Wonu Osikoya: Behind The Scenes

Wonu Osikoya’s journey into music journalism, podcasting, and media wasn’t a random occurrence, it was destiny unfolding in real time. From an early age, Wonu stood out for her exceptional communication skills. Back in primary school, she frequently received awards for her public speaking. She enjoyed representing groups of people, sharing thoughts, and voicing opinions. It was this love for speaking, paired with a deep and enduring love for music, that set her on the path she walks today.

“I can talk about music all day if I’m allowed to,” she says with conviction. “Music shapes me and moulds me into the person I am.”

Early Influences and Musical Icons

Growing up, music was always around Wonu, but it was Justin Bieber who ignited her true passion. She describes him as her icon, someone she deeply admired as a teenager. Watching a 15-year-old Canadian kid chase his dreams helped her discover her own. She also gravitated toward timeless vocalists like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, and Amy Winehouse, all of whom inspired her appreciation for strong vocals and musical depth.

Another major influence was Wande Coal, whose unique sound captivated her. But when it came to understanding the business side of the music industry, it was her cousin, Bizzle Osikoya, who played a pivotal role. “He was the first person who helped me understand the concept of what an A&R is,” she recalls. “He opened my eyes to the business behind the music and showed me that you could make a good living from it. Shoutout to Bizzle for that.”

The Native Influence

Wonu’s first job after university was with Native, a defining chapter in her journey. “Shoutout to Native,” she says warmly. “They taught me to see things differently. At Native, we were very intentional about messaging, about how we wrote, and the tone we used.”

It was there that she learned how to approach storytelling with purpose — a skill she carries into all her projects today. That intentionality now fuels everything from her podcast to her brand messaging.

Birth of Osikoya Speaks

The creation of Osikoya Speaks, her podcast, was an emotional and strategic outlet. Wonu never had much interest in YouTube or visual content platforms. “I just needed somewhere to dump my emotions without it seeming like I’m just ranting,” she explains.

The podcast became her space to document the behind-the-scenes of the Nigerian music industry, a platform to share insights from her experiences and interactions. It also became a tool for educating others, including her own parents, about what she does. “Sometimes I go back to my old episodes and reflect on what I was thinking then. It helps me spark new conversations and think about even more topics.”

Navigating Industry Sensitivity

Being honest in a tight-knit industry can be tricky, but Wonu has mastered the art of balance. “One thing I learned from Native is that there’s always a way to communicate with people without being rude,” she says.

She’s careful with her words, especially when discussing sensitive topics or artists she may not personally enjoy. “My mum used to say, ‘If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.’ I hold that dear, even on the podcast. I’m not here to create controversy.”

Memorable Podcast Moments

Every episode of Osikoya Speaks presents a new challenge — but that’s part of the thrill. “Shout out to my team. They help bring it all to life,” Wonu says.

Some of her favorite episodes feature close friends and industry peers like Tolu Daniels, Korie, Radio Chef, and Soft. “It’s all about good synergy,” she explains. “When I bring someone on, I make sure we have a good relationship or strong rapport. The best episodes always come from that energy.”

Beyond the Mic: A&R at 44DB Collective

Wonu’s podcast might be her voice, but her work in A&R and creative production provides the substance. At 44DB Collective, she’s worked with about eleven producers and a number of artists. These collaborations enrich her podcast content and help her maintain industry relevance.

“The work I do behind the scenes is what fuels Osikoya Speaks,” she notes. “The podcast is my safe space, a place where I can express myself without feeling judged or like I’m better than anyone.”

Understanding the Role of an A&R

Wonu describes an A&R (Artist and Repertoire) as “the ears of the music.” Unlike the average listener, an A&R listens with an entirely different perspective. “Our ears are our biggest gifts,” she explains. “We translate music into brand. We see the business side of it.”

She sees A&R as a unique blend of talent and skill, partly innate, partly honed. “Yes, it’s a gift, but it’s also a skill that can be developed,” she says. “It’s not just about knowing someone can sing, it’s about understanding how that music communicates with an audience.”

Documenting the Culture: Grime, Glory & Afropop

Her debut documentary, Grime, Glory & Afropop, was born from a spontaneous idea with her cousin, AY Papii. “We were driving and he said, ‘Let’s shoot a documentary,’ and I just ran with it,” Wonu shares.

The most challenging part was putting the concept together. They had to outsource editing, graphic design, art direction, and storytelling. “We didn’t want to do something ordinary. We wanted to put real life into it, vlogs and all,” she says. “I like to bring different things I enjoy together to create meaning. That’s my purpose — bringing out the best in creatives.”

For Wonu, documentation is everything. It preserves culture, protects history, and builds the future. “It’s the past, present, and future. You never know when you’ll need information,” she states. “We shouldn’t let outsiders tell the Afrobeats story, it’s ours, and we must own it.”

She sees herself and others who document as cultural archivists, ensuring the world gets the full picture of African music.

What the Nigerian Music Industry Needs

Wonu believes the Nigerian music industry still has work to do. “We’re doing well globally, but it’s not just about Grammy nominations. We want to win. And to do that, we must show the world that we are the prize.”

She emphasizes consistency, hard work, and authenticity. “People like Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid have put in ten years and are still going. It’s that kind of grit we need. And we need to stop deceiving ourselves, just do the work.”

What’s Next for Wonu Osikoya?

Right now, Wonu is focused on evolving Osikoya Speaks. She’s also adjusting to a new job and working on side projects. “I have a few ideas I want to bring to life, and hopefully, we get the support needed. But nothing major yet. The first quarter of the year is done, and I’m still settling into the rhythm.”