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Key Information

Osabuohien Osaretin (born 17 March 1989),[1] better known by his stage name Sarz, is a Nigerian record producer, mixing engineer and musician. Born in Benin City, Edo State, he is popularly known for the tag "Sarz on the beat" or "Really", at the beginning or end of his music productions.[2]

His first full credit production work was for Lord of Ajasa's "See Drama" in 2007. He has produced tracks for Wizkid, Naeto C, Banky W, Skales, Shank, Reminisce, Goldie Harvey, eLDee, Wande Coal, YQ, Lojay and Niniola.[3][4] He was formerly signed to Trybe Records, but left the outfit after his contract expired in November 2013.[5]

Musical career

[edit]

In 2010, Sarz produced the hit single "Jor Oh" and the remix for Jahbless which featured Durella, Ruggedman, Reminisce, Ice Prince and eLDee. The song won "Best Street Hop" and was nominated for "Best Collaboration" at The Headies 2011.[6] In 2011, he produced Shank's "Salute", eLDee's "Today Today" & "Wash Wash", Skales' "Mukulu", Goldie Harvey's "Don't Touch My Body" and Reminisce's "Kako Bi Chicken".[7] "Kako Bi Chicken" was nominated for "Best Street Hop" at The Headies, 2012.[8][9] Later that year, he solely produced eLDee's Undeniable album (except "We Made It").[10]

Sarz was nominated for the Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2012 "Producer of the Year" award alongside Don Jazzy. Although Don Jazzy won the award, he ended up giving the award to Sarz.[11] Sarz won "Best New Producer" at the 2012 Dynamix Awards.[12] He went on to release his first single “Beat Of Life (Samba)” featuring Nigerian Artiste, Wizkid from his upcoming album.[13]

In 2013, he produced two songs on Wizkid's Ayo album, "Jaiye Jaiye" featuring Femi Kuti and "Kilofe".[14] He was mentioned as one of the five new music producers giving Don Jazzy a run for his money by the Premium Times Nigeria.[15] Sarz was reported to have signed an endorsement deal with Nike later that Year.[16] Sarz was the executive producer for the official Hennessy Artistry 2014 theme song "Dance Go (Eau de Vie)", which featured Wizkid and 2Face Idibia.[17]

In April 2020, Sarz and Shizzi decided to go live on Instagram for a face off titled "The Battle of Hits" on 30 March 2020, which attracted a peak of 19.2k live viewers across the world.[18]

In 2021 Sarz released "Monalisa" with Lojay. "Monalisa" was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in 2023.[19]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Event Prize Recipient Result Ref
2012 Dynamix Awards Music Producer of the Year Himself Won [20]
2013 City People Awards Music Producer of the Year Himself Won [21]
Nigerian Entertainment Awards Music Producer of the Year Himself Nominated [22]
Song Of The Year "Beat Of Life (Samba)"
(featuring Wizkid) 		Nominated [22]
South South Music Awards Producer of the Year Himself Nominated [23]
2018 The Headies Producer of the Year Himself Nominated [24]
2019 SoundCity MVP Awards African Producer of the Year Himself Nominated [25]
AFRIMA Music Producer of the Year Himself Nominated [26]
Songwriter of the Year "Trobül" (Sarz & Wurld) Nominated [27]
Best RnB Duo "Trobül" (Sarz & Wurld) Nominated [28]
2021 Afro X Digitals Awards Music Producer of the Year Himself Won [29]
AFRIMA Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Contemporary "Monalisa" (Sarz x Lojay) Nominated [30]
2022 The Headies Producer of the Year Himself Won [31]
AFRIMA African Fans Favourite Monalisa remix (Sarz x Lojay feat. Chris Brown) Nominated [32]

Discography

[edit]
Sarz's Album / EP
Year Title Tracks Contributors / Features Ref
2019 SINYM (Sarz Is Not Your Mate) EP Good Morning Riddim Femi Leye, Leabdro "Dro" Hidalgo, Mizzle, TMX0. [33]
Spiritual Riddim Femi Leye, Leabdro "Dro" Hidalgo.
Celetronic Riddim Leabdro "Dro" Hidalgo, Lil Kesh, Mizzle.
Inbox Riddim Leabdro "Dro" Hidalgo, Lil Kesh, Wizkid.
Hello Africa Riddim Dr. Alban, Flash, Leabdro "Dro" Hidalgo, TMX0.
Legwork Riddim Leabdro "Dro" Hidalgo, Mizzle.
2025 Protect Sarz At All Cost Grateful WurlD, Ndlovu Youth Choir
Happiness Asake, Gunna
Getting Paid Asake, Wizkid, Skillibeng
Mademoiselle ODUMODUBLVCK, Shallipopi, Theodora, Zeina
BMF Byron Messia, FireboyDML
Body Joeboy
In A Mustang Qing Madi
Nice n'Slow Wurld
Loved Me Then Lojay
African Barbie Teni, Libianca
Up Victony
Billions Lojay
Sarz's Collaborations
Year Artiste Body of Work Tracks
2019 Sarz X WurlD I LOVE GIRLS WITH TROBUL Prisona
Trobul
Sweat
Focus
Mad
Nobody Wins Interlude
Ego
Sade
2021 Lojay X Sarz LV N ATTN Tonongo
LV N ATTN feat. Wizkid
Park O X3
Panty!
Monalisa
2021 Sarz X Obongjayar Sweetness Sweetness
Gone Girl
If You Say
Nobody
Sarz's Executive Production
Year Title Talents Tracks Ref
2020 MTLF EP (Memories That Last Forever EP) The Sarz Academy Gbewa - Dunnie, Niniola
Hold Me - Wizkid
Global - Sarz, Tempoe, Jahblend
Forever - Tiwa Savage
Wa Je - P.Priime, Dapo Tuburna, Horsh
Ma Lo Wa - Zlatan
2023 MTLF 2 (Memories That Last Forever 2) Album The Sarz Academy Breathe - Perfext
Resemble- Fxrtune
233- Charmaine'L A
Good To Me- Perfext, Gimba
Sad Love- Millymay_pod, Syntiat
Inside Life- Fxrtune
Only Man- Gimba
Steady- Charmaine'L A, Gimba
Rude- Syntiat
Ready- Fxrtune, Pjstar
DPWMH- Millymay_pod, Pjstar
Body Wicked- Millymay_pod
More- Perfext
Buga- Fxrtune
Jam One Kele- Millymay_pod, Gimba, Fxrtune [34]
Sarz's Production
Year Artiste Song title
2007 Ruggedman Banging
Lord of Ajasa See drama
2008 Shank King Kong
2009 YQ I Like Girls
Dagrin Kondo
2010 Goldie Don't Touch
Iceberg Slim I Made It feat. Da Grin
Jahbless Jor oh! Remix feat. Iceprince, Reminisce, Durella, Ruggedman, Eldee
2011 Skales Keresimesi
Shank Salute
Sarz Badman feat. Wizkid
Shank Ghetto
Skales Mukulu
Banky W Lowkey
Michael Word Pop Sugar feat. Muna
Naeto C Super C Season
Reminisce Kako bi chicken
Minjin So beautiful
2012 Skales Ko Mo Le
Sarz Beat of Life (Samba) feat. Wizkid
Wizkid Dance For Me
Skales My baby
Eldee Higher feat. K9 and Sojay
Eldee Been There Done That
Eldee Today Today
Eldee Always
Eldee Run Down feat. Banky W
Eldee Category
Eldee Wash Wash
Eldee Never let you go feat. Wizkid
Eldee Zombie feat. K9 and Sojay
EME Get Down Tonight
2013 XP Calabar Remix feat. Reminisce, Skales, Olamide
Reminisce Ni’gboro
Sarz Ise Yen feat. Reminisce
Sarz Shoknorris feat. Burna Boy
L.O.S Wish you could stay
Omawumi Warn Yourself feat. Wizkid
DJ Neptune Emi Ni Oba (The King) feat. Phyno, Ruggedman, Pope, Reminisce, Uzi & Dagrin
Lynxxx Eziokwu feat Ikechukwu, Illbliss & Phyno
Wizkid Jaiye Jaiye feat. Femi Kuti
Lynxxx Mr Sexy
Reminisce Fantasi
Sarz Celebration feat. K9
Illrymz Get the Club Started feat. Reminisce
El’vee Oga Pata Pata feat. Don Jazzy
Addiction Show Your Talent
Wizkid, Iyanya, Praiz, Kcee MTN iPulse
2014 M.I Shekpe feat Reminisce
M.I Rich feat. Koker
M.I Wheel Barrow feat. Beenie Man & Emmy Ace
Reminisce Eleniyan feat. Wizkid
Wizkid Sound It
Niniola Ibadi
Tekno Anything
2face Idibia & Wizkid Dance Go (Eau de Vie)
Kach Get up
Reminisce Fantasi
Samad Low waist
K9 Care about us feat. Sound Sultan
Wizkid Kilofe
2015 Burna Boy Trance
Reminisce Skilashi
Wande Coal Ashimapeyin
Wande Coal Adura
Wande Coal Wanted Remix
2016 2Baba Coded Tinz feat. Phyno & Chief Obi
Reminisce Asalamalekun
Reminisce Asalamalekun [Remix] feat.Wale
Hennessey Artistry No be Water feat. Praiz, Burna Boy & Vector
Reminisce If E Nobi God feat. Mr. Eazi
2017 Wizkid Come Closer feat. Drake
Wizkid Sweet Love
Niniola Maradona
Niniola Sicker
Wizkid African Bad Girl feat. Chris Brown
Sarz Get up ft. Flash & DJ Tunez
Tekno BE
Niniola Saro
Niniola Magun
Mr Eazi Accra To Lagos
2018 Dj Enimoney Diet feat. Reminisce, Slimcase & Tiwa Savage
Wurld x Sarz Trobül
Skepta & Wizkid Bad Energy
Niniola x DJ Snake Maradona Riddim
Flash Balanciego
Niniola x Busiswa Magun Remix
Mr. Eazi Ogede
Niniola Bana
2019 Seyi Shay Gimmie Love feat. Runtown
Reminisce Oja
Reminisce OGB4IG
Niniola Designer feat. Sarz
TBD X Wande Coal X Sarz Tofunmi
Niniola Omo Rapala
Wande Coal Vex
Beyoncé FIND YOUR WAY BACK
Reminisce Instagram feat. Naira Marley, Olamide & Sarz
2020 The Sarz Academy Hold Me feat. Wizkid
Reminisce Ogaranya feat. Fireboy DML
Shirazee African Man In New York feat. Sarz
Wizkid Longtime feat. Skepta
2021 Shirazee X Sting English Man, African Man In New York
Nao Antidote feat. Adekunle Gold
2022 Lojay X Sarz Monalisa remix feat. Chris Brown
Crayon Ijo (Laba Laba)
Ijo (Laba Laba) remix feat. Camidoh, Costa Titch & Focalistic
2023 BNXN Gwagalada feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibes
Crayon Ngozi feat. Ayra Starr
Wurld x Sarz Location
Sarz x Crayon x Skrillex Yo Fam
Sarz feat. Asake, Gunna Happiness
Tems Not An Angel
2024 Ruger & BNXN Ilashe

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sarz

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sarz, born Osabuohien Osaretin on March 17, 1989, in , , , is a prominent , , DJ, and renowned for his innovative contributions to , hip-hop, R&B, and club music. He began his career selling his first beat in 2005 at the age of 15 and has since become a pivotal figure in the Nigerian music industry, often recognized by his signature production tag "Sarz on the beat." Sarz's production style blends traditional African rhythms with modern electronic elements, earning him collaborations with leading artists such as , with whom he has worked for over a decade, as well as , , , and international acts like . His discography includes influential tracks like "Jaiye Jaiye" by featuring and "Maradona" by , which helped define the sound of contemporary . In recent years, Sarz has expanded into artist albums and singles, releasing his debut album Protect Sarz At All Costs on , 2025, which includes the track "Getting Paid" featuring , , and , further solidifying his global influence.

Early life and education

Upbringing in Benin City

Osabuohien Osaretin, professionally known as Sarz, was born on March 17, 1989, in , , . He was the child of Mr. and Mrs. Osaretin in a middle-class family of three children, with his meaning "Ambitious, Playful and Different" in the local context. Raised in a not-too-affluent neighborhood, Sarz's parents emphasized core values such as , , and respect, which shaped his formative years. The household environment in was immersed in the local Nigerian music scene, where radio broadcasts and record collections introduced young Sarz to the sounds of the region. and music, prevalent in Edo State's , formed a key part of his early auditory experiences, reflecting the area's rich musical heritage. These genres echoed through settings, fostering an organic familiarity with rhythm and melody. Sarz's initial non-professional exposure to music extended beyond the home to community interactions in , including neighborhood gatherings where local tunes were shared and enjoyed. As a teenager, he participated in a local church choir, which provided hands-on engagement with in a communal setting. This period in established a foundational connection to that influenced his path forward.

Musical influences and training

Sarz's early musical influences were shaped by a diverse array of genres he encountered through childhood records and radio in , including , pop, , R&B, , and music. These sounds provided a foundational blend of Western and Nigerian traditions, fostering his appreciation for rhythmic complexity and melodic storytelling from an early age. Additionally, exposure to American producers like , , and ignited his interest in beat-making, emphasizing innovative production techniques that would later define his style. Largely self-taught, Sarz began experimenting with music production in his early teens using basic software such as Fruity Loops version 3, acquired through a friend. This hands-on approach stemmed from his passion and curiosity about hip-hop and R&B beats from the and 2000s, leading him to replicate instrumentals and create original tracks without formal instruction. He also gained initial vocal experience by singing in a local church choir, which honed his ear for and in an informal setting. After completing , Sarz failed the university entrance examination and, around the age of 18, relocated from to , seeking deeper immersion in Nigeria's burgeoning . In Lagos, he continued his self-directed learning by frequenting local studios, observing professional workflows, and experimenting with beats that incorporated local elements like Yoruba rhythms alongside his Western influences. This period of practical exposure allowed him to refine his skills through , building a versatile production foundation before entering professional circles.

Professional career

Early productions (2007–2012)

Sarz's entry into professional music production began in 2007, when he received his first full credit on Lord of Ajasa's track "See Drama," a pivotal moment that marked his transition from self-taught experimentation to credited work in Nigeria's burgeoning hip-hop scene. This early credit came shortly after he moved to , where he leveraged his self-taught skills on software like FruityLoops to create beats amid a competitive environment. Building on this, Sarz collaborated with emerging artists, producing tracks such as Jahbless's "Jor Oh," which earned recognition in street-hop categories, and Reminisce's "Kako Bi Chicken" in 2011, a West African street anthem that showcased his ability to blend rhythmic percussion with urban narratives. During this period, Sarz also worked with artists like Shank, producing the 2011 single "," which highlighted his emerging style of infectious, dance-oriented beats tailored to Nigeria's club culture. These collaborations helped him gain traction among up-and-coming talents, including early sessions with , as he navigated the local scene to refine his sound. A key development was the creation of his signature production tag, "Sarz on the beat" (often paired with "Really?" at the end), which he began incorporating into tracks around 2009–2010 to assert his identity and protect his work from unauthorized use in an era of rampant . This tag quickly became a recognizable hallmark, signaling his involvement and building his reputation as a reliable newcomer. As a young in , Sarz faced significant challenges, including limited financial resources—he sold his initial beats for as little as 3,000 nairas (approximately $8 at the time)—and difficulties securing studio access without established connections. The industry undervalued producers, often refusing payment or credits, forcing Sarz to advocate fiercely for fair compensation and recognition on releases. stifled revenue streams, with no robust market for physical sales or live performances, while inconsistent and basic equipment shortages compounded production hurdles in makeshift studios. Despite these obstacles, his persistence in demanding equity laid the groundwork for greater respect and opportunities in the years ahead.

Breakthrough collaborations (2013–2018)

Sarz's breakthrough came in 2013 with his production contributions to Wizkid's album Ayo, where he crafted the beats for the lead single "Jaiye Jaiye" featuring and the track "Kilofe." These songs blended rhythms with contemporary pop elements, helping the album achieve commercial success and solidify Sarz's reputation for innovative sound design in Nigerian music. His involvement in the Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.) project extended into this period through key tracks on the compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind, including "Dance for Me" by and "Ko Mo Le" featuring , produced alongside other rising talents like Spellz. These contributions highlighted Sarz's ability to collaborate within a multi-artist framework, producing infectious, dance-oriented beats that propelled E.M.E. artists to wider audiences and earned the project a nomination for Best Album of the Year at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. In 2014, Sarz elevated his profile further by co-producing tracks on M.I Abaga's third studio album The Chairman, notably "Shekpe" featuring Reminisce alongside Reinhard, which captured the raw energy of street life with gritty hip-hop instrumentation. This work on one of Nigeria's landmark rap albums underscored Sarz's versatility in hip-hop production and contributed to the project's critical acclaim as a concept-driven effort. By 2017, Sarz's collaborations reached new heights with his production on Yemi Alade's third album , including the soulful track "You," which showcased his knack for emotive, mid-tempo Afropop arrangements. This period also marked growing international recognition for Sarz's collaborative output, as tracks like "Jaiye Jaiye" garnered early buzz in global circles and positioned him for broader exposure through Wizkid's rising international profile, including Grammy considerations for related high-profile features.

Established projects and solo work (2019–present)

In the later phase of his career, Sarz continued to solidify his influence in production through key collaborations that blended genres and achieved international acclaim. One standout project was his production on "Monalisa," a 2021 single featuring , which he crafted by incorporating elements into the framework during studio sessions with the artist. The track's remix, released in May 2022 with , amplified its global reach, earning over 140 million streams, a Silver certification from the in 2023 for exceeding 200,000 units in the UK, and a Gold certification from the RIAA in the United States in October 2025 for over 500,000 units sold. Sarz marked a significant transition toward solo artistry with the release of his debut , Protect Sarz At All Costs, on , 2025. The 12-track project, distributed via major platforms like and , showcased his evolution as a lead artist and producer, featuring high-profile global talents including on two tracks, on two, WurlD on two, , Gunna, , , , , Teni, and Byron Messia. Prior singles like "" (with and Gunna) built anticipation, emphasizing Sarz's signature percussive rhythms and melodic innovation across a runtime of 34 minutes. A highlight from the album, "Getting Paid" featuring , , and , debuted at number one on the Official Chart on October 5, 2025, held the top position for multiple weeks, and as of November 11, 2025, charted at number nine, culminating in Sarz receiving his first Chart plaque in late October. Released as a single on September 25, 2025, the track's infectious energy and star-studded lineup underscored Sarz's ability to curate crossover hits, with its official following on November 7. Parallel to his studio work, Sarz expanded into performing as a DJ and live act, moving beyond production to headline events worldwide from 2019 onward. Notable appearances include his 2024 Boiler Room set in with collaborators, a Mixmag Lab performance that same year highlighting and fusions, and 2025 shows at in New York and in . These outings, often billed as DJ sets blending his productions with global rhythms, have positioned him as a dynamic stage presence in the evolving scene.

Business ventures

Founding Sarz Academy

In 2015, Nigerian music producer Sarz (Osabuohien Osaretin) established The Sarz Academy as a non-profit organization in Lagos, Nigeria, aimed at nurturing emerging talents in music production and the creative industry. The initiative began with production camps and masterclasses, providing hands-on studio training to help young creatives develop professional skills and build sustainable careers. Located in Lagos, the academy's facilities enable practical sessions where participants work directly in recording environments to apply techniques learned. The curriculum emphasizes core production techniques, including , mixing, and mastering, alongside essential business knowledge such as music rights management, , and industry navigation. These components are delivered through structured programs like three-day masterclasses, often in partnership with platforms such as , focusing on tools like , , and . The academy's approach prioritizes both artistic development and entrepreneurial acumen to address gaps in formal training for African producers. Sarz's motivation for founding the stemmed from his self-taught background, where he lacked structured early in his career, prompting him to create a platform for youth to avoid similar challenges and foster in the music sector. Initially funded through Sarz's personal investments as a non-profit venture, it has since expanded via collaborations, including with , to support broader access to training.

Launch of 1789 label

In 2021, Sarz founded MusicTech as a production and artist management label aimed at discovering, developing, and promoting emerging African talents on a global scale. The entity was established as a in the that year, building on an earlier Nigerian incorporation in 2018, with a focus on providing comprehensive services including development, production support, and international distribution. As chairman and founder, Sarz positioned 1789 to empower underrepresented African artists by bridging local creativity with worldwide opportunities, drawing from his experience in mentoring through The Sarz Academy. The label's inaugural activities emphasized joint project deals with select artists, leading to notable releases that highlighted its commitment to innovative African sounds. One of the first major outputs under 1789 was the collaborative Memories That Last Forever 2 by alumni of The Sarz Academy, released on July 19, 2023, which showcased a collective of producers and artists trained through Sarz's educational initiatives. This exemplified the label's role in elevating academy graduates, such as producers who had honed their skills in structured programs, into professional careers with hit potential. Subsequent efforts included similar development deals with five artists, resulting in successful independent releases that gained traction in and related genres. In September 2025, the label released "Body" featuring , continuing its focus on collaborations. A key aspect of 1789's operations involves the integration of technology to enhance music production and distribution, enabling efficient global reach for African creators. Through strategic partnerships with platforms like (announced in June 2023), The Orchard, , , and , the label leverages digital tools for streaming optimization, data-driven artist promotion, and royalty management, reducing barriers for indie artists in emerging markets. This tech-forward approach aligns with Sarz's vision of sustainable empowerment, allowing talents to retain ownership while accessing international audiences and resources previously dominated by major labels.

Awards and nominations

Major awards won

Sarz's early recognition in the Nigerian came with his win for Best New at the 2012 Dynamix Awards, highlighting his emerging talent in beat-making and production shortly after his professional debut. The following year, he solidified his status by receiving the Music of the Year award at the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards, an accolade that acknowledged his contributions to multiple hit tracks and collaborations within the scene. In 2022, Sarz earned the Producer of the Year honor at Awards for his work on "Monalisa" with , a track that exemplified his innovative fusion of and electronic elements, boosting its global streaming success. Most recently, in 2025, Sarz was awarded the Chart No. 1 Plaque for "Getting Paid" featuring , , and , celebrating the single's debut at the top of the Official Chart and marking a significant international milestone in his career.

Key nominations

Sarz received his first major industry recognition through a nomination for Producer of the Year at the 2012 Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA), where he competed against established figures including , , Shizzi, , and Samklef. Although ultimately won the award, the nomination underscored Sarz's rising influence in Nigerian music production during his early career. The following year, Sarz earned another nomination in the same category at the 2013 NEA, facing off against Spellz, Masterkraft, Chopstix, Shizzi, and Fliptyce, further affirming his consistent acclaim among peers. This nod highlighted his contributions to key tracks like Wizkid's "Beat of Life ()," which also received attention in related categories. In 2019, Sarz was nominated for African Producer of the Year at the SunCity MVP Awards, recognizing his expanding impact across the continent through high-profile productions. That same year, he secured a nomination for Songwriter of the Year at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) for his collaborative track "Trobül" with Wurld, emphasizing his multifaceted role in songwriting and production.

Discography

Productions for other artists

Sarz has established himself as a prolific producer for numerous Nigerian artists, contributing to several landmark albums and singles that helped shape the Afrobeats genre. His work on Wizkid's second studio album Ayo (2013) included production on the lead single "Jaiye Jaiye" featuring Femi Kuti, a track blending highlife influences with contemporary beats that became a commercial success upon its release. He also handled production for "Kilofẹ́" on the same album, showcasing his ability to craft infectious rhythms that propelled Wizkid's international breakthrough. In 2014, Sarz contributed to M.I Abaga's third studio album The Chairman, producing the collaborative track "Human Being" featuring Ice Prince, Reminisce, and , which highlighted his skill in layering multiple vocalists over dynamic percussion and synth elements. The following year, he worked on Yemi Alade's third studio album (2017), delivering the production for "You," a soulful R&B-infused track that underscored Alade's and contributed to the album's critical acclaim for its genre-blending approach. Beyond full albums, Sarz's singles production has yielded hits across artists. The 2013 single "Jaiye Jaiye" not only anchored Ayo but also earned widespread radio play and video acclaim for its energetic fusion of Afrobeat and funk. More recently, he co-produced the single "Monalisa" with Lojay, released in 2021, a seductive Afrobeats track that amassed millions of streams and later featured a remix with Chris Brown, amplifying its global reach through catchy hooks and minimalist production. Sarz's collaborations with span over a decade, beginning with the 2014 single "Ibadi," where he shaped her early sound with vibrant electronic elements. He produced subsequent hits like "Maradona" (2017) and "Seeker" (2018), evolving her style toward dancehall-infused , and handled mixing duties on tracks from her debut album This Is Me (2019). Their partnership continued with "Designer" (2019) and "Addicted" (2020), both Sarz-produced singles that emphasized pulsating basslines and Niniola's commanding vocals, solidifying their status as a key duo in . With , Sarz's contributions include production and mixing on "Vex" (2019), a high-energy track with synth-driven beats that marked Coal's return to solo releases after a hiatus. He also produced "Tofunmi" (2019) featuring TDM, blending with trap influences to create a club-ready anthem that highlighted Coal's melodic delivery. Through his Sarz Academy, Sarz has mentored emerging talents, culminating in the oversight and production direction for the alumni compilation Memories That Last Forever 2 (2023), a 15-track project released under his 1789 label that features up-and-coming artists and demonstrates his commitment to nurturing the next generation of producers and performers.

Solo releases

Sarz entered the music scene as a performing artist with his debut single "Beat of Life (Samba)" in 2013, featuring , which showcased his production skills alongside vocal contributions and marked his initial foray into leading tracks. The song blended rhythms with influences, earning nominations for "Song of the Year" and "Hottest Single" at the 2013 Awards. In 2021, Sarz collaborated closely with singer on the EP LV N ATTN (Love and Attention), released under their joint artist billing, which highlighted Sarz's dual role as and performer across five tracks. The project fused with amapiano elements, gaining international traction through the "Monalisa," which later received a featuring in 2022 and amassed millions of streams globally. Other notable tracks included "Tonongo," "Park O X3," "LV N ATTN" with , and "Panty!," emphasizing Sarz's evolving artistry in melodic hooks and beat construction. Sarz released his full-length debut album Protect Sarz At All Costs on September 26, 2025, a 12-track project that solidified his transition to a primary artist while incorporating high-profile features from and global stars. The album, spanning 34 minutes, explores themes of gratitude, hustle, and cultural pride through eclectic production blending traditional Nigerian sounds with modern trap and R&B influences. Key highlights include "Happiness" featuring and Gunna, which peaked at No. 14 on Rolling Stone's list of the 50 Best Songs of 2025; "Grateful" with WurlD and the Ndlovu Youth Choir for its choral Afro-soul vibe; "Getting Paid" featuring , , and ; and tracks like "Up" with , "Nice N' Slow" with WurlD, and "African Barbie" with Teni. Additional features from , , , and others underscored Sarz's industry connections, with the album receiving praise for its cohesive sound and innovative layering of percussion and synths.

References

  1. https://www.boomplay.com/buzz/3518325
  2. https://awesomedjproductions.com/artist/sarz-f-asake-gunna1789-enter/
  3. https://www.last.fm/music/Sarz/%2Bwiki
  4. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/learn-more-renowned-producer-sarz-110000542.html
  5. https://www.revolt.tv/article/producer-sarz-is-ready-for-his-spotlight-on-the-global-stage
  6. https://pan-african-music.com/en/sarz-interview/
  7. https://metallicinc.com/SARZ
  8. https://www.insomniac.com/music/artists/sarz/
  9. https://www.vipermag.com/2024/06/27/interview-sarz/
  10. https://mixmag.net/feature/sarz-interview-nigerian-producer-cover-feature-album-protect-all-costs
  11. https://www.qobuz.com/ie-en/interpreter/sarz/1380971
  12. https://www.billboard.com/pro/sarz-producer-afrobeats-interview/
  13. https://www.pulse.ng/articles/entertainment/music/wizkid-did-you-know-starboy-once-fought-with-sarz-over-his-production-2024073112472391547
  14. https://thepingofpong.wordpress.com/2014/07/06/album-review-banky-wizkid-cos-empire-mates-state-of-mind/
  15. https://music.apple.com/us/song/ko-mo-le-feat-skales/1580114488
  16. https://genius.com/albums/Mi-abaga/The-chairman
  17. https://thelagosreview.ng/m-is-the-chairman-album-is-an-incredible-delight-toni-kan/
  18. https://genius.com/albums/Yemi-alade/Black-magic
  19. https://genius.com/Yemi-alade-you-lyrics
  20. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/217213-wizkid-nominated-grammy-awards.html
  21. https://www.boomplay.com/buzz/2629680
  22. https://unitedmasters.com/en/brands/blog?p=afrobeats-artist-sarz-is-paving-the-way-for-the-next-generation-of-hitmakers
  23. https://naijabeats.com/lojays-monalisa-with-chris-brown-earns-riaa-gold-certification/
  24. https://music.apple.com/us/album/protect-sarz-at-all-costs/1840487436
  25. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/afrobeats-sarz-wizkid-shallipopi-teni-album-track-list-1235433658/
  26. https://genius.com/albums/Sarz/Protect-sarz-at-all-costs
  27. https://worldmusicviews.com/sarz-asake-wizkid-skillibengs-getting-paid-debuts-at-1-on-the-uk-official-afrobeats-chart/
  28. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/afrobeats-chart/20251005/afrobeat/
  29. https://africapublicity.com/producer-sarz-wins-uk-afrobeats-chart-award-for-getting-paid-collaboration/
  30. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/afrobeats-chart/20251111/afrobeat/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9L5eiZZogo
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBCzGKhtKS4
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMpqezsdFRk
  34. https://businesspost.ng/showbiz/youtube-music-sarz-academy-to-train-producers-songwriters/
  35. https://thenativemag.com/sarz-production-camp-upcoming-producers/
  36. https://www.thesarzacademy.com/sessions
  37. https://www.thesarzacademy.com/
  38. https://www.facebook.com/only1sarz/videos/the-sarz-production-camp-is-a-two-day-crash-course-in-music-production-sound-des/1211600562211214/
  39. https://guardian.ng/life/sarz-youtube-partner-to-train-emerging-producers-songwriters/
  40. https://www.billboard.com/pro/unitedmasters-sarz-1789-imprint-empowering-african-talent-exclusive/
  41. https://1789musictech.com/about/
  42. https://1789musictech.com/about-sarz/
  43. https://open.spotify.com/album/7l1Ew4Exi14LMaosXJW6rf
  44. https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/sarz-academy-release-album-memories-that-last-forever-2/glske3l
  45. https://www.beatport.com/track/body-feat-joeboy/21818051
  46. https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/nigerian-producer-sarz-inks-deal-unitedmasters
  47. https://tribuneonlineng.com/sarz-prolific-producer-who-never-stops-winning/
  48. https://www.bellanaija.com/2013/07/2013-city-people-entertainment-awards-first-photos-full-list-of-winners/
  49. https://theheadies.com/15th-headies-winners-list/
  50. https://trendyafrica.com/nominees-announced-for-7th-nea-awards/
  51. https://olalakesydstories.wordpress.com/2012/09/04/entertainment-2012-nigeria-entertainment-awards-nominees-and-winners/
  52. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/137094-nigerian-entertainment-award-announces-2013-nominees.html
  53. https://mdundo.com/news/21664
  54. https://genius.com/albums/Wizkid/Ayo
  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/11633287-Yemi-Alade-Black-Magic
  56. https://trendybeatz.com/download-mp3/190/wizkid-jaiye-jaiye-ft-femi-kuti
  57. https://audiomack.com/lojay/song/monalisa
  58. https://www.afrobeatscentral.com/post/niniola-and-sarz-a-dynamic-artist-producer-collaboration
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib7YN4jK-oM
  60. https://thenativemag.com/niniola-back-another-sarz-produced-banger-addicted/
  61. https://thenativemag.com/wande-coal-teams-sarz-new-single-vex/
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxosuWSUels
  63. https://music.apple.com/om/album/the-sarz-academy-presents-memories-that-last-forever-2/1690882982
  64. https://open.spotify.com/track/5G24GnzKX2KwLv3apqO07h
  65. https://www.instagram.com/p/DK9iji2IJ9z/
  66. https://music.apple.com/us/album/lv-n-attn-ep/1564963618
  67. https://www.theafricareport.com/224967/south-africa-lojay-and-sarz-on-the-making-of-monalisa-their-blend-of-afrobeats-and-amapiano/
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