The Nigerian music film directing scene is beautiful today because some top Nigerian music video directors took it upon themselves to set the pillars.They may not be at the forefront of the directing scene today but we must not forget them in a hurry. In this post, I will highlight 7 top Nigerian music video directors who paved the way for the crop of latest music film makers in Nigeria.
Clarence Peters
Son of legendary Juju singer Shina Peters and iconic actress, Clarion Chukwura, Clarence Peters is one of the top Nigerian music video directors who set the pace for today’s directors. The genius film maker’s contributions to the music industry is priceless. If I start to mention them I won’t leave here for months. In his prime, he worked with almost all the music stars in Nigeria- Tuface, Timaya, D’Banj, Wizkid, Davido, Olamide and Phyno. And at some point in his career, he was so trusted by Nigerian ace director, Jude Okoye they both and only directed almost all P-Square’s videos. The creativity showcased in many of his creations is incredible. Timaya’s Money video is one of such classics. His choice of legendary Nollywood actor Nkem Owoh to assume the main character of this short movie is commendable as it made the film so hilarious and extremely entertaining. It got to a point Peters became so huge and respected he was sought after by almost every Nigerian artiste- upcoming, fast-rising and already made artistes.
Unlimited L.A
The talented cinematographer makes the list of top Nigerian music video directors who set the pillars for music film directors of today. Unlimited L.A shot many dope films for YBNL Nation including Lil Kesh’s “Gbese”, Olamide’s “Lagos Boy” and Young John produced mega hit, “Bobo”. I doffed my hat for the great creative when I first saw the video for Timaya’s “Bow Down”. Though it appears much was not spent yet it did justice to the song.
Kemi Adetiba
In a world dominated by men, Kemi Adetiba refused to be swallowed up because of her exceptionality. She stood tall and competed head to head with her male colleagues. She is the brain behind popular Hennessy-sponsored performance, “Dance Go” which is a classic performed by Wizkid and Tuface. Olamide’s 2013 video “Sitting on the Throne” is another great feat achieved by this “amazon”.
Ani James
AJE Filmworks boss Ani James is amongst the top Nigerian music video directors who entertained us with uncommon and powerful imagination. His story-telling skills is amazing and displayed in many of his works. Kizz Daniel’s “Jombo” is one of those mind-blowing stories.
Adasa Cookey
Adasa Cookey ranks as one of the top Nigerian music video directors who opened the way for the new set of film makers. I will never forget how funny Pepenazi’s “One for the Road” video is. What was the trick? He employed veteran Yoruba comedy actor, “Ajirebi” tell a hilarious tale. Asides his story telling skills, Cookey’s ensures his works are colourful as exemplified in Olamide’s “Abule Showo” video released in 2015.
Paul Gambit
We must not forget this super creative’s contributions in the circle of top Nigerian music video directors who ushered in the reigning ones. Between 2010 and 2018 he was on top of his game as he shot many dope videos for many then hot Nigerian artistes including Orezi and Yemi Alade.
Tosin Igho
The list of top Nigerian music video directors who pioneered music film making cannot be complete without the mention of Tosin Igho. He was a master at what he did. I remember he is brain behind the making of the music video for Alhaji Orezi’s sophomore hit single, “Shoki”. That captivating film turned that jam into many charts topper and totally reshaped the singer’s music journey.
It is important to note that almost all these pioneers have however retired into either movie production or directing and have left the music video directing front for their younger colleagues to carry on from where they halted.
osh-ng.com 
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