The Niger Delta region, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant music scene, is once again spotlighting its finest talents through the Niger Delta Advancement Award (NDAA) 8.0. Organized by JUVENIS Magazine/TV, this eighth edition celebrates outstanding contributions in 2025 across various sectors, with a special focus on the music industry that pulses with Afrobeats, highlife, reggae, and indigenous sounds. The Best Music Producer category features 15 exceptional nominees whose beats have powered chart-topping tracks, blending traditional rhythms with modern flair to elevate artists from the nine Niger Delta states. The winner will be announced on Sunday 8th of February, 2026 at the event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
These producers have not only crafted infectious sounds but have also contributed to the region's musical identity, fostering collaborations and pushing boundaries. As voting opens on the official NDAA website, here are in-depth profiles of the nominees:
1. Pat Peaz for “Kasongo” – Upper X (Cross River State)
Pat Peaz delivers a captivating production on "Kasongo," a 2025 single by Cross River artist Upper X. Released in April, the track clocks in at 2:32 minutes and showcases Peaz's ability to create upbeat, rhythmic vibes that resonate with Afro-pop enthusiasts. With its energetic flow, "Kasongo" highlights Peaz's skill in fusing local influences with contemporary sounds, making it a standout in the region's emerging music landscape.
2. Humble Beat for “Carry Go” – Maxi Kabiesi ft. Duncan Mighty (Rivers State)
Humble Beat shines on "Carry Go," a vibrant collaboration between veteran Maxi Kabiesi and Port Harcourt icon Duncan Mighty. Released in March 2025, this feel-good anthem captures the essence of Rivers State's party culture. Humble Beat's production blends smooth melodies with infectious percussion, complementing Duncan Mighty's signature style and Maxi Kabiesi's reflective lyrics on perseverance, earning praise for its replay value.
3. Erigga for “Up Iweka” – Erigga ft. Phyno (Edo State)
Street rap king Erigga, hailing from Edo, steps into production territory with "Up Iweka," featuring Phyno. Released in February 2025, the track's raw, gritty beat—often credited to collaborators like Dummex—reflects Erigga's hands-on approach. Known for his narrative-driven rap, Erigga's production credits here add authenticity, turning the song into a motivational banger about hustle and resilience.
4. O’Fresh for “E No Ma So” – O’Fresh (Delta State)
Delta's O’Fresh produces and performs on "E No Ma So," a soulful track that embodies the laid-back yet profound Delta sound. O’Fresh's self-production highlights his versatility, weaving melodic hooks with introspective lyrics. Emerging as a multi-talented force, he represents the new wave of Delta artists blending Afrobeats with personal storytelling.
5. Promise Abiri for “With You” – Khalif Da Cypha (Bayelsa State)
Promise Abiri crafts a romantic reggae-dancehall vibe for Khalif Da Cypha's "With You." From Bayelsa, Abiri's production draws on Ijaw influences, creating smooth, heartfelt rhythms. Khalif Da Cypha, a consistent Bayelsa export, benefits from Abiri's touch, making this track a testament to the state's growing reggae scene.
6. Enest Kuti for “Gold Digger” – Leena Martins ft. Kngpntn (Akwa Ibom State)
Enest Kuti produces the funky anthem "Gold Digger," featuring Leena Martins and Kngpntn. Released in late 2024, the track's energetic beats and bold lyrics about empowerment have made it a hit. Kuti's production stands out for its ruthless rhythm and modern flair, positioning him as a key player in Akwa Ibom's Afro-fusion movement.
7. Fresh King Beatz for “Abella” – Pyrex Kydday ft. Duncan Mighty (Rivers State)
Fresh King Beatz powers "Abella," a 2024 love-gone-wrong story by Pyrex Kydday featuring Duncan Mighty. The Afrobeat production features catchy melodies and heartfelt choruses, with Fresh King's strings and beats elevating the emotional narrative. This collaboration underscores Rivers State's dominance in collaborative hits.
8. Progrex for “Branama” – KayFrizy (Delta State)
Progrex produces "Branama (Yanga)," a viral Urhobo TikTok sensation by KayFrizy. Released in 2024, the track's infectious highlife-infused beat went viral, showcasing Progrex's mastery in cultural fusion. KayFrizy's pride in his Delta roots shines through Progrex's vibrant production.
9. Baivy for “Dance” – Hvntar (Ondo State)
Baivy produces "Dance," an uplifting Afro-fusion call to joy by Hvntar (Oche Peter). Released in 2025, the track's rhythmic, feel-good production invites movement and connection. Baivy's work complements Hvntar's emotional depth, marking Ondo's rising contribution to motivational music.
10. Faith Philip Ibok for “Chop Life” – Challex D’ Boss (Cross River State)
Faith Philip Ibok produces "Chop Life," a celebratory Afro-pop track by Challex D’ Boss. Released in 2024, Ibok's vibrant beats capture the essence of living fully, aligning with Challex's sensational style. This nomination highlights Cross River's energetic music output.
11. Flobeat for “Gbamgbutu” – Fortune Nada (Rivers State)
Flobeat crafts beats for Fortune Nada's "Gbamgbutu," blending Afrobeat with traditional elements. Fortune Nada's Port Harcourt roots shine in this engaging track, with Flobeat's production adding depth and danceability to the region's sound.
12. Irock Classic for “Original” – Emarshal (Abia State)
Irock Classic produces "Original," emphasizing authenticity for Emarshal. From Abia, this track's classic yet fresh sound showcases Irock's ability to highlight originality in a crowded industry.
13. Shama Melody for “Chemanu Ngbe Nga Anwu” – Shama Melody (Imo State)
Highlife bongo maestro Shama Melody self-produces "Chemanu Ngbe Nga Anwu," a resilient anthem in Owerri dialect. Released in 2023 but gaining traction in 2025, its defiant message against adversity, paired with spirited beats, cements Shama's legacy in Imo highlife.
14. Official T Sounds for “Yahoo Boy” – Official (Delta State)
Official T Sounds produces "Yahoo Boy" for artist Official, a cautionary yet catchy Delta track. The production's modern edge addresses contemporary themes, reflecting Delta's bold musical narratives.
15. Henri Keyz for “Suga” – Zubby D (Rivers State)
Henri Keyz delivers sweet, melodic production on "Suga" by Zubby D. This Rivers collaboration exudes romance and groove, with Keyz's keys and beats creating an addictive listen.
These nominees represent the heartbeat of Niger Delta music—innovative, culturally rooted, and globally appealing. The NDAA 8.0 promises to honor the producer who best advanced the region's sound in 2025, inspiring future generations. Voting is now open; the event will be a landmark celebration of talent and unity.
