Shizzi Biography: Career, Songs, Age, Labels and Musical Journey
Oluwaseyi Akerele, professionally known as Shizzi, is a Nigerian platinum-selling record producer, songwriter and disc jockey. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the Nigerian music industry and for producing several commercially successful songs for leading African and international artists.
Shizzi was born on 3 December 1984. He was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, and has been active professionally in music since 2009.
Shizzi rose to prominence through his production work with artists including Davido, Wizkid, Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince, Naeto C, Fireboy DML and Chris Brown, among others. His production credits span Afrobeats, pop and contemporary African music, establishing him as one of the notable Nigerian producers of his generation.
Shizzi Early Life and Music Career
Shizzi began his musical journey as a church drummer, developing his understanding of rhythm and music production from an early age. His transition into professional music production eventually led to collaborations with some of Nigeria’s most prominent recording artists.
His breakthrough came in 2011, when he gained widespread recognition for producing Davido’s “Dami Duro.” The song became an important part of Davido’s emergence as a major force in Nigerian music.
Shizzi subsequently produced six songs on Davido’s debut studio album, Omo Baba Olowo, released in 2012. His production work also extended to Wizkid’s “Love My Baby,” from Wizkid’s debut studio album, Superstar, released in 2011.
During this period, Shizzi was also associated with major songs including “Skelewu” and “Gobe.” He produced Wande Coal’s songs “Baby Face” and “Go Low,” further strengthening his reputation as a sought-after Nigerian music producer.
Over the course of his career, he has worked with numerous artists, including Sasha, Harrysong, OD Woods, Naeto C, Sauce Kid, Wande Coal, Wizkid, D’Prince, May D, Danagog, Emmy Gee, Skuki, DaBaby, Chris Brown and Fireboy DML, among others.
Shizzi’s Major Production Work
In 2013, Shizzi co-produced Davido’s “Tchelete”, a collaboration involving Uhuru and DJ Maphorisa featuring Mafikizolo.
On 26 June 2014, he participated in the recording of MultiChoice’s Africa Rising campaign song alongside artists including Davido, Tiwa Savage, Lola Rae, Sarkodie, Diamond Platnumz and Mi Casa.
In 2015, Shizzi appeared alongside Davido at the NEC Live masterclass, where he demonstrated aspects of hit-making and music production.
Sony/ATV Publishing Deal and Magic Fingers
A major milestone in Shizzi’s career came in 2016, when he signed a publishing agreement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing as a record producer and songwriter.
Later that year, Shizzi unveiled Magic Fingers, a record label and management company. One of the artists associated with the imprint was Nigerian singer Teni, who became its first signee.
Shizzi’s work also reached an international audience in 2019, when he appeared in a documentary connected to Beyoncé’s soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift. The documentary aired on ABC on 16 September 2019, with Shizzi discussing his involvement in recording music for the project.
Shizzi’s The Battle of Hits with Sarz
In 2020, he joined fellow Nigerian producer Sarz for a two-hour Instagram Live session titled The Battle of Hits.
The session featured the two producers playing some of their biggest records alongside previously unreleased material. It attracted considerable attention within the music industry, with notable viewers including Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, Wizkid, Don Jazzy, Davido, Spinall, Kel-P and Tiwa Savage.
The event highlighted the influence of Nigerian music producers and generated significant interest among Afrobeats fans and industry professionals.
Teni and Magic Fingers Controversy
In 2021, Shizzi became involved in a public exchange with singer Teni concerning her departure from his imprint.
He responded to a tweet by Teni regarding her career and departure from the label, arguing that his contribution to her early career should have been acknowledged. The exchange became part of the public discussion surrounding their professional relationship.
End of Sony/ATV Publishing Deal
On 27 April 2022, Shizzi announced the end of his six-year publishing relationship with Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
In statements shared publicly at the time, he disputed aspects of the termination process and expressed dissatisfaction with the terms of his original agreement. He also alleged that he had not been given an opportunity to independently select an attorney to review the contract when the deal was initially signed in 2016.
He later continued his publishing career with Concord Music Publishing, a division of American entertainment company Concord.
Grammy-Nominated Production and International Recognition
In 2024, Shizzi added another major achievement to his production career when he produced “Sunlight to My Soul” by Grammy-winning Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo, featuring the Soweto Gospel Choir.
The song received a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance, while Shizzi received special recognition from The Recording Academy for his contribution.
The achievement further expanded his production portfolio beyond Nigeria and demonstrated his involvement in internationally recognized African music projects.
OBG Records
In 2025, Shizzi launched his second record label, OBG Records. The name OBG stands for “Ordained by God.”
The label introduced its first signing, Tayor, as part of his continued involvement in developing emerging musical talent.
On 17 October 2025, he released “Famous” with Tayor under OBG Records. The song marked the label’s first official release.
Through OBG Records, he expanded his role in the music industry from producer and songwriter to label executive and artist developer.
Shizzi’s Musical Legacy
Shizzi’s career reflects the evolution of contemporary Nigerian music from the early 2010s into the global Afrobeats era. His production credits include songs associated with some of the industry’s most influential artists, while his publishing, songwriting and label ventures have expanded his role beyond studio production.
From his beginnings as a church drummer to producing major Afrobeats records, participating in international projects and establishing record labels, Shizzi has built a career around music production, songwriting and artist development.
His work with artists such as Davido and Wizkid, his international collaborations, his involvement in The Lion King: The Gift project, his Grammy-nominated production credit and the establishment of OBG Records represent significant chapters in his professional journey.
Shizzi Controversies
He has also been involved in public disputes during his career.
On 16 January 2016, he accused Tunde Ednut and Masterkraft of using his instrumental for the song “Kosowo,” which was produced by Masterkraft. The accusation became a publicly discussed dispute within Nigeria’s music industry.
Shizzi Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Oluwaseyi Akerele |
| Stage name | Shizzi |
| Profession | Record Producer, Songwriter, Disc Jockey |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Early musical background | Church drummer |
| Major breakthrough | Davido’s “Dami Duro” |
| Notable artists worked with | Davido, Wizkid, Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage, Chris Brown, Fireboy DML, Angélique Kidjo |
| Former publishing company | Sony/ATV Music Publishing |
| Current publishing company | Concord Music Publishing |
| Earlier imprint | Magic Fingers |
| Current record label | OBG Records |
| OBG meaning | Ordained by God |
| Notable international project | The Lion King: The Gift |
| Grammy-related credit | “Sunlight to My Soul” – Angélique Kidjo featuring Soweto Gospel Choir |
Frequently Asked Questions About Shizzi
Who is Shizzi?
Shizzi, whose real name is Oluwaseyi Akerele, is a Nigerian record producer, songwriter and disc jockey known for producing music for prominent Nigerian and international artists.
What is Shizzi famous for?
Shizzi is particularly known for his production work with Davido and Wizkid, including Davido’s “Dami Duro” and songs from Omo Baba Olowo, as well as Wizkid’s “Love My Baby.”
Which artists has Shizzi worked with?
Shizzi has worked with artists including Davido, Wizkid, Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince, Naeto C, Fireboy DML, Chris Brown, Angélique Kidjo and the Soweto Gospel Choir, among others.
What record label does Shizzi own?
He launched OBG Records in 2025. OBG stands for “Ordained by God.” His earlier label and management venture was known as Magic Fingers.
What is Shizzi’s connection to the Grammy Awards?
He produced “Sunlight to My Soul” by Angélique Kidjo featuring the Soweto Gospel Choir. The song was nominated for Best Global Music Performance, and He received special recognition from The Recording Academy.
What was Shizzi’s publishing deal with Sony/ATV?
He signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2016. In 2022, he announced the end of the six-year publishing relationship and subsequently continued with Concord Music Publishing.
