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 pivotal role in shaping the careers of some of Nigeria’s most successful artists. His contributions go far beyond artist management, extending to the strategic growth of Nigerian music on both local and global stages. However, his journey is filled with mixed emotions, torn between pride in the industry’s global rise and frustration with its unfulfilled potential back home.
When I began my conversation with Bizzle, I wanted to get a sense of how he was feeling at the moment. As we walked through the memories of his career, from his early days to now, it became clear that while there was excitement about the strides Nigerian music has made, there was also a lingering frustration.
“Back home, there are no tours. None of the people are making as much money as they should on a global scale. For example, the songwriters, we don’t have proper venues, the royalty system is terrible, and we don’t have radio stations paying proper royalties to artists that deserve it,” he said, highlighting the issues plaguing the industry locally.
Though our artists are enjoying global success, Bizzle emphasized that the structure in Nigeria is still lacking due to a lack of education and the failure of artists to invest back home.
Bizzle’s career trajectory changed when Obi Asika, a highly respected figure in the Nigerian entertainment scene, made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“Big shout to Obi Asika. He is the uncle of my business partner Asa Asika. He was the one that convinced me to move back to Nigeria, he offered me a job to come work at his record label, ‘Storm Records.’”
That move allowed Bizzle to shape the industry on home soil. He spoke about his motivation to return to Nigeria, driven by the desire to see Afrobeat become as dominant globally as other genres.
“Living abroad, I used to always hear dancehall music from the Jamaicans and I always said if dancehall could be played in clubs, Afrobeat music can also be played. How do we work towards this? Who are the people we can work with to make sure Afrobeat music is being played globally?”
After leaving Storm Records, Bizzle joined Mavin Records as their first , marking another critical milestone in his career. He shared his thoughts on how A&Ring has changed over the years, pointing out the shift in priorities within the industry.
“A&Ring back in the day and now are different. Nowadays, A&Rs globally are just looking for what’s trending. No one is looking to develop talents anymore. Back in the day, people enjoyed developing talents and watching them grow, but now it’s like ‘let’s look for an artist doing well quickly, let’s jump on him, get him signed, and cash out.’”
He explained that this shift is often driven by the business needs of record labels. “It’s not necessarily about the pockets; it’s more of where they work for. Most big labels globally are looking for big talents to blow quick so they can make money quickly, so it’s made a lot of A&Rs lazy.”
Bizzle’s love for the music industry runs deep, and his path was clear from a young age. “I always knew I wanted to do music. It was always my first choice,” he said. He expressed gratitude for his family’s support, noting how unusual it was for a Nigerian family to be so open to a career in music. “They were always supportive. My family is very different.”
From early on, Bizzle was recognized for his forward-thinking approach, using platforms like Myspace to promote artists long before social media became a staple of the music business. He has always been a visionary, combining passion with practicality.
“I’m a very religious person. I put God first in everything I do because without Him I am nothing, and that’s what has helped me,” he said when I asked about the principles that have guided him through his career. His faith, along with the influence of his father, has kept him grounded.
Bizzle considers himself a “talent helper,” and discovering and nurturing talent remains one of his core missions. He shared his advice for emerging talents, especially those with limited resources:
“It’s good for talents to put themselves out and build till they get discovered. People need to know how badly they want it. ‘You want to be a tailor and do not have the money to buy a machine? Go be an apprentice somewhere and learn, then you can raise enough money to buy your machine and sew your clothes. And it’s the same for music as well. Do you want to be an artist and can’t afford it? Why not try and make friends with a producer, work in a studio for an opportunity to get studio time and from there build.’ If you believe in your talent or craft, then you should find ways to do the things you want to do.”
He stressed the importance of determination and finding creative ways to pursue your craft.
Bizzle firmly believes that cultural influence is vital to an artist’s success. “It is very important because it helps connect with the people around you,” he said, noting how culture plays a significant role in shaping the sound and message of music.
In terms of artistic growth, Bizzle emphasizes the importance of constantly improving your craft. “As an artist, the better you are at your craft, the more beneficial it is to you in creating solid music. Even as an actor, you’d need to go to film school, take acting classes, so no matter what you are doing, talent development is a huge part of it.”
Bizzle is not one to boast about his achievements, even though he’s earned the title of one of Nigeria’s most influential music executives.
“I don’t know how that came about. I think people have just seen me be good at what I’m doing and had a liking to it,” he said, laughing.
When I asked about the most rewarding aspect of his career, he was hesitant to name a specific moment but did mention the satisfaction of seeing the artists he works with succeed. “Being able to make things happen and see artists become successful” fuels him.
The Plug, co-owned with Asa Asika and other partners, is another testament to his impact on the industry. The name itself reflects their position in the business — through truly having “the plug” to people and opportunities within the industry. It was suggested by the founder of the company.
Afrobeat to the world! Bizzle’s vision for the future of Afrobeat is straightforward but ambitious. “If we all come together and collaborate, we’d be a big force that can’t be shaken.”
As our conversation drew to a close, he left a message for emerging artists and aspiring music executives: “Educate yourself, don’t limit yourself. Network because your network is your net worth. The more people you know, the more people you are able to work with.”
Bizzle Osikoya’s influence on the Nigerian music industry is undeniable. With a vision centered on impact and a drive to shape the next generation, he is truly helping steer Afrobeat to even greater global heights.
Interview conducted and written by Andrea Andy.
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 talent, signing artists to record labels, and guiding their artistic development. But who was the first A&R man in the world? Let’s take a journey through music history to uncover the origins of this crucial role.
Before diving into the first A&R figure, it’s important to understand the context of the music industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, the invention of the phonograph by Thomas Edison in 1877 and the subsequent development of gramophone records revolutionized how music was consumed. For the first time, people could listen to recorded music in their homes, and a new industry began to emerge around the sale of these recordings.
As the industry grew, record labels like Columbia Records and Victor Talking Machine Company became the early giants. These companies needed someone who could both identify fresh talent and ensure that the recordings would appeal to the public. Thus, the concept of A&R was born.
Though the title “A&R man” wasn’t officially coined until later, Fred Gaisberg is widely considered to be the first person to fulfill this role. Born in 1873 in Washington, D.C., Gaisberg had a passion for music from a young age. He was a skilled pianist and became one of the earliest recording engineers in the world.
Gaisberg’s career began in the 1890s when he started working for the Gramophone Company in London, which would later evolve into EMI Records. At the time, recording technology was still in its infancy, and the process was far from what we know today. Early recordings were made using mechanical techniques, and the sound quality was limited. Despite these challenges, Gaisberg was instrumental in shaping the future of recorded music.
What made Gaisberg unique was his dual role as both a recording engineer and a talent scout. He didn’t just sit behind the recording equipment; he actively sought out artists who could create music that would resonate with the public. In this way, Gaisberg became the world’s first A&R man, combining his technical expertise with an ear for talent.
One of Fred Gaisberg’s most notable contributions to the music world was his discovery of Enrico Caruso, the Italian opera singer who would go on to become one of the most famous recording artists of the early 20th century. In 1902, Gaisberg traveled to Milan, Italy, to persuade Caruso to record for the Gramophone Company. Though Caruso was initially hesitant, Gaisberg convinced him to make a recording, and it was an instant success.
Caruso’s recordings became best-sellers, and he is now remembered as one of the first global music stars. This moment not only solidified Gaisberg’s reputation as a visionary but also marked the beginning of the modern record industry, where A&R professionals played a crucial role in connecting artists with audiences.
Fred Gaisberg’s career spanned several decades, and his impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. He traveled the world, recording a diverse range of artists from different genres and cultures, laying the foundation for the globalization of music.
While Gaisberg’s title wasn’t formally “A&R man” at the time, he embodied the role by scouting talent, overseeing recordings, and helping to shape the artistic direction of the artists he worked with. His pioneering efforts paved the way for the formalization of A&R departments within record labels.
In the years that followed, the role of A&R evolved, especially with the rise of rock and roll, pop music, and later hip-hop. Figures like **John Hammond** (who discovered artists like Billie Holiday and Bob Dylan) and Ahmet Ertegun (co-founder of Atlantic Records) continued Gaisberg’s legacy by shaping the musical landscape of their eras.
Fred Gaisberg was more than just an early recording engineer; he was a visionary who understood the importance of artist development long before the term “A&R” became commonplace. His work laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most essential roles in the music industry.
Today, A&R professionals continue to scout new talent, shape artistic visions, and connect musicians with audiences, all while standing on the shoulders of pioneers like Gaisberg. From the discovery of Enrico Caruso to the global spread of recorded music, Gaisberg’s contributions remain a cornerstone of the music industry, and his legacy as the first A&R man lives on in every hit song we hear today.
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, Kiing Lu’s story is one of resilience, passion, and relentless pursuit of dreams. From his early beginnings as a rapper and producer in Jos to becoming a significant force in the Nigerian music industry, Kiing Lu has embraced every challenge with a mindset he calls “militant.”
He began his music journey as a rapper and producer in 2004/2005 in Jos-plateau state where he was born and raised. He went through his university days there graduating with a degree in Business Administration. He left Jos for Ghana in 2008 and lived there for 7 years understudying the music Industry, collaborating with music executives, and learning the business. Kiing Lu moved back to Nigeria in 2014 after getting an invite from a label to manage their artists. “While managing those artists, I’d discovered TG Omori, the boy director.” He met the creative director at a point where he did not have any music video references. He gave him his first one and then started introducing him to other artists. In 2019, Kiing Lu got an offer from Universal Music Nigeria and joined them as an A&R “It was an exciting opportunity for me to understand the music business from a global perspective. It was exciting because I’ve done everything from online blogging, online pr, getting artists’ songs into notjustok, tooxclusive…….
I’ve always loved being a support system for emerging talents” Kiing Lu said he had worked in Alaba (Days of Alaba music marketing) at the time “I was getting artiste’s songs into those mixes and also making a living out of it” He’d transferred the knowledge and experiences he had gathered into his work with Universal Music because they were a global entity that had not yet gotten their footings in Nigeria “I was made Head of promotions at Universal though I was still working as an A&R. At some point I managed artiste’s and even events. I wasn’t just doing this for Universal, I was doing it for myself because I wanted to learn. It wasn’t about the money or salary being paid, it was more than that to me” He talked about his goal at the time being to learn more about the business and when he had soaked up some knowledge and when it was time to leave he resigned and set up his own company, speedplugpromotions “speedplugpromotions is a label servicing company that handles promotions for a bunch of artistes like Tems, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Odumodu black, Odunsi, Bloodycivilian, wurld, Liyah, Adekunle Gold, Qing Madi, Yarden, Alpha P, Bella Shmurda, Dice Ailes, Victony, King Promise and many more. We don’t just work with individuals we work with labels, we have affiliations such as Universal, Warner Music, empire, Island Records, Virgin Music, and Def Jam. We’ve done promotions for a lot of artists in this Industry so I can hit my chest and say me and my team have done great in terms of amplifying music for artists that work with us” He went on to set up his music label “captive music” which he founded alongside his wife, Livy Land who he described as a multifaceted entrepreneur she owns her hair business, singer-songwriter, visual artist and she’s signed to his label. Captive Records is affiliated with Virgin Music and has released its first project “Militant Mindset”
Remember I mentioned he is an executive producer??? “That was the project that introduced the executive producer side of me and the A&R side of my brand. It featured a couple of artists like Odumodu black, vector, Dremo, skales, Ria Sean, and Rowlene from Ghana….” I asked about the vision behind the project and for him it was to focus heavily on Drille. “Drille resonates with my soul.” “I want to focus on pushing this to the mainstream” Kiing Lu has militant camp which is a platform created to push Drille music, it’s more like a community. As we know Drille is more like a niche and not everyone gravitates towards it here in Nigeria. He disclosed that it’s something he’d love to push the mainstream, a blend of hip-hop, Drille, and Afrobeat. “There’s a mindset embedded in this community ‘The militant mindset’ This mindset is to encourage people to pursue their dreams aggressively, relentlessly, and against all odds. We did our first event in July and the next one comes up in September.” The militant community doesn’t give room for laziness, you must have a frontier and bring something to the table, be it as a rapper, producer, graphic designer, or A&R; the end goal is the mindset. “I’m not where I want to be in life yet, I’m still pushing, I’m still building the bridges, building the networks, building the connections and the relationships.” He went on to express the importance of relationship-building in the Industry. “Relationship is one of the biggest assets you can have to survive in this music space. It’s a very priceless asset. It makes the job easier, makes the jobs, makes the journey smoother, you know?” KiingLu describes himself as a man on a purposeful journey, trying to lift others along the way, he considers himself a culture entrepreneur. Now, Lucas Emeodi who we know as Kiinglu the multifaceted cultural entrepreneur. Can we say the militant persona is more of an alter ego? “When I step my foot into the house, I am Lucas, the husband, and father but once I’m out of the house into the public I am kiing Lu but same heart, same person. The only difference is one is the professional side and the other is my personal side.” “As a brand, you need to know how to carry yourself, you always have to understand who you are. How you carry yourself is extremely important” he further expressed. Kiing Lu has been in the music industry for over a decade starting as a rapper before establishing himself in the music business and when I asked how that feels here was his response “16 years.
I feel excited that I was not forced by my parents, even though I rebelled against them wanting to be something else, I followed my heart. I followed my dreams and I am happy. I am living a very happy life now even though the dreams keep getting tougher but we enjoy the fact that we chose our paths and it’s what we want to do so we endure the pain, we endure the struggles but we also enjoy the benefits that come from it.” This brings me to a point of his journey where he after studying Business Administration decided to carve a different path for himself.
His parents were not at all supportive of this. “At some point, I was sent out of the house. My daddy wanted me to choose between his own decisions and my own. I chose my own decision, I left his house and kept doing my music thing and when he saw the resilience, passion, and energy I put into trying to follow my path he let me come back home and said he’d support me.” Do you know what’s the most striking and beautiful feeling ever? You follow your path, blocking out the noise and discouragement and it in turn works out and that was what happened in his case “On my wedding day he was so emotional, he said he remembered trying to kick against my dream and now seeing me succeeding in that same dream, it’s very inspiring to him and he has learned a lot from it.
This part of his journey influenced his brand. “Militant” I had to spin the meaning. I’m trying to re-engineer people’s mindset.” I asked him about the feeling of ever being underappreciated “The feeling of being underappreciated is a mindset. I try to condition my mind to focus on what is important. Are you making an impact? Are you expecting applause for the impact you are making? For me, I’m not expecting applause. My focus is to make an impact and also make money to take care of my family. I don’t care about appreciation or awards. If you think I deserve it, then hand it to me and don’t tell me to pay for it. I cannot put an award in my house, looking at it knowing I paid for it.”
He is big on his purpose and being able to live a free and real life. “People will not remember you for the amount you have in your account or the awards you have, they will remember to fit the impact you’ve made.” We further conversed on the same question “I’ve done so much for the industry, people that know these things know these things, even though some of them act like they don’t see it but they come to me in private. And one thing I’ve learned from my journey is to always buy yourself flowers. Do not wait for nobody to hand you flowers. Give yourself credit. If you do something nice shout about it, if you hit a milestone shout about it. Nobody is going to shout for you, you have to blow your trumpet and that’s not for your ego, it is for your Brand.” He went on to further explain his statement on the brand “It’s so people understand your brand is credible, people want to work because they see that you are doing well with what you are doing.”
His words ring with a sense of purpose and determination that has become the hallmark of his brand. “Impact first, money follows,” he said, encapsulating the driving force behind his career.“
I asked about his point of view about the struggles of music executives in Nigeria. “First of all, I’d say we all have our destinies in our hands so as music executives we need to remember we are human beings with dreams. So the struggle I’d say is people not allowing themselves to evolve, always trying to sacrifice for others without doing so for themselves. I’ve seen a lot of bitter music executives because of their past relationships with other artists. As a manager, you need to realize that you are a brand too.” The most fulfilling moment in his career was “I envisioned militant camp, the concept in my head, spoke to my creative director, we created a 3D version of the concept and then brought it to life. Now going to the event and seeing the place packed with people singing my song word for word, enjoying themselves, I was fulfilled but it was a point I knew I needed to do more. I needed to expand my vision beyond Lagos, so we are taking this event, militant camp to Abuja, port-harcourt, Bayelsa and Jos then we’d expand to Ghana” he expressed with pride and excitement.
Kiing Lu boldly and loudly encourages every creative executive to embrace the militant mindset, believe in their dreams, and keep pushing aggressively.
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 his chart-topping hits and sold-out shows lies a complex and deeply personal artistic journey. In a rare and intimate conversation with A&R DUTY, Chinko Ekun pulls back the curtain on his creative process, sharing the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped him as a person.
“The Book”. Conducted by Andrea Andy, this exclusive interview offers an unparalleled glimpse into the mind of a true creative genius, revealing the passion, perseverance, and dedication that have solidified Chinko Ekun’s position as a leading voice in Nigerian music.
I engaged Chinko Ekun in a chat about his journey and plans for the future regarding his career moving forward.
Chinko Ekun stands out—a vibrant soul with an energy as infectious as his lyrics. In speaking to Chinko Ekun I encountered a man brimming with positivity, a “ray of sunshine” as I quickly realized during our conversation.
Chinko’s journey from studying law at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to becoming an award-winning rapper was far from a walk in the park. “It’s been rough around the edges…but I’m grateful for the support from my family and meeting good people,” he reflected with unmistakable humility. This humility anchors him as he navigates the choppy waters of the Nigerian music industry. For Chinko, the strength he derives from his support system is more than a safety net; it’s his driving force, a source of pride that fuels his relentless pursuit of success.
Chinko boasts about the support system he gets from his parents “My dad used to pay for my studio sessions”. He shared a story of how he got scammed once by a guy who promised to play his songs for an artiste he idolized, Jesse Jagz. “He has asked me to pay him 95k, this was in 2012 2013, I’d gone to my Dad to ask for the money. He wrote me a cheque for 100k to support me, the 5k was for my transport. I never heard back from the guy after giving him the money.”
As our conversation deepened, Chinko Ekun shared a guiding philosophy that has steered him through the highs and lows of his career: “No matter how good a product is, it takes the right people to market it,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of teamwork. “I met people along the way who helped me amplify my craft.” Chinko’s gratitude extends beyond mere words—it’s a testament to the “God-given talent” he cherishes and the people who have stood by him.
Before he became known for his rap, Chinko Ekun explored several other talents. He played the drums in church, where he was quite well-known, and even dabbled in dancing—a talent he humorously admitted he no longer possesses. Interestingly, he also used to chant before he began rapping.
Despite setbacks in his career, Chinko Ekun spoke only with a deep appreciation for the lessons learned, with no trace of bitterness in his voice. When I asked about his early days posting freestyles on Instagram, as far back as 2011, he reminisced about just wanting to showcase himself online when the app only allowed 15-second videos. Chinko describes himself as a “soft, cool sweetheart,” a stark contrast to the fierce alter ego that emerges in his music.
One unique aspect of his style is the infusion of fake Chinese into his rap, a tactic he used to stand out. “Till today, if you rap in Yoruba and infuse Chinese, you’d be under my shadow,” he said with a hint of pride. His stage name, “Chinko Ekun,” has an interesting backstory. Before adopting this name, he was called Chun Li in secondary school because of his Chinese-like appearance, which eventually evolved into Chinko. Not wanting to lose these identities, he fused them, inspired by his 2013 debut song “Ekun.”
One thing became clear throughout our conversation: Chinko Ekun is fiercely passionate about his craft. He eagerly wants people to hear him rap, considering himself a fierce rapper. Reflecting on the moment he won an award for “Able God,” he felt a deep sense of accomplishment. “I was given that award by one of my icons, Reminisce. I felt fulfilled. It was a moment to make my parents proud,” he said. When I asked if he was able to sleep after receiving the award because I knew I would be bubbling with way too much energy to do so if I was in his shoes, he humorously admitted, “Meeee??? I love my sleep o.” Alright, Chun Li! I guess we do not have that in common.
Chinko Ekun shared a memorable experience at the Headies Awards, where two years before winning, he had wished to be on that stage. “God listens, and it’s good to work,” he remarked, reinforcing his belief in hard work and faith.
We also touched on his “Jaga Jaga” cover, a rendition of Victony’s single that shook the internet. Chinko had much to say about his journey in the industry and the mistakes he’d made, but he mostly laughed about it. He enjoys painting his perspective on every song he listens to, even though he was initially hesitant to record the cover. “I won’t lie, I removed a lot of it…When I was done recording, I sent it to Zlatan. He wanted me to put it out and even offered to send me his video director just so I would shoot the video. I can’t lie, I felt emotional while shooting the video, and when I dropped the cover, Victony had to reach out to make sure I was good,” he recalled. Chinko took pride in owning up to his “B.S.,” as he put it, and hinted that he would speak more on that part of his journey in the future, probably through a body of work.
In 2022, Chinko Ekun released “Indoorstrict,” a project that received mind-blowing comments but strangely didn’t reflect in streaming numbers—a commentary on the consumption of rap in the Nigerian music industry. Reflecting on his over-a-decade-long journey, Chinko has gained a deep understanding of how the industry works. “I know you can paint pictures through your words, and that’s what I did on Indoorstrict. It was a risky dare because a lot of people do not like to own up and talk about what they are going through,” he explained. The project resonated with many, garnering over a thousand covers from people eager to share their own stories.
Chinko’s passion for nurturing emerging talent was evident when he pondered the challenges faced by young rappers in various parts of Nigeria. “To an extent, some of us were able to make a little success and fame via the rap genre, but now that it’s on the lower side, what is the fate of a younger rapper just starting in Benin, Onitsha, Anambra, Ogun State? Do they switch?” he asked, a rhetorical question highlighting the difficult choices faced by upcoming artists. The song was initially six minutes long but had to be shortened—a decision that speaks to the depth of his message.
Gratitude is a recurring theme in Chinko Ekun’s life—gratitude for his talent, which puts food on his table, and for the good people around him. His love and appreciation for God, his family, and his supporters are qualities I greatly admire. Fun fact: despite his fiery stage presence, Chinko Ekun is quite introverted. He candidly discussed the struggles of juggling school and his career as an artist, as well as the things he has seen in the industry.
“The industry is a challenging environment; you just need to know how to navigate it. It’s full of users—I was taken advantage of a couple of times,” he revealed.
As our chat drew to a close, I asked Chinko Ekun how he felt about his journey thus far. “No single regret, only life lessons. I’ve learned, I had to learn the easy and hard way. I feel like I’ve grown,” he said, reflecting on his personal growth. Then, he made a surprising announcement: “I’m moving to the business side of music. It’s been a journey where I’ve been able to own up to my mistakes, and I want to make sure the upcoming ones do not go through the same things.” Chinko Ekun reflected as our conversation drew to a close. It’s this growth that now drives his shift from the spotlight to the business side of music. With a decade of experience under his belt, Chinko is determined to ensure that the next generation of artists doesn’t have to navigate the same pitfalls.
Chinko’s plans for the future are ambitious and exciting. “I’ve taken like two years of my life to understand how the music ecosystem works. I’m on the wave of being able to liaise between every important creative in the music ecosystem and also monetize it,” he explained. A milestone for him is winning a Grammy and bringing up talents that would add to his purpose in life. “Success is not just about making money; it’s about the lives you’ve touched and what people will say about you when you’re gone and even when you’re there.” he shared, his voice brimming with purpose. For Chinko, success isn’t just measured by accolades or wealth, but by the lives he touches along the way.
Chinko Ekun is driven by a desire to help younger artists reach their dreams. His advice is both practical and inspiring: “First, believe in yourself. You have to believe that you can do it; if you doubt, you will see more reasons why you can’t, but if you believe, you will see reasons why you should do it amidst challenges and obstacles. You have to grow and you have to learn, even if it costs you getting mentorship. You need to understand that you will crawl before you walk. Vector once said to me, ‘Most people want the result, not the process, but they fail to remember that you don’t build a house from the ceiling.’” Chinko holds on to this wisdom, a reminder of the power of process.
As he steps into this new phase of his career, Chinko Ekun’s journey is a testament to the power of belief, perseverance, and the willingness to learn from every experience.
Written by Andrea Andy – 16 Aug 2024
A&R Duty, the trailblazing independent A&R platform in Africa, proudly announces its partnership with the remarkable music producer, Joshua Abba Jeremiah, famously known as “Hit sound,” for an audacious Guinness World Record attempt. Together, they will embark on the journey to break the record for the Longest Recording Marathon, an electrifying challenge that will span an incredible 72 hours and feature over 30 artists. This historic event will kickstart on September 21st and culminate on the 23rd, captivating audiences around the globe.
At A&R Duty, we believe in unlocking the full potential of artists and propelling their careers to new heights. As the first independent A&R platform in Africa to hire professional A&R, we constantly strive to redefine industry standards and empower artists with the knowledge and connections they need to succeed. Our partnership with Hit sound is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation.
Joshua Abba Jeremiah Professionally known as “Hit sound” is a Nigerian Record Producer, Songwriter, Youtuber & Entrepreneur from Kogi state, Nigeria.
He diversifies in various genres, mainly Afro beats, Dancehall, and Afropop music. Growing up in a music-inclined family, Hit sound began a music career in early secondary school before taking the big step of making a successful music production career while making industry moves. With a successful online music production career, Hit sound has immersed a wide fanbase of thousands over the years on YouTube and popular streaming platforms via his consistent release of Type Beats and Instrumentals with a wide daily increase in following and subscribers. Ranking at a top spot in a new wave of Afrobeat marketing and digital production mastery.
Hit sound’s aspirations extend far beyond personal success. His vision is rooted in recognizing and honoring the immense talent of Nigerian music producers, both established and emerging. This Guinness World Record attempt is not simply about breaking a record; it’s about giving recognition and flowers to these talented individuals, showcasing the power and influence of music in transcending boundaries and fostering collaboration within the industry.
During this record-breaking attempt, Hit sound will orchestrate a continuous recording session, pushing the limits of endurance, creativity, and collaboration. With each artist bringing their unique style to the table, this marathon will not only make musical history but also create an unparalleled sense of unity and camaraderie among musicians.
The current Guinness World Record for the Longest Recording Marathon with multiple artists stands at an impressive 40 hours and 19 minutes. Hit sound Producer aims to surpass this milestone, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his craft and amplifying the voices of music producers in Nigeria and beyond.
We invite music enthusiasts and supporters of the arts to join Hit sound and A&R Duty on this extraordinary journey. Witness the breaking of barriers, the making of history, and the creation of music that resonates with the soul. As Hit sound embarks on this epic recording session, stay tuned for updates on this ground-breaking endeavor, and be part of the movement shaping the future of the music industry.
For media inquiries and more information, please contact:
Farotimi Damilare
Talent Relation officer
support@aandrduty.com
The A&R awards are the biggest and best in the music industry. Held every year, they are the most prestigious awards ceremony of their kind. Each winning band or artist receives a statue of Alfred Nobel as a result.
Well, that was a bit special. The A&R Awards, MBW’s UK-focused annual awards ceremony in association with Abbey Road Studios, took place yesterday evening (November 8) in central London. As we announced earlier this week, the A&R Icon Award – recognizes a career’s work that has forever changed the face of the music business
You can see a full list of winners from last night’s awards below.
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SUPPORTED BY ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR – SUPPORTED BY HIPGNOSIS SONG MANAGEMENT
SONG OF THE YEAR – SUPPORTED BY HIPGNOSIS SONG MANAGEMENT
THE ARTIST TO WATCH, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VEVO DSCVR
A&R OF THE YEAR: ADULT CONTEMPORARY
A&R OF THE YEAR: CONTEMPORARY BLACK MUSIC – SUPPORTED BY SPOTIFY
A&R OF THE YEAR: ELECTRONIC/DANCE
A&R OF THE YEAR: POP/R&B – SUPPORTED BY CONCORD
A&R OF THE YEAR: ALTERNATIVE/ROCK – SUPPORTED BY SESSION STUDIO
A&R ADMINISTRATOR (‘THE FORBESIE’) – SUPPORTED BY PPL
MANAGEMENT COMPANY (THE DAVID ENTHOVEN AWARD) – SUPPORTED BY CENTTRIP
MANAGER OF THE YEAR – SUPPORTED BY YOUTUBE SHORTS
PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR (1) – SUPPORTED BY MILK & HONEY
PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR (2)
INDEPENDENT LABEL
MAJOR LABEL – SUPPORTED BY VOLY MUSIC
THE RICHARD ANTWI: TRAILBLAZER AWARD
THE SIR GEORGE MARTIN AW
THE A&R ICON AW – SUPPORTED BY YOUTUBE MUSIC
PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR (2)
INDEPENDENT LABEL
MAJOR LABEL – SUPPORTED BY VOLY MUSIC
THE RICHARD ANTWI: TRAILBLAZER AW
THE SIR GEORGE MARTIN AWARD
THE A&R ICON AWARD – SUPPORTED BY YOUTUBE MUSIC
The A&R awards are the biggest and best in the music industry. Held every year, they are the most prestigious awards ceremony of their kind. Each winning band or artist receives a statue of Alfred Nobel as a result.
Congratulations to all the winners! We’d like to thank the team, who put this event together; our panel of judges for their time, their expertise, and their dedication to the music industry; and of course, all the artists, labels, and recording studios involved. While we didn’t have room to feature every nominee in this piece, we’re already looking forward to next year’s awards ceremony, which will surely be yet another momentous celebration of music and music-making.
The A&R awards are the biggest and best in the music industry. Held every year, they are the most prestigious awards ceremony of their kind. Each winning band or artist receives a statue of Alfred Nobel as a result.
Congratulations to all the winners! We’d like to thank the A&R staff, who put this event together; our panel of judges for their time, their expertise, and their dedication to the music industry; and of course, all the artists, labels, and recording studios involved. While we didn’t have room to feature every nominee in this piece, we’re already looking forward to next year’s awards ceremony, which will surely be yet another momentous celebration of music and music-making.
In the music industry, A&R stands for Artists and Repertoire. An A&R executive is your ultimate guide in approaching someone from the record label. This guide will help you prepare for an A&R meeting and get your music to market.
It’s hard to get noticed when everyone is clamoring to get noticed. There are a lot of artists in the industry and they’re all competing for the attention of A&Rs and music executives. In this article, we’ll go over how to prepare for an A&R meeting so that you stand out amongst the crowd.
A&R stands for “artists and repertoire.” In this case, “repertoire” means your music, the songs you write. A&R is the department at a record label that finds new talent, signs them to the label, and works with them to polish their artistry and release music.
When you meet with an A&R person, they want to hear your best songs the ones that demonstrate what makes you special as an artist. If you’re just starting in your career as a songwriter or musician (or if someone else is pitching on behalf of your band), it’s important to prepare yourself for this meeting ahead of time so that no matter what happens during those first few minutes together (and there will be some inevitable awkward silence), it’ll go smoothly enough that everyone leaves thinking good things about each other and looking forward to working together again soon!
A&R executives are busy people. They have a lot on their plate and aren’t going to waste their time with anyone who doesn’t follow the guidelines for booking a meeting. But if you do manage to get that meeting, then you must know what to expect from an A&R exec and how best to prepare for it.
A good way to think about this is like going on a date. You don’t just show up empty-handed and hope for the best you prep! So before booking any meetings, take some time and make sure your music has been mastered by someone who knows what they’re doing. Then make sure all of your social media accounts are up-to-date and active; including links where they can find more of your work online. And finally, have some great photos taken by professionals at least three months in advance so they will be ready when they need them.
To make the most of your A&R meeting, you should be prepared to discuss how a record deal would help you. You should know precisely what you want from the recording process and how it will benefit your career. For example, if you’re an up-and-coming new artist, perhaps having more creative control over your work will allow for a greater chance at success than releasing an album through an independent label or self-publishing on SoundCloud. Or perhaps staying away from major labels is important because they may hinder your ability to pursue other interests (like touring). If either of these scenarios sounds familiar to you, it might be time for some serious soul-searching about where and how being signed would fit into your plans.
If becoming famous isn’t necessarily one of them (and let’s face it: not everyone wants that), then consider where else this could lead in terms of exposure and publicity many artists who don’t aim for chart-topping hits still find success through touring or licensing their music; these things don’t require any kind of contract with a major record label!
Once again: before meeting with anyone in person about anything related to the music business or entertainment industry careers in general–even if they say they are just interested in helping out to make sure everything feels right!
It’s also likely that you’ll be asked how many followers you have across various social media platforms, and how well your music has been received in the press. The more coverage you can demonstrate, the better. Social media metrics (number of followers across various platforms), press mentions, and streams on various services such as SoundCloud or Spotify are likely to come up.
The best thing you can do to prepare for an A&R meeting is work on your artistry your live performance and recorded music and make yourself a unique presence on social media. You should have a clear idea of where you want to go next in your career and what that would look like. Social media metrics (number of followers across various platforms), press mentions, and number of streams on various services are important factors that A&Rs consider when deciding whether or not to sign an artist.
You can only control how much you are prepared for the meeting; everything else, like the person’s feelings about your music or whether it has potential in the market, is entirely out of your control. This is why it’s so important to be ready for an A&R meeting—your preparation will show that you’re serious about getting signed and will give you something else to discuss with the label representative besides just what they think of your songs.
I’ve been a Spotify user for years, and I’m always learning new things about it. The best part of using Spotify is that it’s constantly improving thanks to its algorithms — and you never know what you might discover next! In this article, we’ll discuss how the Spotify algorithm works and how it affects your listening experience on the service. We’ll also explore how you can use your personalization algorithm to improve your Discover Weekly playlists.
The reason why it’s secret is that Spotify does not disclose the algorithm to the public, and it’s constantly changing. The Spotify team updates it whenever they find any flaws or bugs in their system, so you never know what will happen next with your music.
The algorithm is made up of many algorithms working together to deliver you the best possible listening experience. It uses machine learning to improve itself over time.
In addition to your listening habits and social media activity, the algorithm also considers how other users are interacting with your music.
Spotify uses all of these factors to create a personalized experience for each user. This means you might see one kind of playlist in one week and something completely different the next time you log on–but that’s okay! You can always find what you want on Spotify if you know where to look and how best to use their tools (like those featured here).
Spotify’s algorithm is what drives your Discover Weekly playlist.
Discover Weekly uses machine learning to recommend songs to you. It is a personalized playlist that is based on your listening habits, so it can help you find new artists and genres that you might like without having to spend hours searching for them.
There are two kinds of algorithms — personalization and discovery. Yours does both!
Personalization is about making your experience on Spotify better. It’s what makes the app feel like it knows you so that it can recommend music that fits your tastes and moods, or help you find new artists to love. Discovery is about finding new music that you’ll love: whether it’s an album by a band you’ve never heard before or an artist with whom you share friends on Facebook (or both).
The Spotify Algorithm is constantly changing. The way it works is that, as a creator, you want to make sure that your music is being heard by as many people as possible. This means uploading new songs and promoting them through social media channels like Instagram and Twitter. It also means getting your fans involved by sharing links with them so they can listen before they buy!
Once you have all of these things in place, then comes the hard part: waiting for results from the algorithm. While there are no guarantees when it comes to what will happen next (or even if), there are some things we know about how this process works at its core level–and we’d like to share those tips with our readers here today!
A&R stands for Artists and Repertoire. This is the division of a record label that is responsible for talent scouting and the artistic and commercial development of the recording artist. It also acts as a liaison between the artist and the record label. The role of A&R has three main responsibilities:
A & R can sign new or established talent to the company’s roster. They then continue to work closely with the artist, acting as their liaison to the label’s business affair department and as an advisor who will help nurture a certain sound and image Their duties include listening to demos, aligning artists with the right producer, and offering creative input. for the unsigned musician, A&R can be the gatekeepers of the industry. It is not their job to keep you out, so much as it is to find marketable music for their company. A&R reps are the musicians’ point of contact at the label during contract negotiations. They also play an important role in the development of the artist – how the band will be marketing, sometimes choosing songs for the musicians to record if they don’t write their own material, and building a basic promotional foundation for the album and the band.
According to Allison Klein of How Stuff Works, A&R is seen as the glamorous part of working in a record company:
This is because A&R is in charge of discovering new talent. A&R people work very hands-on with the artists that they “sign.” (When a record label “signs” an artist, it simply means that the artist makes an exclusive contract with that record label.) They do everything from assisting with song selection to choosing the people that will produce the album to deciding where the album will be recorded.
As you can imagine, going to clubs, scouting new talent, chatting it up with recording studios, superstar producers, and the such, makes this one of the most sought-after jobs in the recording industry.
As the undisputed leader of A&R (Artists & Repertoire) in Nigeria, A&R Duty is an A&R services company with a difference. Where other companies claim to be one thing and turn out to be something else, making promises they can’t keep, we are honest and respectable people who believe in quality and value for money. We are true professionals who put YOU first.
A&R is a music industry task that has been around in Nigeria but still remains unknown to a large number of Nigerians. What exactly is the role of an A&R? With the gradual take over of social media in Nigeria and the need for new music and songs, A&R becomes even more relevant within the Nigerian Music Industry.
What’s the Meaning of A&R
A&R is a term used in the music industry that stands for Artists and Repertoire. A&R people are responsible for scouting new talent, signing acts, running an established artists’ career, and they often come up with creative new ideas to keep the musicians popular. Sometimes A&R personnel get involved in an act starting from recording part of their demo recordings to producing their debut albums.
An A&R representative plays a pivotal role in the industry. An effective and professional A&R rep can find, pinpoint, and develop new artists, while shunning those with insufficient talent from ever releasing an album. Naturally, due to their importance in the business, some A&R reps earn large salaries in the seven figures, while others make small fortunes for themselves. No matter what the salary, these individuals must keep up with new music trends, listen to hundreds of albums each month, work long hours, go to many concerts and scout anywhere they think they might find the next big name.
Our Services
A&R DUTY is the only Independent A&R firm that signs and empower A&R Officer/Managers to join forces and respond to artists.
We are a team of A&R and music experts who conceptualize and execute bespoke artist development services to support our clients’ artists’ general careers, including their singles, album releases and tours. We design and develop artist strategies, target fan bases and generate public awareness.
A&R DUTY offers A&R services that are unparalleled. The services it offers include:- Signing and educating A&R. Signing, training and empowering artists for you to maximize your long-term brand success.- Acquiring and developing new talents or independent artists with their fan pages from grassroots to major online commercially successful artists. We also provide music production services to most of the signed acts we handle depending on the genre of music they are related to.- Managing your offline activities.- Promote your brand through quality digital marketing.- Sales and marketing strategies.
We can’t deny that Music is an integral part of us and has the capabilities to shape our lives.
If you’re looking for A&R Services in Nigeria, then our A&R department can help. We work with A&R and artists to produce music that gets airplay and helps gain fans. Our Music Selection Team (MSL) and A&R Department can also assist on finding producers, engineers, and even PR companies and shiz like that.
A&R Duty is a rating system that rates artists and their music on four different disciplines: Relatability, Delivery, Replay Value and Mixing. We have created this company to help bring artist development to the forefront of the modern music business and bring about a positive change in the way artists push their music.
At A&R DUTY, we know that the most effective method of identifying hits is to find songs that truly resonate with our audience. We design innovative A&R services and techniques that are proven to get us closer to pinpointing these songs. Our dedicated teams of music experts and specialists help us uncover this untapped potential in your tracks and ensure that they are positioned to hit with listeners around the world.nThe Audience must be able to relate to a song. The kind of lyrics you have in your music determines the audience that will listen to your piece. There is a correlation between lyrics and audience. A bad lyric can make listeners become bored but a good lyric gives listeners something to relate to and appreciate.
It’s one thing to have a track, or even an album that you feel represents you well. But it’s another thing to know how the music will be received by the listeners. The best way to do this is to get the perspective of someone in your target audience, and A&R services can provide that type of insight. An A&R representative can listen to your music and offer their thoughts on how popular it will be, what genre it would fit into, or several other things depending on the specifics of your project. Once you know this information, you can make adjustments based on their feedback and give your project the exposure it needs to succeed in the long run.
Are you looking to take your brand to the United States or across the world? Are you hoping to get a contract signed in Nigeria? Are you struggling with trying to find local music? Then you’ve come to the right place. If you’re facing these issues and many others, then A&R DUTY is the answer to your problems. Our team of dedicated professionals has 20+ years of experience in the music and entertainment industry. We know how to help you build your foundation and secure your future.