The Men Behind the Music: How Producers crafted the sound of Burna Boy

Behind every great Afrobeats record is a producer who helped bring it to life and for Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy, that truth runs deep.

While Burna Boy is widely celebrated for writing his own songs, a mark of artistic credibility held in high regard in Nigeria — behind his lyrics are the producers who ensure those words land exactly the way they should. Now, five of those architects have pulled back the curtain on how they helped shape the sonic world of one of Africa’s biggest music exports.

In a recent feature, the producers shared detailed insights into their creative processes — from initial beat construction to the moment their tracks found a home on a Burna Boy record. They discussed the inspirations behind specific songs, how collaborations with the artist typically unfold, and what it takes to build a sound that complements his distinctly unpredictable style.

Burna Boy’s catalogue is stacked with enduring hits — from early breakthroughs like “Like to Party” and “Ye” to later anthems such as “Killin Dem” and “Last Last” — each a product of tight collaboration between the artist and producers who understood his vision.

Over the years, that producer network has been extensive, with names like Leriq, Chopstix, Juls, Jae5 and Steel Banglez among those who have contributed to shaping his signature Afro-fusion blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae and hip-hop.

Critics and collaborators alike note that finding the right producer remains crucial to Burna Boy’s output, with suggestions that locking in with a consistent creative partner could sharpen the focus that has defined his best work.

The feature serves as a rare window into the less visible side of Afrobeats production — a reminder that the genre’s global rise is as much the work of the studio craftsmen as it is of the artists who deliver the final performance.