Nigerian music producer and digital creator Ogunremi David Tope
By Our Reporter
As African music continues its rise on the global stage, Nigerian music producer and digital creator Ogunremi David Tope, popularly known as ePianoh, is calling for stronger collaboration among creatives across the continent to drive growth, innovation and economic opportunities.
Known for his work as a producer, multi-instrumentalist and content creator, ePianoh believes the future of Africa’s music industry lies in partnerships that connect artists, producers, record labels, content creators and other industry players across borders.
With Uganda emerging as one of East Africa’s vibrant creative hubs, ePianoh says there is significant potential for collaboration that can benefit both established and emerging talent.
“Music has become a global business, and African creatives have a huge opportunity to work together, share knowledge and create value that benefits entire communities,” he says.
The producer’s growing influence has been fueled by strategic collaborations, digital innovation and a commitment to building a strong connection with audiences online. His success story reflects a wider shift in African music, where producers are increasingly becoming influential voices in shaping the continent’s sound and global identity.
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Nigerian music producer and digital creator Ogunremi David Tope
By Our Reporter
As African music continues its rise on the global stage, Nigerian music producer and digital creator Ogunremi David Tope, popularly known as ePianoh, is calling for stronger collaboration among creatives across the continent to drive growth, innovation and economic opportunities.
Known for his work as a producer, multi-instrumentalist and content creator, ePianoh believes the future of Africa’s music industry lies in partnerships that connect artists, producers, record labels, content creators and other industry players across borders.
With Uganda emerging as one of East Africa’s vibrant creative hubs, ePianoh says there is significant potential for collaboration that can benefit both established and emerging talent.
“Music has become a global business, and African creatives have a huge opportunity to work together, share knowledge and create value that benefits entire communities,” he says.
The producer’s growing influence has been fueled by strategic collaborations, digital innovation and a commitment to building a strong connection with audiences online. His success story reflects a wider shift in African music, where producers are increasingly becoming influential voices in shaping the continent’s sound and global identity.
Ugandan artist and record producer Bashir Lukonge, widely known as Bash Luks, says producers such as ePianoh are helping expand Africa’s footprint in international music markets.
“With the likes of DJ Cuppy, DJ Tunez and DJ Kaywise, African music continues to gain international recognition. Producers such as ePianoh are contributing to this movement and inspiring young creatives to understand not only the art of music production but also the business behind it,” Bash Luks says.
For ePianoh, meaningful collaboration extends far beyond creating hit records. He sees opportunities in areas such as talent development, music education, digital content creation, live entertainment and creative technology.
He believes Uganda’s youthful population, rich musical culture and expanding creative economy provide fertile ground for partnerships capable of generating long-term value.
“Strong partnerships can create opportunities for producers, artists, engineers, videographers, marketers and many other professionals who contribute to the music value chain,” he says.
Beyond entertainment, he argues that a thriving music industry can contribute to broader national development goals. From job creation and tax revenue generation to tourism promotion and country branding, the creative sector has the potential to become a significant economic driver across Africa.
Industry experts have increasingly pointed to the role of music and culture in boosting national visibility, attracting investment and creating sustainable livelihoods for young people.
ePianoh’s own journey has been shaped by learning from some of Nigeria’s most respected music figures. He credits much of his professional growth to observing and engaging with industry veterans.
“During my early years as a DJ and producer, I looked up to people who sharpened my mentality and understanding of the industry. Don Jazzy and Masterkraft are among those who inspired me greatly,” he says.
A recent meeting with renowned Nigerian music executive Don Jazzy marked what ePianoh describes as a significant milestone in his career, reinforcing his belief in persistence and continuous growth.
His collaboration with Nigerian singer and producer Young Jonn also helped expand his reach, exposing his work to wider audiences and strengthening his position within the industry.
“For many of us, music did not start with production alone. A lot of producers were singers or instrumentalists first. This transition is not new, but it has become more visible today,” he says.
His ambitions come at a time when Africa’s music industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), recorded music revenues in Sub-Saharan Africa exceeded US$110 million in 2024 for the first time, representing a 22.6 percent increase compared to the previous year.
The region also recorded growth of 24.7 percent in 2023, making Sub-Saharan Africa one of the fastest-growing music markets globally.
The continued expansion of the industry is creating opportunities for producers, songwriters, performers, engineers, studios and other creative professionals throughout the value chain.
As Africa’s music ecosystem evolves, ePianoh believes collaboration will be essential in ensuring that industry growth translates into tangible benefits, including employment opportunities, increased incomes, stronger creative exports and a more competitive global presence for African music.
ePianoh, whose real name is Ogunremi David Tope, has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s fast-rising music producers and digital creators. He gained international attention after becoming the first Nigerian producer to surpass five billion cumulative streams across his YouTube content.
In addition to producing music, he works as a session musician, songwriter and mixing and mastering engineer. Through his large online community across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, he shares music content, educational resources and industry insights with aspiring creatives.
His versatility across genres including Afrobeat, gospel, pop and jazz continues to position him among a new generation of African producers helping to take the continent’s music to global audiences.
