15 Video Directors Behind Nigeria’s Booming Music Industry 

Nigeria’s music industry is a powerful force in global entertainment, with Afrobeats shining brightly on the world stage. Valued at $1.8 billion and on track to hit nearly $15 billion by 2025, the industry’s success is due to the creative synergy between artists and the unsung heroes behind the camera music video directors.

While Nigerian musicians are celebrated for their innovative sounds, the directors responsible for bringing those sounds to life through captivating visuals play an equally crucial role. 

Their work elevates music from just a track to a full sensory experience, captivating millions on platforms like YouTube and social media. Their tracks have reached beyond Africa, thanks in part to the high-quality, narrative-driven music videos that accompany them.

Here are some directors who have helped shape the global image of Nigerian music.

Clarence Peters

Clarence Abiodun Peters is a name synonymous with iconic music videos in Nigeria. Known for his bold and creative approach to music video production, Peters has directed countless memorable visuals. His work includes Eminado by Tiwa Savage, Pakurumo by Wizkid, and Alingo by P-Square, each video a landmark in Nigerian music history.

Peters is recognized not only for his directing skills but also for his eye for cinematography and editing. His contributions to the industry have earned him multiple awards, including the Best Music Video Director at The Headies. As the founder of Capital Hill Records, Peters has also helped nurture the careers of several Nigerian artists, cementing his place as one of the industry’s leading figures.

TG Omori

A true prodigy, ThankGod Omori Henry, better known as TG Omori, has rapidly risen to become one of the most sought-after directors in Nigeria. His journey into the music video world began at age 16, and by 20, he was already making waves.

Omori’s style blends high-energy visuals with cinematic flair, which has made him a favorite among top Afrobeat artists like Burna Boy, Olamide, Wizkid, and Naira Marley. Some of his most notable works include Am I a Yahoo Boy by Naira Marley and Soapy by the same artist, which won the Viewer’s Choice award at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards. 

His work on Love Nwantiti by CKay, which became a viral sensation, further solidified his position in the industry.

Omori’s influence extends beyond the Nigerian scene, as his works continue to garner millions of views internationally, contributing to the global spread of Afrobeats.

Sesan Ogunro (Sesan)

Sesan Ogunro is another visionary director who has shaped the visual identity of Nigerian music. With a career spanning over a decade, Sesan has worked with some of the biggest names in Afrobeat, including D’Banj, Wizkid, and Davido. 

His breakthrough came in 2007 with the music video for D’Banj’s Suddenly, which launched his career in the mainstream music industry.

Sesan’s portfolio is filled with iconic hits like The Sound by Davido and Soweto Baby by Wizkid. His creative direction has won him several prestigious awards, including Channel O’s Most Gifted Male Video for Oliver Twist. As the CEO of Film Factory Nigeria and South Africa, Sesan continues to make his mark on both local and international music video landscapes.

Unlimited LA

Unlimited LA (Buari Olalekan Oluwasegun) is one of Nigeria’s most respected music video directors. Known for his vibrant and dynamic visuals, Unlimited LA has worked with numerous stars, including Olamide, Timaya, and Reekado Banks. 

His works, such as Story for the Gods by Olamide and Bam Bam by Timaya, have garnered millions of views and earned him a series of awards.

In addition to his music video achievements, Unlimited LA’s directorial skills extend to commercials for major brands like Glo and Essenza Beauty, demonstrating his versatility in the visual arts. His influence continues to shape the music video culture, setting new standards for production quality in Nigerian videos.

Moe Musa

Moe Musa’s career took off after directing Fuse ODG’s Antenna featuring Wyclef Jean in 2012. His unique approach to storytelling, combining vivid color palettes with engaging narratives, made him a prominent figure in the Nigerian music video scene. Musa has since worked with heavyweights like Davido, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage, directing hits such as Skelewu and Wanted.

His international success is also noteworthy, having directed several high-profile videos for artists beyond Nigeria. His style, marked by sleek visuals and sharp editing, continues to earn him recognition, including nominations for Best Music Video Director at The Headies.

Director K

Director K (Aremu Olaiwola Qudus) is another rising star in Nigeria’s music video industry. His journey began in 2015, shooting his first music video with nothing more than an iPhone. From there, his creativity and passion quickly earned him recognition in the industry.

Director K has directed hit videos like Wonderful by Burna Boy, Sensima by Skiibii, and Essence by Wizkid featuring Tems, one of the most significant Afrobeat tracks to chart globally. His work on Essence, which became Grammy-nominated, has been instrumental in pushing Nigerian music to the forefront of international music scenes. 

Director K continues to shape the industry with his fresh perspectives and attention to detail, making him a key player in Nigerian music’s global rise.

Meji Alabi

Meji Alabi is one of the most prominent directors in the Nigerian music video scene. Born in London and raised in Nigeria, he has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido. 

Meji’s early recognition came with Seyi Shay’s “Murda” in 2014, which earned MTV Africa Music Award nominations. His work on Burna Boy’s “On the Low,” “Gum Body,” and “Monsters You Made” set a new standard for visual storytelling in Nigerian music.

Meji’s career also includes directing Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning “Brown Skin Girl,” a groundbreaking project that connected African music with a global audience. With a long list of commercial successes, including ads for major brands like KFC and Coca-Cola, Meji has earned multiple accolades, including Best Music Video at the Soundcity MVP Awards and Nigeria Entertainment Awards. 

Dammy Twitch

Dammy Twitch is not just a director but also an entrepreneur in the creative industry. He founded Polar Films Production and Kadiri Studios, companies that have worked with top global brands like Google, Coca-Cola, and Oppo. 

Dammy’s music video portfolio includes work for stars like Davido, Mayorkun, Omah Lay, and Zlatan, but he also made waves in 2023 with his directorial debut in the feature film I Hate It Here, which explored the emotional scars of domestic violence.

In 2022, Dammy was recognized by Forbes as one of Africa’s brightest young talents, earning a spot on their prestigious 30 Under 30 list. His ability to blend compelling storytelling with high-quality visuals has made him a major player in both the music video and film industries.

Director Pink

Praise Onyeagwalam, known as Director Pink, is a rising star in the Nigerian film and music video industry. In just a few years, she has created a reputation for herself with her striking visuals and strong storytelling. 

Director Pink’s breakthrough came with the music video for “Running To You” by Chike ft. Simi, which became one of the most-viewed Nigerian music videos of 2021.

In addition to music videos, she has ventured into film, producing a short horror film called Lady Koikoi, based on a popular Nigerian folklore. With a diverse portfolio that includes work with Wizkid, Lil Kesh, and Mercy Chinwo, Director Pink continues to capture the hearts of audiences with her creative vision and cinematic style.

Patrick Elis

Patrick Elis is a legendary figure in the Nigerian music video industry, known for his vibrant, cinematic approach to storytelling. With over 100 music videos to his name, Patrick has directed for some of the biggest African artists, including Akon, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Rema. 

His career kicked off with Wizkid’s iconic debut video “Holla at Your Boy,” a moment that helped cement his status as a top-tier director.

Known for his ability to turn a simple concept into a visually stunning experience, Patrick has earned numerous awards, including the AFRIMM A Award for Best Video Director. His work continues to influence both the African and global music video landscape.

Adasa Cookey

Adasa Cookey, the CEO of Squareball Media Productions, is one of the most sought-after directors in Nigeria. His creative direction, technical expertise, and ability to create emotionally powerful visuals have earned him a spot among the top directors in the industry. 

Adasa’s music video work includes iconic visuals for artists like Davido, Burna Boy, Simi, and D’Prince. His work on Burna Boy’s “Like To Party” and Simi’s “Duduke” helped define the look of contemporary Nigerian music.

Adasa’s talent for using color and cinematic techniques has earned him several nominations and awards, including a win at the GALAXY AWARDS for Video Director of the Year. His influence extends beyond music videos, as he is also known for his work in commercials and film.

Avalon Okpe

Avalon Okpe is one of Nigeria’s leading music video directors, known for his creativity and innovative approach. Born in Eastern Nigeria and raised in a disciplined, clergy-centered environment, Avalon’s journey into filmmaking was anything but conventional. His passion for storytelling and visual art led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

In 2011, Avalon founded Tokindrumz Pictures, and his work quickly gained attention. His direction has brought fresh energy to the Nigerian music video scene. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including KCee, Phyno, Olamide, Flavour, Davido, and Tiwa Savage.

His work on videos like “Capable God” by Judikay and “Taking Care” by Moses Bliss ft. Mercy Chinwo has earned him significant accolades, including the Best New Director at the NMVA in 2015 and 2016.

Daps

Oladapo Fagbenle, better known as Daps, is a Nigerian-born British director who has earned international acclaim for his work in the music video industry. Before diving into filmmaking, Daps was a promising basketball player, but his passion for the arts led him to a successful career in directing.

Daps has worked with top global artists, including Migos, Stormzy, Iggy Azalea, Kendrick Lamar, Willie XO, Wizkid, Davido, and 2 Chainz. His direction of Migos’ “Bad and Boujee” catapulted him into the limelight, making the video one of the most iconic in recent years.

His music video portfolio is impressive, with standout works like “T-Shirt” and “Slippery” by Migos, “Big for Your Boots” by Stormzy, and “Come Closer” by Wizkid.

Abula

Abdulazeez Greene Oladimeji, popularly known as Abula, is a young director who is already making waves in the Nigerian music scene. A former history student at Lagos State University, Abula started his career at 13, shooting videos on his phone. 

By 2016, he was fully immersed in video directing, and in 2017, he co-directed Zlatan’s “My Body”, which brought him into the spotlight.

Abula is known for his collaborations with artists like Zlatan, Fireboy DML, Portable, and MohBad. His direction of viral hits like “I Go Pay” by Dr Dolor and “Ponmo Sweet” by MohBad has established him as a major force in the industry.

His recognition includes a 2020 City People nomination for Music Video Director of the Year and a 2023 Future Awards Africa nomination for Film.

Perlinks

Abdulrasaq Adebayo Babalola, known as Perliks, made his mark early in the industry. Starting out by directing music videos for friends, he quickly gained recognition. Known for his work with Blaqbonez, Rema, and Fireboy DML, Perliks is often praised for his innovative and bold approach to videography.

Perliks has worked with a range of Nigerian artists, including Blaqbonez, Rema, Fireboy DML, and BNXN. His recent works, like “Back in Uni” (2022) and “Say My Name” (2024), showcase his knack for blending storytelling with visually striking shots.