To celebrate World Music Day, we’re spotlighting the women behind the stars, the ones who are working behind-the-scenes, contributing in immeasurable ways to the success of Nigerian stars who have become global.
Many Nigerian music stars have deeply excelled on the global stage, raking in awards, accolades and millions of streaming views across platforms. Their success is a testament to their unwavering commitment to creating beautiful art, distinct styles and overall brand of excellence.
The Nigerian music industry is a money-making machine and is projected to reach US$8.03 million in revenue by 2027. This immense success can also be attributed to the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes, dedicating time, energy and effort into ensuring that they succeed. For many of these stars, these people are women.
For World Music Day, we’re spotlighting and celebrating the women behind the stars. The stylists, band members, instrumentalists, producers, and managers are as much a part of the success of Nigerian music stars. So, in no particular order, here are the women behind the stars.
Dunsin Wright — Tems’ stylist
Anyone who’s heard of Tems has most likely heard of her friend and stylist, Dunsin Wright. The brilliant mind behind Tems’ iconic looks on and off-stage, Dunsin Wright’s work is proof that fashion styling isn’t just about draping or picking clothes, but about understanding personalities and how style can emphasise them. This comes as no surprise, seeing as the stylist had formerly worked with fashion pioneer and powerhouse Lisa Folawiyo.
Already a global music star and most decorated Nigerian female musician, Tems is quickly becoming a fashion icon as well, thanks to Dunsin’s work and impeccable vision. From her iconic look at the 2022 Oscars — which had everyone talking — to her recent collaboration with Ozwald Boateng for the 2025 Met Gala look, Tems always looks impeccable.
There’s a clear direction in how Wright styles the star for on-stage and off-stage looks. In an interview with Native Mag, Wright revealed that while many believe her choices to be political, they’re simply about creating a look for Tems that ensures that she feels her best in whatever outfit. . The combination of Tems and Dunsin Wright is a match made in fashion heaven. Long may this collaboration live.
Bose Ogulu — Burna Boy’s momager
Popularly known as Mama Burna, Bose Ogulu is Burna Boy’s manager and the powerhouse behind his success in the music industry. Daughter of Benson Idonjie, the late Fela’s manager, she’s not a stranger to the industry.
An academic, businesswoman and talent manager, Mama Burna had a whole career in foreign languages and linguistics before retiring in 2018. She’s been Burna Boy’s manager for years, from the start of his career till 2014, and again from 2017. As his mother and manager, she has a distinct relationship with Burna Boy, one that has borne many fruits, including Grammy nominations and wins for their team. She also manages her daughter, Nissi, also a singer, songwriter and engineer.
Outside of managing the star, she’s also the founder and CEO of Spaceship Collective, the holding company to entertainment label Spaceship Records and publishing outfit Spaceship Publishing.
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Jada Pollock — Wizkid’s manager
Jada Pollock, popularly known as Jada P, is Wizkid’s manager and the powerhouse behind his collaboration with global stars like Drake. A stylist, entrepreneur and talent manager, the American has been managing the award-winning star for years.
According to her interview with Nativemag, she met Wizkid while managing Chris Brown, and has since been instrumental in his immense growth and success. She’s also the mother of three of his kids—Zion, AJ and Morayo.
Vanessa Amadi — Tiwa Savage’s manager
Founder, VA|PR publicity, Vanessa Amadi, is a publicist and talent manager for Tiwa Savage, another musical star from Nigeria. British-Nigerian, she started her career early from as young as 17 years old, when she worked on Whitney Houston’s team.
Her career has spanned over 20 years, with an impressive portfolio, having worked with stars like Whitney Houston, Davido, Genevieve Nnaji, and of course, Tiwa Savage. Her partnership with Tiwa Savage, which began as a publicist-client relationship, has evolved and led to significant successes for both of them. Her work was instrumental in Tiwa signing a global deal with Universal Music Group in 2019, having her music reach people in over 60 countries.
Vanessa is also an excellent event producer, credited for producing Davido’s sold-out O2 arena concert, amongst others.
Janet Nwose — Asa’s manager
Asa’s manager, friend and backup singer, Janet has been working with the star since they met in 2004. Together, they’ve conquered the world of music, creating beautiful music and winning prestigious awards.
These women, whether stylists, managers, or instrumentalists, are integral to the success of Nigerian music stars on the global stage.
Their tireless work behind the scenes highlights the diverse talents and efforts that contribute to making Nigerian music a global phenomenon. As the industry continues to grow, so too will the recognition of these powerful women who are truly the forces behind the stars.
