Sarz

Specializing in a vivid blend of hip-hop, R&B, and club rhythms, Nigerian producer Sarz has become recognized as one of the leading figures among today’s Afrobeat creators. Osabuohien Osaretin, born in Benin City during March 1989, absorbed soul, pop, reggae, and R&B alongside highlife and juju while growing up; as a teenager he drew inspiration from radio and records spanning multiple strands of Black music and sang in a local church choir before committing to production. After relocating to Lagos he secured his initial credit on Lord of Ajasa’s 2007 single “See Drama,” then quickly supplied tracks for Shank, Banky W, Naeto C, and Skales.

Further productions included Jah Bless’s “Jor Oh,” which earned the Best Street Hop trophy at The Headies in 2010, Reminisce’s “Kako Bi Chicken,” honored in the same category in 2012, and the bulk of eLDee’s Undeniable album that same year. Also in 2012 he received his first Producer of the Year accolade at the Dynamix Awards after handling “Today Today” and additional material for the artist. In 2013 Sarz issued his debut solo single, “Beat of Life,” featuring Wizkid.

He went on to craft numerous recordings for Wizkid, Reminisce, M.I, Niniola, Burna Boy, Wande Coal, BNXN, and others, solidifying his stature within contemporary Afrobeat. January 2019 brought the release of his first EP, SINYM (Sarz Is Not Your Mate), again with Wizkid appearing. Later that year he and WurlD issued the joint project I Love Girls with Trobul, earning nominations for Songwriter of the Year and Best R&B Duo at the AFRIMA Awards. The Sarz Academy’s inaugural compilation, Memories That Last Forever, arrived in 2020.

Two further EPs followed in 2021: LV N ATTN, recorded with Lojay, and Sweetness, created with Obongjayar. A second Producer of the Year win came at The Headies in 2022, after which Sarz Academy presented the full-length album Memories That Last Forever 2 in 2023.