Michael Chigozie Alagwu, better known as Tempoe, is one of Nigeria’s most successful music producers, with over eight billion streams to his name. Behind his global rise is the Sarz Academy, Nigeria’s first Afrobeats-focused production academy, where he trained alongside other rising stars like P.Priime.
From producing Davido’s ‘With You’ featuring Omah Lay to crafting hits for CKay, Joeboy, and Victony, his journey is a clear reflection of how the Sarz Academy is shaping the future of Afrobeats.
Tempoe graduated from the Sarz Academy in 2018, a year that also produced P.Priime, Braize, Dunnie, Kabizzy, Looney Tunes, Aivert, Horsh, Androflexin, and Yg Gabana. His catalogue boasts some of Afrobeat’s biggest hits: CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti,’ Omah Lay’s ‘Godly,’ ‘Understand,’ and ‘Soso,’ Joeboy’s ‘Alcohol (Sip),’ ‘Contour,’ and ‘Door,’ and Victony’s ‘Soweto.’
His work on ‘With You,’ from Davido’s latest album 5ive, has cemented his place among the genre’s elite producers. In an interview, Tempoe shared that he often sees a song’s potential before it takes off. For ‘Soso,’ he insisted on adding hand claps, believing they would foster a sense of connection among listeners. “Without that clap, the song wouldn’t have hit the same,” he said.
Founded by veteran producer Sarz, the academy has become a launchpad for Nigeria’s next generation of music producers. Since its inception, it has trained two cohorts, one in 2015 and another in 2018. Alumni from the 2015 class include Badmus Adekunle (West Kulture), Sheed K. Brain (Kordys), Ifeora S. Emeka (Emboy), Ameh Martins (Cray Beats), Ogundipe Moyosore (M33), Olakunle Sunmon (Kj Sunmon), Ademola E. Adegbite (Kannon), and Stephen Abenga (Stg). While these pioneers have made their mark, it is the 2018 cohort – led by the likes of Tempoe and P.Priime – that is fuelling Afrobeats’ current global momentum.
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P.Priime, another 2018 alum, has emerged as a heavyweight in his own right. He’s worked with some of Nigeria’s biggest artists, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Asa, Rema, and Asake, producing chart-dominating tracks and Grammy-nominated hits like Rema’s ‘Heis’ and Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy.’
Like Tempoe, he credits the academy for giving him the tools to shape raw ideas into soundscapes that resonate globally.
The Sarz Academy’s influence extends beyond its graduates. It has partnered with YouTube Music on programmes like ‘Future Insiders’ and production masterclasses, both designed to support young Nigerian producers and songwriters. The Future Insiders’ initiative helps emerging talent to refine their skills, while the masterclasses dive into the intricacies of music production.
In 2023, a partnership with UnitedMasters expanded the academy’s global reach, offering African artists marketing support, playlist placement, and a pathway into the international market.
This blend of technical training and real-world industry access has made the Sarz Academy a vital part of Nigeria’s music ecosystem. It is not just teaching producers how to make beats; it is helping them to craft sounds that tell stories, break barriers, and shape culture.
Whether it is the distinctive hand claps in ‘Soso’ or the sonic experimentation on Rema’s ‘HEIS,’ alumni are pushing Afrobeats forward with every note.
“The Sarz Academy is one like no other. It is a full-on training. We learn about the business of production, the art of production and how we can protect our rights,” Tempoe said.
As the academy continues to train new talent and forge global partnerships, it is helping to solidify Nigeria’s place as a powerhouse in global music. For Tempoe, P.Priime, and their peers, the Sarz Academy wasn’t just a school; it was the spark that lit their path to global recognition.
