A&R Blog

Lemi Ghariokwu, the King of Covers and Visual Rebel Behind Fela Kuti’s Legacy “We are like warriors fighting for the mental liberation of African people.”  – Lemi Ghariokwu The king of covers in the rich Nigerian Music History. It’s a rare privilege to sit at the feet of a living legend, especially one who carried...

Meet Loc: The Fearless Creative Redefining What It Means to Be a Woman in Music There are people who walk the expected path. Then there are people like Loc, who burn it down and build a new one from scratch. Singer. Songwriter. Producer. Audio engineer. Call her what you will, but Loc—born Loveth Omasirichi Chisinom...

Kleros Is Rewriting the Rules — A Woman Producing Her Own Power in Music My conversation with Kleros started off with warmth and ease. I just knew that moment was special. It had to be done right. Kleros isn’t just any music producer. She’s a woman making bold moves in a male-dominated field, a changemaker...

Joyce Olong Does It All — And Makes Magic Doing It When you sit with Joyce Olong, you’re not just in conversation — you’re in communion with a creative spirit deeply attuned to her calling. A singer, songwriter, and producer with a journey rich in intentionality, Joyce is one of the few who not only...

In this edition of The Book by A&R Duty, Zoric shares how faith, family, and fierce self-belief shaped his journey from Northern Nigeria to the soulful release of his debut EP — a raw, heartfelt testimony to purpose, pain, and perseverance. Zoric Is Here to Stay: From Humble Beginnings to a Soul-Stirring Sound That Transcends...

Joey Akan on The Book: Insights into Afrobeats, Resilience, and the Power of Storytelling We had an amazing chit-chat with Joey Akan on The Book! Joey Akan is a name that resonates deeply within the fabric of Africa’s music ecosystem. As a celebrated music journalist, cultural critic, and storyteller, Joey has carved a niche for...

Lammy A: Redefining Nigeria’s Creative Industry with Vision, Resilience, and Community Impact. Lammy A: Redefining Success in the Creative Economy In the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria’s creative landscape, few names shine as brightly as Lammy A. Known for her audacious storytelling, innovative strategies, and unyielding passion for the arts, Lammy has carved out a niche...

“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...