By Ife Adegbie

Wonu Osikoya has through her charisma and analytical questions given us a close look into the lives of behind-the-scenes players of Afrobeats.

This episodic documentary which launched on Youtube on Monday, August 12, 2024, started with an interview with Bizzle Osikoya, an award-winning talent manager, executive and A&R posing over 12 years in the Nigerian industry.

Bizzle Osikoya began his career as Naeto C’s road manager at Storm 360 Records, later working for Davido, Tiwa Savage, Dr SID, and Wande Coal at Mo’ Hits Records. His career path has continued on in strategic positions that places him at the heart of afrobeats, the Nigerian music industry and the global industry. He is currently a professional member of the American Recording Academy responsible for the Grammys and having its origin in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Bizzle Osikoya covers his personal journey into music and afrobeats . He believes afrobeats needs people to understand its business aspect to grow its industry. He states there is a need to consolidate Afrobeats and Nigerian music in the Nigerian industry. The Nigerian music industry has not enjoyed the fruits of its global success, with its lack of arenas and touring due to insecurity. He also advocates for better pay and job recognition in the industry. He highlights the positive change of ease of entry into the Nigerian music industry and believes the focus on branding as opposed to talent is the reason behind the lack of more Nigerian superstars like the kinds of Rema and Wizkid. 

The second episode features Osagie Osarenkhoe. A UNILAG alumni, she talks about her 16 years in the Nigerian music industry detailing her background in dance, radio and music before going into artist management. She details meeting Wizkid and working with him for 5 years prior to his meeting Banky W. Her story shows the commitment to relevancy and reinventing as seen in her journey from Nigerian country manager to Director of African Operations at ONErpm based in Nashville Tennessee , ONErpm is a full service music business company responsible for popular acts like Tame Impala, Bobby Shmurda and MAGIC!

Osagie talks about recognizing star talent and advises upcoming executives and mangers on the importance of purpose and its impact in their work and on their artists.

This documentary sets itself apart from others in both its choice of guests and its inquisitive and agreeable nature. The laid back nature of this documentary allows its guests to dive deep into their personal background, journey and goals for both themselves and the larger afrobeats industry. It humanizes and adequately shows the truth of those keeping the afrobeats and Nigerian music industry afloat.