Nigeria's music industry is a force, not just within the continent of Africa, but on the global stage. And behind every great Afrobeats hit or heart-wrenching ballad is a talented video director who brings the music to life visually.

In this listicle, we'll be shining a spotlight on some of Nigeria's most influential video directors. These are the visionaries who have shaped and are shaping the aesthetics of Nigerian music.

• Clarence Peters: A true veteran, The founder and CEO of CAPital Dream Pictures, a powerhouse production company specialising in performing arts, film, and video, Peters' influence goes far beyond directing.
  His exposure in the entertainment industry began at a young age. By the tender age of 9, he was already unofficially contributing to Nollywood productions alongside his mother. This early exposure ignited a passion that propelled him forward. In 1998, he was already involved in a music video for an AIDS documentary, a project sponsored by Mobile.  Since then, he has directed a staggering number of iconic music videos for legendary Nigerian artists like P-Square, Illbliss, Wizkid, 9ice, 2face, and the global afrobeat star Burna Boy.  His work continues to shape the visual landscape of Nigerian music.
  Portfolio: Burna Boy - Ye, Illbliss - Aiye Po gan ft. Terry G, Banky W - Yes/No

• Dj Tee: In 2006, Banky W released his debut studio album, “Back in the Building”, the lead single off the album was titled “Ebute Metta” was a “Rihanna - Umbrella” sample. The song and video made waves in Nigeria, placing Banky W as one to watch out for and a prospective king of R&B in Nigeria. “Ebute Metta” video was directed by DJ Tee, whose real name is Adetokunbo Odubawo. His entry into Nigeria’s music industry spiked the music video quality and many talents seeked his wizardry to execute their branding.
  Portfolio: Shank - Julie, DJ Jimmy Jatt - Stylee, Olu Maintain - Yahoozee and Naeto C - U Know My P.

• TG Omori: Born ThankGod Omori Jesam, PKA TG Omori or Boy Director has become one of the most sought after directors in Nigeria. TG started directing at 15 while overseeing stage plays in his school and church. By Age 18, he made his first movie appearance in the nollywood drama “Papa Ajasco” but would eventually drop acting to focus on film making at the PEFTI Film Institute.

By 2019, TG Omori was rumoured to be responsible for around half of the videos on the summer 2019 charts Countdown on MTV, Soundcity, and Trace.
His larger-than-life visuals and knack for energy has made him one of the most sought after directors.
Portfolio: Asake, Olamide, Fireboy, Kizz Daniel.

• ⁠Uzodinma Okpechi: Uzodinma Okpechi is regarded as one of the most versatile filmmakers out of Nigeria. With 20 years of TV/Film experience cutting across every aspect of filmmaking, having directed over 30 brilliant films and videos.

From his first effort with ‘Above Death’ in 1998 to ‘More Money,’ ‘Brave Men,’ ‘Rebels,’ ‘Eyes In The House,’ and ‘Turntables.
Okpechi was nominated to receive the prestigious Hollywood “Excellence In Cinematic Direction” Award at the 2021 HWMFF grand event on Saturday for his psychological thriller, ‘The Mystic River.’

Portfolio: Nkem Owoh - I Go Chop Your Dollar, Kamsi (Movie)

• Sesan Ogunro (Sesan): The Afrobeats to the world wave has seen significant progress and impact with Nigerian artists surpassing 1 billion streams, selling out shows and winning awards that were prophesied. The groundwork of these impacts were planted about two decades ago but the paradigm shift was in two music videos, “D’banj - Mr endowed remix ft. Snoop Dogg” and “D’Banj - Oliver Twist”. Both videos were directed by Sesan.
  This isn’t meant to downplay the efforts of other creatives behind the scenes but rather applaud the impact and attention to detail executed by Sesan.
  Portfolio: D’Banj - Suddenly, Kahlo - Ginger, Olamide ft. Wizkid - Kana

• Unlimited LA: Born Buari Olalekan Oluwasegun, Unlimited LA  is a Nigerian music video director and cinematographer. He is a cousin to the Ace Music Video director DJ Tee. His first notable work was BlackMagic’s “Rainbow” which stood out for the experimentation and retaining the audience’s attention.
  Unlimited LA's bold and innovative approach is on display in videos.
  Portfolio: Reekado Banks - Katapot, Olamide - Wo, Black Magic - Repete.

• Godfather Productions: This production house has churned out some of the most memorable videos that shaped afropop/afrobeats. They provided international visual appeal.
  Founded by Micheal Uche Ogoke, Ogoke believes that it is up to Africans to showcase to the world what they are capable of because they have all it takes to produce content that can successfully compete with the best in the world.
  Portfolio: flavour - Nwa Baby, Oyi remix,  P Square - Do me(Production), Davido - Gobe, Burna Boy - Don Gorgon

• Moe Musa: Known for his vibrant and colourful style, Musa made his directorial debut in 2009 as a freelance director, he later formed his own video production/media company, Mr. Moe Musa Productions where he produced, directed, and edited his breakthrough music video in 2012 for Fuse ODG featuring Wyclef Jean called Antenna. He worked with Maleek Berry - The Matter, Wizkid - Azonto and each video brought about a youthful energy that complimented the artists.
  Portfolio: Olamide - Melo Melo, Korede Bello - Romantic, Starboy Ft. Wizkid & LAX - Caro, Davido - Skelewu.

• Director K: In 2015, I saw my friends pick up photography for passion and for sustainability, every image stood out as they nurtured their style. I asked them individually “what was the best camera to start with for a newbie”, they all responded “the camera you holding as they pointed to my phone.”
  Director K started directing videos, he shot with his Iphone, with assistance from the internet, he shot a music video for a rising star C.O. Decoast with an Iphone. The Creative Art dropout turned Director now shines with Soul Train nomination, NAACP win and Best Music Video at The Headies.
  With an eye for creating a unique intimacy with his visuals and a vast portfolio. Director K is heading for the top.
  With Director K’s success story, maybe I might just start shooting with my phone *wink*
  Portfolio: Wizkid - Essence Ft. Tems, Rema - Calm Down, Teni - Case.

• Meji Alabi: Meji Alabi's name rose to prominence in 2014 with the release of Seyi Shay's "Murda" video. The clip, featuring Patoranking and Shaydee, wasn't just catchy; it boasted a refreshingly clean and polished aesthetic that set a new standard for Nigerian music videos. Alabi, a filmmaker, director, photographer, and co-founder of JM Films, was the mastermind behind this visual.

Meji's talent wasn't a one-hit wonder. In 2016, he directed the music video for Maleek Berry's "Kontrol," a visual masterpiece that exuded elegance, fun, and maintained the high bar he established.

Since then, Alabi has consistently delivered music videos that push boundaries and achieve cultural relevance. Each release showcases his ability to explore new creative territories in the visual space.
Portfolio: Seyi Shay - Right Now, Stormzy - Hide & Seek, Nasty C - Jungle, Burna Boy - Pull Up, Tiwa Savage - 49-99.

• Dammy Twitch:  Dammy Twitch is a distinguished film director and photographer, celebrated for his work with top musicians and brands worldwide.

Dammy Twitch's passion for video editing ignited during his school years. Initially, he honed his skills by editing videos on his phone, gradually advancing to more complex editing techniques on a computer.

By the end of 2017, Dammy Twitch had officially launched his career in music video production under his personal brand. His breakthrough came with the first music video he directed for Burna Boy and Yonda in 2017, marking the beginning of his takeover.
Portfolio: Davido - Kante Ft. Fave, Tekno - Wayo, Flavour - Game Changer

• Perlinks: Perlinks wasn't always destined for the director's chair. At 17, his path took an unexpected turn when his father, TELEMOON, a veteran in the world of Fuji music videos, mentored him into the industry. One day, an invitation to join his father on a shoot sparked a creative fire that would forever alter A Perlinks Definition's trajectory.
  Portfolio: Blaqbonez - Back In Uni, Bnxn - Gwagwalada

• Patrick Elis: When you ask OG Wizkid fans about the first official Wizkid video they watched, 9 times out of 10, they'll say “Holla At Your Boy,” directed by Patrick Elis. This video introduced Wizkid as the new kid on the block, combining Justin Bieber's appeal with Bow Wow's swag. Patrick Elis has a knack for storytelling that shapes how audiences perceive the artist.

Portfolio: Reekado Banks - Jeje, Flavour - Levels, Tiwa Savage - All Over

• Director Pink: In today's world, representation is key. It allows people to see themselves reflected in successful figures, fueling aspirations and shattering limitations. Director Pink, also known as Praise Onyeagwalam, embodies this message. A Nigerian music video director, cinematographer, and filmmaker, she's carving her own path in a dynamic industry.

Pink's journey began at a young age, around 15 or 16, when a passion for filmmaking ignited. Joining her church's video team, she remained laser-focused despite suggestions to explore other areas. Her focus paid off. Today, “Pinkline Films”, her own production company, shows the reward of hard work and self belief.

Director Pink's talent shines through her unique blend of artistic vision and commercial sensibility. Collaborating with both big names and rising stars, she's a director on the rise.
Portfolio: Qing Madi - Ole Ft. Bnxn, Chike & Mohbad - Egwu, Simi - Stranger, Niniola - All Eyes On Me.

• Jyde Ajala: Jyde Ajala has become a force to be reckoned with behind the lens of the Nigerian Music scene. Collaborating with major artists like Omah Lay, Olamide, Asake, and Victony, Jyde isn't just shooting music videos, he's telling stories. Whether capturing the dreamer, or the epic scale of success, Jyde's visuals bring Nigerian music to life.
  Portfolio: Asake ft. Olamide - Amapiano, Victony - Soweto

• Adasa Cookey: Adasa Cookey is a Multi-Talented Creative: He is a Nigerian-born music video director, cinematographer, commercial director, colourist, and filmmaker.
  Adasa believed strongly in his abilities and took a leap of faith by leaving his stable job to pursue his passion for video editing and directing.
  His big break came in 2012 with directing Burna Boy's "Like To Party" music video. The video showcased Adasa's signature style of capturing a summer vibe and inputting storytelling into his work.
  Portfolio: Mavin All Stars - Adaobi, Adekunle Gold - Sade, Simi - Duduke.

• Kemi Adetiba: Kemi Adetiba has worn many hats in the entertainment industry. She’s a  true filmmaking powerhouse, Kemi Adetiba merges her skills as a director, writer, and producer to evoke emotions from the audience.  Kemi began in radio (Rhythm 93.7 FM) before moving to TV (Mnet, Soundcity). After success as a presenter (Temptation Nigeria, Maltina Dance All), she transitioned to directing, studying at the New York Film Academy.
  Her music videos, like Olamide - Anifowose, Bez - More and TY Bello - Ekundayo showcase her storytelling prowess.
  Portfolio: Wizkid - Tease Me, Niyola - Toh Bad, Banky W - Lagos Party, Lindsey Abudei - Out The Box.

• Avalon Okpe: Avalon Okpe, son of Reverend J.O.M. Okpe, was raised in Eastern Nigeria with a strong foundation of discipline thanks to his clergyman upbringing. Yet, his inherent creativity blossomed, leading him to a unique path. Driven by curiosity, Avalon ventured into entertainment. Under the guidance of Mr. Femi Abatan (Simple Fem), a renowned figure, Avalon honed his editing skills and filmmaker training in Enugu.
  In 2011, Avalon's vision took shape with the founding of Tokindrumz Pictures. Attracting a stellar list of collaborators. He has worked with top-tier Nigerian artists like KCee, Phyno, Olamide, Flavour, Davido, Tiwa Savage, and many more.
  He has been honored with multiple awards, including NMVA's Best New Director (2015 & 2016) and the E-Celeb Award (2016).
  Portfolio: Judikay - Capable God, Moses Bliss - Taking Care ft. Mercy Chinwo

• Ademola Falomo: Ademola Falomo’s name is the cornerstone of the Altè music video scene, crafting visually stunning films for some of music's most respected voices.

Falomo's influence extends far beyond directing. Through his innovative startup, Family Inc., he fosters a supportive environment where independent filmmakers can hone their craft and push the boundaries of storytelling.

Portfolio: Tems - Try Me, Mr Eazi - Personal Baby, Boj - Abracadabra, Sant - Gangster Fear.