In the dynamic landscape of Nigerian music, where talent and innovation are constantly reshaping the industry, TurnTable is proud to unveil its 2024 edition of the "30 Under 30 Power Players in Nigerian Music." This annual list celebrates the young visionaries who are not only making waves today but are also poised to lead the industry into the future.

Nigerian music, with its unique blend of pop, hip-hop, R&B and indigenous sounds is capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. Central to this success are the young talents who infuse the industry with fresh energy, creative innovation, and a relentless drive for excellence. The 2024 TurnTable 30 Under 30 list honors these individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and influence before the age of 30.

This year’s honorees come from all corners of the music industry, reflecting the diversity and richness of Nigerian music. As we celebrate the achievements of these 30 under 30 power players, it is clear that the future of Nigerian music is in capable hands. These young leaders are not just contributing to the industry; they are redefining it. With their innovative approaches and relentless passion, they are setting the stage for the next wave of Nigerian music to continue its global dominance.

SAMUEL KORIE

  Korie’s ability to make things happen in all sorts of scenarios is a skill on its own.His quest to acquire knowledge is also a very admirable skill as I’ve seen him grow and develop so much over the two years he’s been at the plug with us.

Definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Written by Asa Asika

TOBA ADEYANJU

Toba is a visionary music executive whose keen ear for talent and deep understanding of the Nigerian industry have consistently help him identify  amazing artists to early stages of their career. He is someone I have a lot of respect for the work he has put in & is doing daily. As he continues to grow in the industry I look forward to seeing how he evolves & makes an impact.  I know No be “Cho Cho Cho” with Toba. Plenty workings go Dey!

Written by Lanre Masha

OLUSESAN TIMILEHIN “CANDYTIMI” PELUMI

CandyTimi is one of the talents defining the future of marketing, public relations, and branding in the Nigerian music industry. His impressive creativity and ingenuity are evident in his decisive contributions to the marketing efforts of notable stars, such as Babyboy AV, Shoday, Yarden, Ruger, and Bella Shmurda. As a skilled A&R, CandyTimi is a senior prefect at FunFillage Media, where he has shown a keen eye for spotting and assembling talents through the 'Smile On Sofa (SOS)' compilation project. 

CandyTimi is a young man burning with ideas and energetically excited to take on daring projects. He possesses the skills, passion, and dedication required to become a creative force in the Nigerian music industry.

Written by Adeayo Adebiyi

VICTOR EKPO

Victor Ekpo is a standout individual—eager to learn and quick to acknowledge his mistakes, a rare trait in this industry. He embodies the essential qualities of a 21st-century attorney, adept at navigating the complexities of representing creatives in the music industry. I am proud of his achievements so far and excited about his future.

Written by Ubanni Obinna

REBECCA MOMAH

Rebecca Momah (Becca) is the powerhouse driving some of the most transformative moments in Nigerian music. In her role at The Plug, she's not just a magic-maker; she's the architect and executor of dreams. Leading Products, fulfilment and innovation, No challenge is too great, no obstacle too daunting. I call her my star, and her brilliance shines through in our success story, every milestone, and the remarkable growth of the music landscape in Nigeria.

Everything I’ve achieved was powered by this superstar

Written by Tobi “Alhaji Popping” Mohammed

BOLUWATIFE AJAYI

Meet Boluwatife Ajayi, a rising force in the music industry. With a degree in Communications and Media Studies from the University of Ibadan, Tife has expertly navigated the intersection of academics and his passion for music. His impressive career trajectory includes stints at Trace, NotJustOk where he honed his skills at marketing, social media & content strategy. 

He’s currently actively involved with marketing, social media, content strategy & content production for Glitch Africa. Tife also excels as a Talent & Touring Executive at The Plug Entertainment and Talent Manager for ShineTTW. 

In addition to this, He’s one of the brains behind “Movie In the Park,” the largest outdoor gathering of movie lovers in Nigeria.  His dedication, expertise, and innovative approach make him a standout professional in the music industry.

Written by Omolola Ige (Regional marketing manager, Sony music WA)

OLAMIDE BOLARINWA

Olamide Bolarinwa, professionally known as LammyB is a powerhouse in creative consultancy, co-founding PPG Group, a leading entertainment company in events and nightlife and managing a talent at Mavin Records. With 7+ years in entertainment, she excels in talent management, event planning, and nightlife trends. Her impact is evident through 1000+ successful events and collaborations with top brands. Working closely with artists like Falzthebahduy and managing Andre Vibez showcases her industry prowess. Leading The Vessel Africa, she continues to innovate and shape the entertainment scene.

Written by Femisoro Ajayi

BABALOLA “TRILL XOE” AWE

Babalola Awe, known artistically as Trill Xoe, is a force to be reckoned with in the music production world. Starting his journey at just 15, Trill has demonstrated a level of discipline, intelligence, and reliability that is rare among his peers. His tenacity and wisdom, well beyond his years, have earned him respect both as a great friend and colleague. A versatile artist and producer, Trill’s sound is a unique blend of his early roots in Hip-Hop and the diverse African rhythms he embraced during his studies in Mauritius. His goal is clear: to be recognized as one of the most versatile African producers in contemporary music.

Trill’s creativity is unmatched, always bringing a deep sense of artistry to his work. His selection for the 30 Under 30 is a testament to his exceptional talent and the impact he’s making in the industry. This is only the beginning.

Written by Feyisola “Kulupsy” Ogunbanjo 

OLOWO-AKE TEMI

Meet Temi — the brain behind one of the most recognizable brands in the Nigerian creative talent market. Born a second generation music executive, Temi's ambition was nurtured by a solid background in an environment with a steady sound track of good music.

Temi's friendship with creative talents in her late Secondary School years birthed an idea to share what she discovered with as many people as would listen. Since Discovery Deck was founded, Temi has taken off professionally and proven herself to be an undeniable force in every space she chooses to occupy.

She is certified by the MBA for Africa institution and has major contributions to some of the most important projects in the Nigerian music scene since 2022 including but not limited to the ‘EZIOKWU’ album and deluxe album, NATIVELAND and Nigeria's Most Wanted Tour.

Temi is currently Marketing Associate at Native Records.

Written by Dafe Enemuwa

TOBI BANKOLE

Tobi Bankole, the dynamic founder of NoteSphere and Head of Content at TheUpperEnt, is a rising star in the African entertainment industry. NoteSphere is a cutting-edge digital content creation company and media outlet that spans entertainment, fashion, style, sports, and more. Tobi began his journey as a content creator with TheUpperEnt and has swiftly risen to make a significant impact across the Nigerian and African entertainment landscape.

At a young age, Tobi has already achieved remarkable success, demonstrating a unique blend of creativity and hard work. His work with NoteSphere and TheUpperEnt highlights his dedication to elevating African culture and entertainment on a global scale. With his impressive accomplishments and boundless potential, Tobi Bankole is poised to continue making waves in the industry, innovating and inspiring the next generation of content creator

Written by Tomiwa Shopade

LOLU OLUMIDEKO

Lolu’s keen interest in the global music industry, with a core focus on African - not just Nigeria, is what sets him apart from everybody else. Nothing gets past him, and his perception of even the most complex situation is spot on. More so, he works without an obsession with buzz, building the profile of a genuine industry leader.

Written by Motolani Alake

FRANK OKAFOR Frank has shown a deep, genuine passion for music. He possesses a keen eye and ear for discovering talent and has demonstrated a strong commitment to the art of talent development. It has been a pleasure to witness him bring some of his visionary ideas to life, and I have no doubt he will have a remarkable and vibrant career in the music industry. Above all, he is a truly good person to have in your corner.

Written by Akinyemi Ayinoluwa (AkinyemiLaw)

ADETOMIWA SHOPADE

Adetomiwa Shopade, a distinguished lawyer and the visionary founder of TheUpperEnt, is making waves in the entertainment industry. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, TheUpperEnt is a dynamic digital marketing and content creation company with a keen focus on the afrobeats genre and African pop culture. Under Adetomiwa's leadership, the company collaborates with both emerging and established artists across Africa, with a special emphasis on West African talents.

A passionate music enthusiast, Adetomiwa combines hard work and strategic insight to drive success for his clients. He firmly believes that Africa is poised to spearhead the future of global entertainment, and his work with TheUpperEnt is a testament to this vision. Adetomiwa's interests extend beyond music to encompass a broader vision of elevating African culture on the global stage, making significant contributions to the industry through innovation and dedication.

Written by Director Q

ESKOR UMO

Eskor Umo is a seasoned music industry professional who manages prominent artists and producers, including Remy Baggins, known for hit records like Tem's "Try Me" and Bien's "Wahala," and Jaylon, renowned for mixing and mastering Blackbonez's "Young Preacher" album and Odumodu's "Declan Rice." Eskor is also affiliated with BlownBoy Ent, a record label founded by Ruger, where he handles DSP and label relations. In addition to his managerial roles, he freelances, securing DSP partnerships and support for various projects. Notably, he played a key role in the success of Ruger's "Ru the World" album, one of the most supported projects by DSPs in 2023, securing a Ruger merch collaboration with Spotify. Eskor has also collaborated with artists like Joeboy, Falz, and Straffitti on several campaigns.

Written by Love Akinkunle

OGUNYEMI EBIOWEI OLUWAYEMI “BHI_WYE)

You may know him as ‘Bhig Wye’ but he will always be ‘Small Wye’ to me haha. It’s been a privilege watching Yemi grow from a promising talent to an outstanding and fulfilled star in the industry and this is a testament to his innovative mindset and drive. 

He played a pivotal role in helping us at KeyQaad birth stars like M3lon and Kaestyle and inspiring those around him while at it. His recognition as one of the 30 under 30 is very well deserved and I’m confident in his trajectory. Skol!

Written by Valo (CEO KEYQAAD)

SEUN BABALOLA

As the Global Tour Director of Afrobeats at Live Nation, I've seen firsthand the incredible impact Seun has had on our global strategy for African music. His leadership has been instrumental in pushing Afrobeats to new heights, from executing record-breaking tours like Burna Boy's record grossing North America tour, Asake’s global arena tour, and ODUMODUBLVCK’s sold out club & theatre run, to securing our dominant market share in the genre. In just one year, Seun has been a driving force in Live Nation’s 400% surge in Afrobeats bookings, and expanded our footprint on the continent, solidifying Live Nation's investment in the rapidly growing African music market.

Written by Cindy Agi Williams

BAMISE OYETAYO

Bamise Oyetayo is a natural born storyteller at heart. With a background in English and Literature from the University of Ibadan, she found her footing in the music industry through journalism; documenting and reviewing Afrobeats and its culture as a writer at MoreBranches and then Notjustok. Afterwards, she delved into audiovisual storytelling, working as the producer for leading podcast, Tea With Tay. 

She's currently the Head Of Content at WeTallkSound while she co-owns a publicity and marketing company; Nooks And Crannies NG.

Written by Damilola Oyetayo

EMMANUEL ZHAJJ ONWUNARU

With timely innovation and a peculiar attribute of foresight, Zhajj has built an empire that is reshaping the landscape of Nigerian music and is instrumental in a major paradigm shift. As a guitarist with a noticeable love for music, he displayed an ability to keep up with a wide range of sounds, particularly albums. During his time at the University of Lagos (Unilag), he developed a unique passion for listening to entire bodies of work from various artists. This blend of attributes and love for albums birthed the brand, the renowned Album Talks. Zhajj’s perseverance and diligence have paid off, reflecting in his brands' success. Afrosings boasts a robust 1.8 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, @afrobeatsgohard has amassed over 4,000 followers on Twitter, and Album Talks has been the biggest Nigerian music news/information hub for the past two years with over 310,000 followers and 20 million reach/impressions across Twitter(Now X), Facebook, and Instagram.

Written by Balogun David Iseoluwa

SIMI BADIRU

Meet Simisola Badiru - a dynamic force in the Nigerian music industry, passionate about identifying and amplifying emerging African talent across the globe. She currently serves as the Artist Services & Relationships Manager at Trace Anglophone West Africa. Her work involves building and maintaining strong relationships with key industry stakeholders such as artists, labels, DSPs, and media houses, solidifying her influence within the Afrobeats landscape. Beyond her role at Trace, Simi is also a Playlist Curator for Apple Music, where she helps shape the soundscape of contemporary music. She co-hosts the popular F&S Uncensored, a podcast contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s pop culture. Simi also served as an A&R for Universal Music Group.

Beyond being a seasoned music industry professional, Simi has a strong background in brand and communications consultancy. Her multifaceted career and commitment to pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats make her a key player in the industry, deserving of recognition as one of TurnTable’s 30 under 30 Power Players.

Written by Ekene Nwakonobi

VICTOR “CABAL” ADERIBIGBE

When I think of the role Victor plays on our team - he is like the Running Back or the Wide Receiver - when you hand him the assets it’s safe to say you can go to sleep. He is not only creative in his approach to work, but he is a great team player.

Written by Aibee Abidoye

JOSEPH UDEMEZUE 

Joseph Udemezue popularly known as 'BabaJoe' is one of the driving forces in the Nigerian music industry, whose epitome of experience spans Public Relations, Talent Management, DSP & Playlist Advisory. His sharp-wittedness is an affirmation he is a force to be reckoned with. BabaJoe is also the monarch behind Waves Unvrse currently manages Soundz

Joe’s exemplary work ethic has consistently led to success.

Writen by Akorede Oluwatosin Asunni

SAMPSON MALACHY

Malachy is a connector of worlds. His uncanny ability to bring people together and nurse visions to reality is unmatched. In every facet of the music ecosystem, from the kitchen to the table, Malachy adds value every step of the way. Surely, a young executive that will be pivotal in driving the growth of Nigerian music for the foreseeable future.

Written by Obinna Agwu

KAYODE BABLOLA

The best way to describe Kayode Babatola is ‘the machine that keeps TurnTable going.’ His contributions and work will rarely get the plaudits as the Director of Operations, Charts & Data – being that he works in the back end of things, or as I like to call it the most interesting boring side of TTC. If I was going to war today, he’d be the first name I call and I can be sure that he will be there. 

Written by Ayomide ‘K-D’ Oriowo

OLUWASEUN “REAL SKILLZ” OGUNDAIRO 

Real Skillz is a uniquely talented and dynamic individual who has made significant strides in both the Music Industry and Media industry in Nigeria. He is a rare two-edged sword, cutting through both sectors with remarkable ease and effectiveness.

A renowned and steadily rising Music A&R, as well as a super talented Radio Host at Max FM Lagos, Real Skillz has established himself as an impressive Music A&R in Nigeria. Over the years, he has played an instrumental role in supporting upcoming and rising artists, either by effectively connecting them with record labels & other music companies relevant to their career growth or advising & helping to steer their independent careers. He has also used his radio platform and his entertainment website REALSKILLZ.COM.NG to help spotlight and support emerging talents.

Real Skillz is a remarkable professional whose influence & impacts in the Music and Media industries speak volumes. I have no doubt that he will continue to be a positive force and a great light in our times who is well on course to achieve even greater things globally.

Written by Tega Oghenejobo

AYARUJA PETER TEGA

Tega has led Grail Africa into the powerhouse it is today as part of the wider Grail Talent agency in North America and Europe. Grail has been at the forefront of bringing Afrobeats to the world through TikTok, working with labels such as EMPIRE, Universal, Interscope, Encore, Sony, and others on methods that have helped bring Afrobeats to a global audience.

He is a forward-thinking leader whose proactive leadership is influencing the direction of talent management and marketing.

Written by Ed-Winters Ronaldson (CEO Grail Talent)

FEYIKEMI AKIN-BANKOLE

Feyikemi Akin-Bankole is a true catalyst in the Nigerian music industry. Currently serving as a PR & Comms executive at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa, she has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between artists, influencers, and audiences. Her role in overseeing the VIP program for SSA showcases her exceptional talent for fostering meaningful connections and driving impactful campaigns. Beyond that, she co-hosts the infamous F&S Uncensored podcast, a new-age cornerstone of music discourse in Nigeria, platforming crucial conversations that shape the industry's future. With nearly 250 episodes, F&S Uncensored serves as a vital bridge between emerging talents and industry veterans. Feyikemi's keen insight and engaging interview style have created a space where fresh voices can be heard alongside the wisdom of OGs, facilitating a rich dialogue on industry matters you won't find anywhere else.

Feyikemi's influence resonates throughout the industry, from her curation work to her talent relations expertise – it's impossible not to be inspired by her ability to wear multiple hats with such grace and dexterity. Her dedication to nurturing new talent while honoring established artists embodies the spirit of progress in African music, making her a worthy honouree of the TurnTable 30 Under 30 Power Players list. 

Written by Makua Adimora

NELSON C.J.

Nelson C.J. is a highly-respected Nigerian culture writer and journalist whose work focuses on the dynamics of urban youth culture in Nigeria and Afriica with a specific focus on music as a tool for culltural representation. Over the last half-decade, he has emerged as one of Africa’s finest culture critics and commentators. His tireless coverage of Nigerian and African music has been an essential accompaniment to the westward popularity of Afrobeats. Nelson has also published critical profiles of some of the most propulsive afropop acts operating today with bylines in storied publications such as Rolling Stone, Dazed, and The New York Times amongst others. He currently works as the West African correspondent for OkayAfrica.

Written by Wale Oloworekende

JOHNSON ITUNUOLUWA SOBOMATE

Johnson is not just a skilled producer but also an exceptional A&R with a remarkable ear for music. Johnson’s innovative and forward-thinking approach sets him apart, making him an invaluable asset in the music industry. His unique ability for spotting talent and nurturing creativity has led to numerous successful collaborations and projects.

Written by Babalola “Trill Xoe” Awe

DUNNI AKINWUNMI

In an industry known for its relentless pace and high stakes, standing out demands not just talent but a steadfast dedication to one’s craft. Dunni embodies this blend of commitment and ambition. Her career showcases an impressive mix of passion and strategic vision, setting new benchmarks in the field. I am overjoyed to see Dunni recognised as one of the 30 Under 30 Music Executives. Her unwavering reliability, dedication, and team spirit have always stood out to me. Dunni is incredibly proactive—if you have a task that needs to be done correctly and on time, having her on board ensures everything will run smoothly. It's deeply satisfying to see someone who does so much behind the scenes finally receive the recognition they genuinely deserve. She is truly smart, brilliant, and special. Her way of ensuring everyone around her feels supported is genuinely remarkable.

I couldn’t be more proud of her.

Written by Ademola Alugo & Sani Ibrahim

OBINNA UBANI

Some chase dreams. Obinna Ubani builds them. Brick by brick, with grit and unwavering determination. An inspiration to those who know that true success lies in doing the work.

Written by Iredumare Opeyemi