Chopstix (music producer)
{{About|the Nigerian record producer|other uses|Chopstix (song){{!}} Schoolboy Q song "Chopstix"}}
{{Short description|Nigerian record producer}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Chopstix
| image =
| caption =
| birth_name = Olagundoye James Malcolm
| birth_date = 8 April
| birth_place = Jos, Plateau State
| occupation = {{hlist|record producer|songwriter|composer|sound engineer}}
| nationality = {{flag|Nigeria}}
| years_active = 2011–present
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| genre = {{hlist|Afrofusion|Afrobeats|Afropop|Hip-Hop|Dancehall}}
| instrument = Piano
| label = Summertime Music
| associated_acts = Ice Prince,
| current_member_of = Grip Boiz
}}
}}
Olagundoye James Malcolm popularly known as Chopstix is a Nigerian Grammy Award-winning and 4× Platinum-certified record producer. He began his career as a member of the Grip Movement, which was made up of Yung L, Endia, and J Milla.{{cite web |title='What Happened with Grip Boiz' & More - Yung L on 'One-on-One' |url=https://soundcity.tv/what-happened-with-grip-boiz-more-yung-l-on-one-on-one/ |website=Soundcity |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=10 October 2017}} The movement became popular as Grip Boiz in 2013, and they popularized explicit lyrics on Dancehall as heard on Ice Prince's "Magician" in 2011, and Chopstix's "Stinking Shit" in 2014, which got nominated at The Headies for Best Reggae/Dancehall Single of the Year.{{cite web |last1=Headies |first1=The |title=The Headies Awards 2014 Full Nominees List |url=https://theheadies.com/the-headies-awards-2014-full-nominees-list/ |website=The Headies |access-date=4 March 2025 |date=25 May 2016}}
Chopstix served as the primary producer on Ice Prince second studio album Fire of Zamani, released on 28 October 2013 through Chocolate City. The project lead tracks include "Aboki", "Gimme Dat", "I Swear", and "More", all produced by Chopstix from 2012 to 2013 at Chocolate City Studio in Lagos, and earned him a nomination at the 2014 City People Music Awards for Best Music Producer of the Year.{{cite web |title=Rita Dominic, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Majid Michel – 2014 City People Entertainment Awards Nominees |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2014/06/rita-dominic-davido-tiwa-savage-majid-michel-2014-city-people-entertainment-awards-nominees/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=4 March 2025 |date=6 June 2014}} Off the project, Chopstix and Don Jazzy co-produced "N Word [Remix]" featuring the South African late-rapper AKA.
Chopstix gained international recognition in 2023 for co-producing and co-writing Burna Boy's "Last Last",{{cite web |title=Chopstix on Crafting Burna Boy's Biggest Hit "Last Last" |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/chopstix-burna-boy-last-last/ |website=OkayAfrica |access-date=2 March 2025 |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Oyetayo |first1=Bamise |title=Watch Chopstix Breakdown The Making Of Burna Boy's 'Last Last' |url=https://notjustok.com/news/watch-chopstix-breakdown-the-making-of-burna-boys-last-last/ |website=NotjustOk |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=21 July 2022}} and his sixth album Love, Damini, which both got nominated at the Grammy's, and earned him a special recognition as a composer. In 2024, Broadcast Music, Inc. honored Chopstix with the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards for co-writing Burna Boy's "Last Last".{{cite web |title=2024 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards |url=https://www.bmi.com/award-shows/rnb-2024/ |website=BMI.com |access-date=2 March 2025}} In 2020, Burna Boy's Grammy-nominated Best World Music Album African Giant, earned him a special recognition from The Recording Academy. In 2025, Chris Brown's Grammy Award-winning Best R&B Album 11:11, earned him a special recognition from The Recording Academy.{{cite web |title=Chopstix's Grammy Win – The Victory That Puts Nigerian Producers in the Global Spotlight |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/02/14/chopstixs-grammy-win-the-victory-that-puts-nigerian-producers-in-the-global-spotlight/ |website=THISDAYLIVE |access-date=2 March 2025}}
Early career
=Grip Boiz=
In 2011, Chopstix, Yung L, Endia, and J Milla began the Grip Movement, which became popular in 2013 as a Dancehall collective known as Grip Boiz. In 2016, Grip Boiz dissolved, following the exit of Yung L, who at that time was finalizing his record deal with Chocolate City. The label is known for producing one of African Hip-Hop rappers which redefined African hip-hop, and birth the hip-hop collective known as Choc Boiz, which was made up of M.I Abaga, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, and Brymo. In 2017, Yung L joined Chocolate City.{{cite web |last1=Salihu |first1=Idoko |title=Chocolate City Music signs Yung L |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/230394-chocolate-city-music-signs-yung-l.html?tztc=1 |website=Premium Times |access-date=2 March 2025}}
On 1 May 2014, Industry Nite confirmed hosting Grip Boiz in this week's edition.{{cite web |title=Industry Nite Live With Grip Boiz! |url=https://www.pulse.ng/articles/ece-frontpage/happening-now-industry-nite-live-with-grip-boiz-2024080118402528344 |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=5 March 2025 |language=en}} On 2 May 2014, Grip Boiz (Chopstix, Yung L, Endia, and J Milla) had an amazing time at Industry Nite, with guest performers from Splash, Loose Kaynon, Ketchup, Reminisce, Iyanya, Ice Prince, and M.I Abaga.{{cite web |title=Industry Nite With Grip Muzik |url=https://www.pulse.ng/articles/lifestyle/events/industry-nite-with-grip-muzik-2024080118395642297 |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=5 March 2025 |language=en}} Other personalities present at Industry Nite include Wizkid, Dammy Krane, Vector, Falz, Clarence Peters, Noble Igwe, Osi Suave, Skales, Emma Nyra, Kenny Ogungbe, Jimmy, Praiz, Tunde Ednut and many others.
=2012-2017:"Aboki", "SOS", "Rockstar", and Coke Studio=
In 2012, Chopstix produced Ice Prince's "Aboki", and "More",{{cite web |title=New Music: Ice Prince – Aboki & More (Full Version) |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/08/new-music-ice-prince-aboki-more-full-version/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=28 August 2012}} as the first and second lead singles off his second studio album Fire of Zamani, studio album released through Chocolate City. He rose to prominence, following the release of Fire of Zamani album, in which he served as the primary producer, and was nominated at the 2014 City People Music Awards for Best Music Producer of the Year. In 2013, Chopstix produced Ice Prince's singles "Gimme Dat" and I Swear", as the third and fourth lead singles off the album.
Early 2013, Yung L emerged into the limelight with a Chopstix-produced single titled "S.O.S", released on 24 July 2013, through Grip Muzik.{{cite web |last1=O |first1=Ovie |title=Yung L - SOS (Prod by Chopstix) |url=https://notjustok.com/songs/yung-l-sos-prod-by-chopstix/ |website=NotjustOk |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=24 July 2013}} In 2015, Burna Boy launch his record label Spaceship Entertainment, and released "Rockstar" as the first single under the label produced by Chopstix.{{cite web |title=A New Record Label & A New Single for Burna Boy {{!}} Listen to 'Rockstar' |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2015/01/a-new-record-label-a-new-single-for-burna-boy-listen-to-rockstar/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=19 January 2015}} *Return of the Kings{{cite web |title=2Face, M.I, Jesse Jagz, Jeremiah Gyang & More to thrill Fans at the Inaugural Edition of 'Return of the Kings' Concert this Sunday |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2015/11/tuface-m-i-jesse-jagz-jeremiah-gyang-more-to-thrill-fans-at-the-inaugural-edition-of-return-of-the-kings-concert-this-sunday/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=3 March 2025 |date=27 November 2015}} On 29 November 2015, CHopstix performed alongside M.I Abaga, Jesse Jagz, Jeremiah Gyang, and DJ Lambo at the inaugural edition of ‘Return of the Kings’ Concert in Jos, with 2face Idibia.{{cite web |title=2Face, M.I, Jesse Jagz, Jeremiah Gyang & More to thrill Fans at the Inaugural Edition of 'Return of the Kings' Concert this Sunday |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2015/11/tuface-m-i-jesse-jagz-jeremiah-gyang-more-to-thrill-fans-at-the-inaugural-edition-of-return-of-the-kings-concert-this-sunday/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=3 March 2025 |date=27 November 2015}}
On 13 October 2016, Chopstix was in attendance of Coke Studio Africa, season 4 launch party in Lagos, with 2Baba, Falz, Yemi Alade, among others.{{cite web |title=The Countdown Has Begun for the Most Exclusive Party Ever! Coke Studio 4 Launch Party holds Tomorrow {{!}} October 13th |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2016/10/the-countdown-has-begun-for-the-most-exclusive-party-ever-coke-studio-4-launch-party-holds-tomorrow-october-14th/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=3 March 2025 |date=12 October 2016}} On 20 November 2016, Chopstix produced "Bad For You" for Coke Studio Africa season 4, performed by Yemi Alade, and Nyashinski.{{cite web |title=Yemi Alade in collaboration with Nyashinski releases amazing New Music – 'Bad for You' (Produced by Chopstix) |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2016/12/yemi-alade-in-collaboration-with-nyashinski-releases-amazing-new-music-bad-for-you-produced-by-chopstix/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=3 March 2025 |date=1 December 2016}} On 10 June 2016, Yung L's "Pass the Aux" was released and produced by Chopstix.{{cite web |title=New Music: Yung L feat. Timaya – Pass The Aux (Remix) |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2016/11/new-music-yung-l-feat-timaya-pass-the-aux-remix/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=10 November 2016}} On 12 May 2017, Chopstix produced, co-wrote and provided vocal on Major Lazer's "Run Up (Afrosmash Remix)" featuring Skales, and Yung L.{{cite web |title=Major Lazer partners with Skales, Yung L & Chopstix on Afrosmash Remix of "Run Up" {{!}} Watch on BN |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2017/05/major-lazer-partners-skales-yung-l-chopstix-afrosmash-remix-run-watch-bn/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=13 May 2017}}
=2018-2023:"Last Last", "Nightmares", and Hennessy Cypher=
On 23 May 2018, Mr Eazi released "London Town", co-produced by Chopstix, Moelogo, and Da Beatfreakz, as the second single off his third mixtape titled Life Is Eazi, Vol. 2 – Lagos to London. On 16 December 2020, Chopstix produced the Hennessy Cypher series, which features 12 Nigerian rappers including Falz, M.I Abaga, Vector, Jesse Jagz, CDQ, Tec & Ghost of Show Dem Camp, Payper Corleone, Teeto Ceemos, Vader the Wildcard, Phlow, and Therealbarrylane.{{cite web |last1=Native |first1=The |title=A ranked list of the 12 Hennessy Cypher 2020 verses |url=https://thenativemag.com/hennessy-cypher-2020/ |website=The NATIVE |access-date=5 March 2025 |date=16 December 2020}}
On 22 September 2020, Chopstix appeared in episode two of The Conversation by Hennessy.{{cite web |title=MI Abaga, Vector, Loose Kaynon and more feature on episode 2 of Hennessy's 'The Conversation' |url=https://www.pulse.ng/articles/entertainment/music/mi-abaga-vector-loose-kaynon-and-more-feature-on-episode-2-of-hennessys-the-2024081721093731808 |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=5 March 2025 |language=en}} The episode focused on the beef between M.I Abaga and Vector regarding their frosty relationship over the years. He co-produced and co-wrote Burna Boy's first Grammy-nominated World album African Giant, which earned him his first special recognition from The Recording Academy. On 13 May 2022, Chopstix gained international recognition with Burna Boy's most controversial single "Last Last", which he co-produced.
Then, he went on to work on Burna Boy's sixth studio album Love, Damini, which got nominated at The Grammy's for Best Global Album and earned him a special recognition from The Recording Academy as a composer. At the 2022 All Africa Music Awards, Burna Boy's Love, Damini won Album of the Year. On 7 November 2023, Chris Brown released the third lead single "Nightmares" featuring Byron Messia off his eleventh studio album 11:11, released on 10 November 2023. The album was co-written and co-produced by Chopstix.
===2024-present: 11:11 (deluxe), and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 soundtrack===
On 11 April 2024, Chris Brown released the deluxe version of his eleventh studio album 11:11, which won the Best R&B Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, and earned Chopstix a special recognition from The Recording Academy as a composer, on his fourth attempt at the Grammy's. In 2024, following the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 soundtrack album score by Tom Holkenborg, features additional music by Mr Eazi titled "London Town" from his third mixtape Lagos to London and produced by Chopstix.{{cite web |last1=Lasaki |first1=Eniola |title=Mr Eazi's London Town Featured in Sonic 3 Movie, Impresses Many: "E Just Dey Pack Am Lowkey" - Legit.ng |url=https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1632440-mr-eazis-london-town-featured-movie-sonic-3-impresses/ |website=www.legit.ng |access-date=2 March 2025 |language=en |date=24 December 2024}}
Discography
{{main|Chopstix production discography}}
Accolades
{{Infobox awards list
| wins = 1
| nominations = 10
| award1 = Nigeria Entertainment Awards
| award1W = 0
| award1N = 1
| award2 = Nigeria Music Video Awards
| award2W = 0
| award2N = 1
| award3 = The Headies
| award3W = 0
| award3N = 1
| award4 = City People Entertainment Awards
| award4W = 0
| award4N = 1
| award5 = The Beatz Awards
| award5W = 0
| award5N = 2
| award6 = Grammy Awards
| award6W = 1
| award6N = 3
| award7 = Soundcity MVP Awards Festival
| award7W = 0
| award7N = 1
}}
=[[Nigeria Entertainment Awards]]=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
!width="450"| Award description(s) !Work !width="75" | Results |
|---|
| 2013
|Music Producer of the Year |Himself |{{nom}} |
=Nigeria Music Video Awards=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
!width="450"| Award description(s) !Work !width="75" | Results |
|---|
| 2014
|Best Reggae/Dancehall |"Stinking Shit" by (Chopstix) |{{nom}} |
=[[The Headies]]=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
!width="450"| Award description(s) !Work !width="75" | Results |
|---|
| 2014
|Best Reggae/Dancehall Single |"Stinking Shit" by (Chopstix) |{{nom}} |
=[[City People Entertainment Awards]]=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
!width="450"| Award description(s) !Work !width="75" | Results |
|---|
| 2014
|Music Producer of the Year |Himself |{{nom}} |
=[[The Beatz Awards]]=
=[[Grammy Awards]]=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
!width="450"| Award description(s) !Work !width="75" | Results |
|---|
| 2020
|African Giant by (Burna Boy) |{{nom}} |
| rowspan="2"|2023
|Best Global Music Performance |"Last Last" by (Burna Boy) |{{nom}} |
| Best Global Music Album
|Love, Damini by (Burna Boy) |{{nom}} |
| 2025
|11:11 by (Chris Brown) |{{won}} |
=[[Soundcity MVP Awards Festival]]=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
!width="450"| Award description(s) !Work !width="75" | Results |
|---|
| 2023
|African Producer of the Year |Himself - "Last Last" by (Burna Boy) |{{nom}} |
=[[Broadcast Music, Inc.#Awards|BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards]]=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
!width="450"| Award description(s) !Work !width="75" | Results |
|---|
| 2024
|Songwriters & Publishers of the Most-Performed Songs of the Year |Himself - "Last Last" by (Burna Boy) |{{Honored}} |
Events and concerts
=Events=
- The Dreams Workshop (2016), with Waje, and Chin Okeke.{{cite web |title=The Dreams Workshop 2016! See Photos from the One-Day Workshop set to Inspire the Next Generation of Creatives |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2016/07/the-dreams-workshop-2016-see-photos-from-the-one-day-workshop-set-to-inspire-the-next-generation-of-creatives/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=4 March 2025 |date=11 July 2016}}
- Pulse VIP Night With DJ Caise (2014),{{cite web |title=Pulse VIP Night With DJ Caise Was A Massive Turn Up, With Surprise Appearance From Ice Prince, Endia, Chopstix and co. |url=https://www.pulse.ng/articles/lifestyle/events/turn-down-for-what-pulse-vip-night-with-dj-caise-was-a-massive-turn-up-with-surprise-2024080117061680019 |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=5 March 2025 |language=en}} with DJ Caise, Ice Prince, Endia, Loose Kaynon, DJ Lambo, and Stephanie Coker.
=Concerts=
- MTV's Africa All Stars concert (2013), with 2Baba, Ice Prince, and Davido.{{cite web |title=PHOTOS: 2face, Ice Prince, Davido party at MTV's Africa All Stars concert |url=https://thenet.ng/photos-2face-ice-prince-davido-party-at-mtvs-africa-all-stars-concert/ |website=Nigerian Entertainment Today |access-date=4 March 2025 |date=17 April 2013}}
Filmography
=Music videos=
| class="wikitable sortable.plainrowheaders" |
| scope="col"| Year
!scope="col"| Title !scope="col"| Singer(s) !scope="col"| Note(s) ! scope="col" | Ref. |
|---|
| 2014
|"N Word (remix)" |Cameo appearance |
References
{{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chopstix}}
Category:Nigerian record producers