Nigerian music producer and sound engineer Oludapo Kehinde, professionally known as Dharpsykord, has called for greater innovation and global collaboration in the Nigerian music industry, particularly in advancing the Afrobeats genre.
Speaking to journalists, Dharpsykord described the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s music industry as a dynamic process led by innovative artists, producers, and stakeholders. He emphasized the need for Nigerian musicians to push creative boundaries by blending genres, experimenting with sound, and telling deeper stories through their music.
“Afrobeats has grown into a globally recognized sound that influences pop and hip-hop,” he said. “To sustain and expand its reach, Nigerian artists must collaborate internationally and continue to evolve the genre.”
Dharpsykord stressed the importance of leveraging digital platforms and tools to rebrand artists and elevate their global appeal. He said online technologies could help shape not just sound, but also overall artist identity and image.
He also urged the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to play a more active role in protecting creators’ rights, especially through proper royalty management and copyright enforcement. According to him, empowering artists and transforming the industry requires strong institutional support.
“The global success of Afrobeats presents opportunities for new markets, sustainable careers, and stronger brand identities for Nigerian artists,” he said.
Based in the United Kingdom, Kehinde holds a B.Tech in Physics from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and a certificate in music production and sound engineering from Emendy Multimedia Institute, South Africa. He blends technical expertise with artistic creativity across his productions.
As the principal producer at ZHILL Studios, Dharpsykord has produced notable tracks for artists including Amanda Black, Adekunle Gold, M-ORE, Elwoma, Gloria Braimah, and Manuel Moore. His credits also include roles as a mix engineer and music director for acts such as Florocka, Wole Oni, and Salvation Ministries.
ZHILL Studios offers a range of music production services, from mastering and sound mixing to remote collaborations and artist development. “We create custom sounds using a mix of analog and digital gear alongside industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations,” he said.
