A&R Blog

“Motolani Alake: From Critic to A&R Coordinator – Unveiling the 10 Commandments of Music Critique” Welcome to “The Book” interview series on A&R Duty, where we delve into the lives of the faces shaping the future of our Industry. This paper features Motolani Alake, former music critic who has carved his name in the history...

Oladips: The Fearless Rapper Defying Norms and Shattering Controversy in Nigerian Hip-Hop”   When you think of Oladips, one might recall his undeniable talent in the Nigerian rap scene, but just as prominently, his name is often associated with controversy. Most recently, the “Lazarus” incident stirred the internet, but as with many things in life...

Bizzle Osikoya: The Visionary A&R Powerhouse Propelling Afrobeat’s Global Dominance in 2024 “From nurturing local talent to shaping global Afrobeat, Bizzle Osikoya’s A&R expertise continues to redefine the Nigerian music landscape.” Abiodun “Bizzle” Osikoya is a dynamic force in the Nigerian music industry. Co-founder of The Plug, a leading entertainment company, Bizzle has played a...

The First A&R Man: The Origins of Artist and Repertoire In the vast world of music, filled with artists, producers, and labels, one key figure often remains in the background yet plays a vital role in shaping the sounds we love: the A&R man. Short for Artist and Repertoire, A&R professionals are responsible for scouting...

The 5 Importance of A&R in the Music Industry in 2024 The music industry has undergone significant transformations in recent years, and the role of Artists and Repertoire (A&R) representatives has become more crucial than ever. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of 2024, here are five key reasons why A&R remains vital to the...

Unlocking the Secrets of Kiing Lu’s Success in the Music Business Kiing Lu: The Culture Entrepreneur with a Militant Mindset In the world of music, few people can boast of a journey as multifaceted and inspiring as that of Lucas Emeodi, better known as Kiing Lu. A culture entrepreneur, A&R, music promoter, and executive producer...

Unpacking the Creative Genius of FirstKlaz From Abuja to the World: FirstKlaz’s Unique Approach to Music and Art Last year, I had the pleasure of interviewing FirstKlaz, and I can confidently say it’s been nothing short of inspiring to witness his meteoric rise since then. For those unfamiliar with him, allow me to introduce an...

From aspiring musician to legal powerhouse: Akinyemi Law’s remarkable journey to becoming a leading voice in entertainment law. Welcome to “The Book” interview series on A&R Duty, where we delve into the lives and experiences of industry leaders shaping the future of music. Today, we’re honored to feature Akinyemi Law, Africa’s finest lawyer for creatives...

Kohsea: The Unstoppable Rise of Nigeria’s Newest R&B Sensation “A Conversation with Nigeria’s Rising R&B Sensation” Mbadugha Pearl Kosisochukwu, popularly known by her stage name “Kohsea,” is a Nigerian female R&B/Afrobeats artist. It was a hot Sunday afternoon, the weekend after Kohsea returned from her trip to Port Harcourt for her dad’s burial, back to...

Chinko Ekun: The Rapper with a Heart of Gold The Real Chinko Ekun: A Story of Passion, Perseverance, and Purpose Nigerian rap sensation Chinko Ekun has long been hailed as a master of his craft, weaving intricate lyrics and infectious beats into a signature sound that has captivated audiences nationwide. But beneath the surface of...