Kiss Daniel, Dammy Krane, Reminisce, 9ice, and Skales. His music videos have garnered nominations for prestigious awards, including recognition at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival and the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
3. ADASA COOKEY
Adasa Rawlinson Cookeygam, recognized by his stage name Adasa Cookey, is a versatile Nigerian professional, excelling as a music video director, cinematographer, commercial director, colorist, and filmmaker. Serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Squareball Media Productions Limited, he fulfills both directorial and executive roles.
In 2010, Adasa Cookey followed his passion for video editing and directing, leaving behind his career as a customer service representative. His extensive portfolio includes music videos for esteemed artists such as Simi, Adekunle Gold, D’Prince, Don Jazzy, Burna Boy, Davido, and Burna Boy, among others.
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4. SESAN
Renowned Nigerian music video director Sesan Ogunro, is widely recognized by his stage name, Sesan. He currently resides in the United Kingdom. Some of the prominent Afrobeats artists he has worked with on music videos include Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and D’Banj.
He holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at Film Factory South Africa, a Johannesburg-based company specializing in video production, and at Film Factory Nigeria, a Lagos-based enterprise. Sesan’s foray into Afrobeat music video direction began with D’Banj, marking the start of a successful and award-winning collaboration. This journey culminated in the release of the “Oliver Twist” music video on YouTube in 2012.
This video achieved significant recognition, earning nominations for the Most Gifted Video of the Year at the Channel O Music Video Awards in 2012 and the World Music Award for Best Video of the Year. Sesan stands as one of Nigeria’s most esteemed directors and continues to collaborate with artists from diverse musical genres, including the Grammy-nominated duo Riton and Kah-Lo.
5. THE ALIEN
While this video director is relatively fresh on the scene, his work has already garnered significant attention. Hailing from Nigeria, he’s a video filmmaker who shows great promise and has the potential to become a prominent figure in the industry. In 2022, he joined forces with Kizz Daniel for the “Oshe” video and also collaborated with BNXN (Buju) on the “Kilometre” remix video alongside Zinoleesky.
6. MATT MAX
Matt Max, whose real name is Mathew Abiodun Aina, is renowned as one of Nigeria’s leading video directors. He has notably contributed to recent projects by Olamide, including the music videos for songs like “Voice Of The Street” and “Don’t Tell Me Nonsense.”
7. UNLIMITED LA
Nigerian music video director Buari Olalekan Oluwasegun, commonly recognized as Unlimited L. A, has collaborated with notable artists such as Olamide, Phyno, and Timaya across various musical genres. His discerning approach to selecting projects reflects his exceptional expertise, as he only accepts tasks that meet his high standards. It is reported that his commitment to delivering top-quality work comes at a cost of over N30 million.
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8. DAMMY TWITCH
Apampa Owolabi Oluwadamilola, widely known by his stage name Dammy Twitch, is a renowned video producer hailing from Nigeria. His expertise spans the entire video production process, from pre-production to promotion. He has gained significant recognition for his exceptional work in creating music videos, including the iconic “Zanku” video for Zlatan Ibile.
Initially starting as a photo editor, Dammy Twitch has successfully transitioned into a full-fledged career in video production, and since his debut in 2017, his creative prowess has set him apart in the industry. His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with prominent musicians like Davido, Burna Boy, and Peruzzi, showcasing his remarkable success.
As a member of the 30BG gang, he is the go-to director for many of Davido’s music videos. In 2022, Dammy Twitch continued to add to his impressive body of work by directing music videos such as Davido’s “Stand Strong” with The Samples and Naira Marley’s “Montego Bay video.” His achievements have earned him a spot on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
9. MOE MUSA
Mohammed Musa, widely recognized as Moe Musa, is a Nigerian music video director based in the United Kingdom. He has taken the helm on numerous outstanding music videos, both within and outside Nigeria. Additionally, he is the founder of a production company specializing in films and videos, known as the UK and Afrobeat Music Culture Online Video Broadcaster.
His work has not only left a mark in Nigeria but also in various international locations, including South Africa, France, Amsterdam, the United States, and Cyprus. He gained his initial fame with the 2009 Fuse O2DG song and its music video, “Antenna.”
Notable projects in his portfolio include directing videos for artists such as Davido’s “Skelewu,” Wizkid’s “Azonto,” Tiwa Savage’s “Wanted,” and Tuface Idibia’s “Diaspora Video.” Moe Musa remains one of the industry’s most highly sought-after and expensive music video directors.
10. KEMI ADETIBA
Kemi Adetiba is a prominent Nigerian director known for her work in television and music videos. Her extensive portfolio includes projects featured on prestigious media outlets and music video television networks such as BET, Soundcity, Netflix, Trace, MTV Base, and Channel O. Kemi initially began her career as a radio host on Rhythm 93.7 FM before transitioning into the roles of a television personality and music video director.
Her impressive directorial credits encompass notable music videos like “Tease Me” by Wizkid, “Lagos Party” by Banky W, “Anifowose” by Olamide, and “Sitting on the Throne.” Additionally, she has taken the sole directorial reins for acclaimed romantic comedies such as “The Wedding Party” and “King of Boys.”
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11. CLARENCE PETERS
While Clarence Peters’ name is more famous than his face, he has earned the esteemed titles. With over two decades of experience in the Nigerian music video industry, he commands substantial fees for his work as a cinematographer and filmmaker. Clarence Peters is the son of the renowned actress Clarion Chukwura and the legendary juju singer Sir Shina Peters.
His educational journey included attending BI Primary School for his primary education and Government College Ikorodu for his secondary schooling. Following secondary school, he dedicated three years to working at Alpha Visions. Subsequently, he pursued a degree in cinematography at City Varsity, a film school located in Cape Town, South Africa.
Upon returning to Nigeria, Peters collaborated with fellow filmmakers to establish the Alliance Film Company, which has since evolved into the Allied Film Company. After a year of working within this venture, he ventured out to launch his production business. As a music video director, he has teamed up with almost every top-tier performer in the country.
12. DAPS
Oladapo Fagbenle, known by his stage name Daps, is a British musician, music video director, and former NCAA athlete hailing from Nigeria. He is renowned for his directorial work on music videos for a notable roster of artists, including Migos, Stormzy, Iggy Azalea, Kendrick Lamar, Willie XO, Wizkid, 2 Chainz, and Davido. Daps commenced his music industry career as a video producer in both New York and London.
Before transitioning to music video directing in 2013, Daps had already established himself in the video industry starting in 2010. Notably, he directed the music video for “Bad and Boujee” by Migos, featuring Lil Uzi Vert, in 2016. This video achieved millions of views and secured the top spot on the US charts. Additionally, Daps conceived the music video for Davido’s hit track “Fall.”
Daps is among the highest-paid directors globally, commanding substantial fees for his exceptional work with A-list artists from around the world. His extensive portfolio includes works such as “Double Tap” by Jordin Sparks featuring 2 Chainz, “Close Friends” by Lil Baby, and “Come Closer” by Wizkid featuring Drake.
13. MEJI ALABI
Meji Alabi, who hails from Nigerian heritage and was raised in diverse locations such as London, Texas, and Lagos, has been significantly influenced by a myriad of cultural traditions. He is the creative mind behind the groundbreaking music videos for artists like Wizkid, Maleek Berry, Tiwa Savage, Runtown, Asa, Mr. Eazi, Seyi Shay, and many more.
In addition to his work in music videos, Meji Alabi is a talented photographer who utilizes various visual mediums to bridge the African and Western markets. This includes photography, advertising campaigns, magazine editorials, and artist branding.
One of his remarkable collaborations was with Beyoncé on her ‘Black is King’ music video project, released in 2020. Meji Alabi’s portfolio also boasts noteworthy projects like “Monsters You Made,” which he remotely directed for the Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, featuring Chris Martin, “49-99” by Tiwa Savage, and “Smile,” in which Wizkid collaborates with H.E.R.
14. DIRECTOR K
Director K, also known as DK and whose real name is Aremu Olaiwola Qudus, has been a sought-after collaborator for numerous musicians and performers, including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Burna Boy, and many others. Notably, he clinched the 2020 Headies Award for Best Music Video of the Year.
His artistic partnerships encompass directing music videos such as Burna Boy and Black Sherif’s “Second Sermon.” Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in selecting music for videos like “Beggie Beggie” by Ayra Starr, “Balloon D’or” by Burna Boy and Wizkid, and “Calm Down” by Rema.
15. PATRICK ELIS
Patrick Eritobor, also known as Patrick Elis, is a Nigerian film and music video director with an impressive track record. With over a decade of experience, he has directed more than 100 music videos, establishing himself as a prolific figure in the industry. His breakthrough came when he directed Wizkid’s debut video, “Holla at your Boy,” which propelled him to fame.
In 2016, he was honored with the AFRIMM AWARD for Best Video Director. Patrick Elis has solidified his position as a prominent film producer and director, credited with directing exceptional videos for renowned artists such as Akon, Wale, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Flavor, Olamide, 2baba, Reekardo Banks, Phyno, and Rema. He is celebrated for his cinematic and vibrant videos that vividly showcase the beauty of Nigeria.
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Conclusion
In the heart of Nigeria’s vibrant music culture, music videos become more than just a visual representation; they transform into immersive experiences that resonate with our souls. The creative genius of Nigerian music video directors has left an indelible mark on the global music scene. As they breathe life into songs, they draw us into a world where every note, every beat, and every lyric evoke emotions we never knew we had.
Behind the success of iconic artists like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage, stand these exceptional directors, painting a vivid canvas of sound and visuals. Their craft goes beyond mere filmmaking; they become conduits of emotion, capturing the very essence of music. With each frame, they take us on a journey, touching our hearts and transporting us to different times and places.