Sarz
{{Short description|Nigerian record producer and musician}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Sarz
| image = Sarz (Producer).jpg
| caption =
| birth_name = Osabuohien Osaretin
| alias =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1989|3|17}}
| birth_place = Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
| genre = {{hlist|Afrobeats|pop|hip hop|contemporary R&B}}
| associated_acts = {{hlist|Wizkid|Da Grin|Wande Coal|Reminisce|Niniola|Wurld|Lojay}}
| occupation = Record producer, musician
| years_active = 2007–present
| label = 1789 Entertainment
| instrument = {{hlist|Keyboard|synthesizer|drum|shekere|sampler}}
}}
Osabuohien Osaretin (born 17 March 1989),{{cite web|last1=Hip Hop World|title=CLOSE UP ON THE STARS - SARZ ON THE BEAT|url=http://hiphopworldmagazine.com/close-up-on-stars-sarz-onthebeat/|website=hiphopworldmagazine.com/|access-date=30 April 2015}} better known by his stage name Sarz, is a Nigerian record producer, mixing engineer and musician. Born in Benin City, Edo State, he is popularly known for the tag "Sarz on the beat" or "Really", at the beginning or end of his music productions.{{cite web|last1=Aribaba|title=Who Do This Beat... Top 10 Music Producers In Nigeria.|url=http://jaguda.com/2011/10/24/who-do-this-beat-top-10-music-producers-in-nigeria/|website=jaguda.com|date=24 October 2011|access-date=30 April 2015}}
His first full credit production work was for Lord of Ajasa's "See Drama" in 2007. He has produced tracks for Wizkid, Naeto C, Banky W, Skales, Shank, Reminisce, Goldie Harvey, eLDee, Wande Coal, YQ, Lojay and Niniola.{{cite web|last1=TooExclusive|title=TOP 10 MUSIC PRODUCERS IN NIGERIA|url=http://tooxclusive.com/editorial/top-10-music-producers-nigeria/|website=tooexclusive.com|date=14 July 2014|access-date=30 April 2015}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=15 February 2019|title=Afrobeats is the Nigerian sound taking over pop music|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzT-NqqazDw |access-date=|via=YouTube|publisher=Quartz}} He was formerly signed to Trybe Records, but left the outfit after his contract expired in November 2013.{{cite news|last1=Osagie|first1=Alonge|title=Sarz Leaves Trybe Records, As He Signs Deal With NIKE|url=https://thenet.ng/sarz-leaves-trybe-records-as-he-signs-deal-with-nike/|access-date=30 April 2015|agency=The NetNg}}
Musical career
In 2010, Sarz produced the hit single "Jor Oh" and the remix for Jahbless which featured Durella, Ruggedman, Reminisce, Ice Prince and eLDee. The song won "Best Street Hop" and was nominated for "Best Collaboration" at The Headies 2011.{{cite news|last1=Bella|first1=Naija|title=The 2011 Headies – 2Face Idibia, Wizkid, Dr SID, M.I, Darey, Ice Prince & Sir Shina Peters rule the Winners List!|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2011/10/23/the-2011-headies-2face-idibia-wizkid-dr-sid-m-i-darey-ice-prince-shina-peters-rule-the-winners-list/|access-date=30 April 2015|agency=BellaNaija}} In 2011, he produced Shank's "Salute", eLDee's "Today Today" & "Wash Wash", Skales' "Mukulu", Goldie Harvey's "Don't Touch My Body" and Reminisce's "Kako Bi Chicken".{{cite web|title=Interview With Sarz!|url=http://myacadaxtra.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/exclusive-interview-with-hit-maker-sarz.html|website=myacadaxtra.blogspot.co.uk/|date=3 August 2013|access-date=30 April 2015}} "Kako Bi Chicken" was nominated for "Best Street Hop" at The Headies, 2012.{{cite web|last1=Jaguda|title=New Music: Kako Bi Chicken|url=http://jaguda.com/2011/05/31/new-music-reminisce-kako-bii-chicken/|website=jaguda.com|date=31 May 2011|access-date=30 April 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Mgbolu|first1=Charles|title=Psquare, Bez lead Headies 2012 nominees list|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/08/headies-2012-nominees-list-released-psquare-bez-leads-park/|access-date=30 April 2015|agency=Vanguard Nigeria}} Later that year, he solely produced eLDee's Undeniable album (except "We Made It").{{cite web|last1=Jaguda|title=Eldee Releases New Album, Undeniable|date=2 July 2012|url=http://jaguda.com/2012/07/02/eldee-releases-new-album-undeniable/|access-date=30 April 2015}}
Sarz was nominated for the Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2012 "Producer of the Year" award alongside Don Jazzy. Although Don Jazzy won the award, he ended up giving the award to Sarz.{{cite web|last1=Osagie|first1=Alonge|title=Don Jazzy Bequeaths His "Producer Of The Year" Award to Sarz!|url=https://thenet.ng/don-jazzy-bequeaths-his-producer-of-the-year-award-to-sarz/|website=thenet.ng/|access-date=30 April 2015}} Sarz won "Best New Producer" at the 2012 Dynamix Awards.{{cite web|title=2012 Dynamix Awards Winner List|url=http://siliowhizper.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/dynamix-awards-2012-winners-list.html|website=siliowhizper.blogspot.co.uk/|date=28 December 2012|access-date=30 April 2015}} He went on to release his first single “Beat Of Life (Samba)” featuring Nigerian Artiste, Wizkid from his upcoming album.{{cite web|last1=Qazim|title=Single Premiere: Sarz Beat Of Life Feat Wizkid Official Release|url=http://www.360nobs.com/2012/12/single-premiere-sarz-beat-of-life-ft-wizkid-official-release/|website=360nobs.com}}
In 2013, he produced two songs on Wizkid's Ayo album, "Jaiye Jaiye" featuring Femi Kuti and "Kilofe".{{cite web|last1=Donnett|first1=Jim|title=Wizkid – AYO (Joy) [Album Art + Tracklisting]|url=http://tooxclusive.com/news/wizkid-ayo-joy-album-art-tracklisting/|website=tooxclusive.com|date=6 September 2014|access-date=30 April 2015}} He was mentioned as one of the five new music producers giving Don Jazzy a run for his money by the Premium Times Nigeria.{{cite news|last1=Abimboye|first1=Micheal|title=Five producers giving Don Jazzy a run for his money|url=http://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/143353-five-producers-giving-don-jazzy-a-run-for-his-money.html|access-date=30 April 2015|agency=Premium Times Nigeria|date=23 August 2013}} Sarz was reported to have signed an endorsement deal with Nike later that Year.{{cite news|last1=Onos|first1=O|title=BN Exclusive: Global Sportswear Giant Nike Endorses Music Producer Sarz|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2013/10/28/bn-exclusive-sportswear-giant-nike-signs-on-prolific-music-producer-sarz-for-their-new-campaign/|access-date=30 April 2015|agency=Bella Naija}} Sarz was the executive producer for the official Hennessy Artistry 2014 theme song "Dance Go (Eau de Vie)", which featured Wizkid and 2Face Idibia.{{cite web|last1=LalaBoiy|title=2Face Idibia & Wizkid – Dance Go (Eau de Vie)|date=2 October 2014|url=http://notjustok.com/2014/10/02/2face-idibia-wizkid-dance-go-eau-de-vie/|access-date=2 May 2015}}
In April 2020, Sarz and Shizzi decided to go live on Instagram for a face off titled "The Battle of Hits" on 30 March 2020, which attracted a peak of 19.2k live viewers across the world.{{Cite web|date=2020-04-04|title=COVID-19: Sarz, Shizzi entertain fans on Instagram|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/04/covid-19-sarz-shizzi-entertain-fans-on-instagram/|access-date=2021-02-26|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}
In 2021 Sarz released "Monalisa" with Lojay. "Monalisa" was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in 2023.{{cite certification|region=United Kingdom|artist=Lojay & Sarz|title=Monalisa|id=18845-6288-1|access-date=27 March 2023}}
Awards and nominations
| class ="wikitable" |
| Year
!Event !Prize !Recipient !Result !Ref |
|---|
| 2012
|Dynamix Awards |Music Producer of the Year |Himself |{{won}} |
| rowspan="4"|2013
|City People Awards |Music Producer of the Year |Himself |{{won}} |
| rowspan="2"|Nigerian Entertainment Awards
|Music Producer of the Year |Himself |{{nom}} |
| Song Of The Year
|"Beat Of Life (Samba)" |{{nom}} |
| South South Music Awards
|Producer of the Year |Himself |{{nom}} |
| 2018
|The Headies |Producer of the Year |Himself |{{nom}} |
| rowspan="4"|2019
|SoundCity MVP Awards |African Producer of the Year |Himself |{{nom}} |
| rowspan="3"|AFRIMA
|Music Producer of the Year |Himself |{{nom}} |
| Songwriter of the Year
|"Trobül" (Sarz & Wurld) |{{nom}} |
| Best RnB Duo
|"Trobül" (Sarz & Wurld) |{{nom}} |
| rowspan="2"|2021
|Afro X Digitals Awards |Music Producer of the Year |Himself |{{won}} |
| AFRIMA
|Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Contemporary |"Monalisa" (Sarz x Lojay) |{{nom}} |
| rowspan="2"|2022
|The Headies |Producer of the Year |Himself |{{won}} |
| AFRIMA
|African Fans Favourite |Monalisa remix (Sarz x Lojay feat. Chris Brown) |{{nom}} |
Discography
| class ="wikitable"
|+Sarz's Album |
| Year
!Title !Tracks !Contributors / Features !Ref |
|---|
| rowspan="6"|2019
|rowspan="6"|SINYM (Sarz Is Not Your Mate) |Good Morning Riddim |Femi Leye, Leabdro "Dro" Hidalgo, Mizzle, TMX0. |
| Spiritual Riddim
|Femi Leye, Leabdro "Dro" Hidalgo. | |
| Celetronic Riddim
|Leabdro "Dro" Hidalgo, Lil Kesh, Mizzle. | |
| Inbox Riddim
|Leabdro "Dro" Hidalgo, Lil Kesh, Wizkid. | |
| Hello Africa Riddim
|Dr. Alban, Flash, Leabdro "Dro" Hidalgo, TMX0. | |
| Legwork Riddim
|Leabdro "Dro" Hidalgo, Mizzle. | |
| class ="wikitable"
|+Sarz's Collaborations |
| Year
!Artiste !Body of Work !Tracks |
|---|
| rowspan="8"|2019
|rowspan="8"|Sarz X WurlD |rowspan="8"|I LOVE GIRLS WITH TROBUL |Prisona |
| Trobul |
| Sweat |
| Focus |
| Mad |
| Nobody Wins Interlude |
| Ego |
| Sade |
| rowspan="5"|2021
|rowspan="5"|Lojay X Sarz |rowspan="5"|LV N ATTN |Tonongo |
| LV N ATTN feat. Wizkid |
| Park O X3 |
| Panty! |
| Monalisa |
| rowspan="4"|2021
|rowspan="4"|Sarz X Obongjayar |rowspan="4"|Sweetness |Sweetness |
| Gone Girl |
| If You Say |
| Nobody |
| class ="wikitable"
|+Sarz's Executive Production |
| Year
!Title !Talents !Tracks !Ref |
|---|
| rowspan="6"|2020
|rowspan="6"|MTLF EP (Memories That Last Forever EP) |rowspan="6"|The Sarz Academy |Gbewa - Dunnie, Niniola | |
| Hold Me - Wizkid
| |
| Global - Sarz, Tempoe, Jahblend
| |
| Forever - Tiwa Savage
| |
| Wa Je - P.Priime, Dapo Tuburna, Horsh
| |
| Ma Lo Wa - Zlatan
| |
| rowspan="15"|2023
|rowspan="15"|MTLF 2 (Memories That Last Forever 2) Album |rowspan="15"|The Sarz Academy |Breathe - Perfext | |
| Resemble- Fxrtune
| |
| 233- Charmaine'L A
| |
| Good To Me- Perfext, Gimba
| |
| Sad Love- Millymay_pod, Syntiat
| |
| Inside Life- Fxrtune
| |
| Only Man- Gimba
| |
| Steady- Charmaine'L A, Gimba
| |
| Rude- Syntiat
| |
| Ready- Fxrtune, Pjstar
| |
| DPWMH- Millymay_pod, Pjstar
| |
| Body Wicked- Millymay_pod
| |
| More- Perfext
| |
| Buga- Fxrtune
| |
| Jam One Kele- Millymay_pod, Gimba, Fxrtune |
| class ="wikitable"
|+Sarz's Production |
| Year
!Artiste !Song Title |
|---|
| rowspan="2"|2007
|Ruggedman |Banging |
| Lord of Ajasa
|See drama |
| 2008
|Shank |King Kong |
| rowspan="2"|2009
|YQ |I Like Girls |
| Dagrin
|Kondo |
| rowspan="3"|2010
|Goldie |Don't Touch |
| Iceberg Slim
|I Made It feat. Da Grin |
| Jahbless
|Jor oh! Remix feat. Iceprince, Reminisce, Durella, Ruggedman, Eldee |
| rowspan="10"|2011
|Skales |Keresimesi |
| Shank
|Salute |
| Sarz
|Badman feat. Wizkid |
| Shank
|Ghetto |
| Skales
|Mukulu |
| Banky W
|Lowkey |
| Michael Word
|Pop Sugar feat. Muna |
| Naeto C
|Super C Season |
| Reminisce
|Kako bi chicken |
| Minjin
|So beautiful |
| rowspan="14"|2012
|Skales |Ko Mo Le |
| Sarz
|Beat of Life (Samba) feat. Wizkid |
| Wizkid
|Dance For Me |
| Skales
|My baby |
| Eldee
|Higher feat. K9 and Sojay |
| Eldee
|Been There Done That |
| Eldee
|Today Today |
| Eldee
|Always |
| Eldee
|Run Down feat. Banky W |
| Eldee
|Category |
| Eldee
|Wash Wash |
| Eldee
|Never let you go feat. Wizkid |
| Eldee
|Zombie feat. K9 and Sojay |
| EME
|Get Down Tonight |
| rowspan="16"|2013
|XP |Calabar Remix feat. Reminisce, Skales, Olamide |
| Reminisce
|Ni’gboro |
| Sarz
|Ise Yen feat. Reminisce |
| Sarz
|Shoknorris feat. Burna Boy |
| L.O.S
|Wish you could stay |
| Omawumi
|Warn Yourself feat. Wizkid |
| DJ Neptune
|Emi Ni Oba (The King) feat. Phyno, Ruggedman, Pope, Reminisce, Uzi & Dagrin |
| Lynxxx
|Eziokwu feat Ikechukwu, Illbliss & Phyno |
| Wizkid
|Jaiye Jaiye feat. Femi Kuti |
| Lynxxx
|Mr Sexy |
| Reminisce
|Fantasi |
| Sarz
|Celebration feat. K9 |
| Illrymz
|Get the Club Started feat. Reminisce |
| El’vee
|Oga Pata Pata feat. Don Jazzy |
| Addiction
|Show Your Talent |
| Wizkid, Iyanya, Praiz, Kcee
|MTN iPulse |
| rowspan="13"|2014
|M.I |Shekpe feat Reminisce |
| M.I
|Rich feat. Koker |
| M.I
|Wheel Barrow feat. Beenie Man & Emmy Ace |
| Reminisce
|Eleniyan feat. Wizkid |
| Wizkid
|Sound It |
| Niniola
|Ibadi |
| Tekno
|Anything |
| 2face Idibia & Wizkid
|Dance Go (Eau de Vie) |
| Kach
|Get up |
| Reminisce
|Fantasi |
| Samad
|Low waist |
| K9
|Care about us feat. Sound Sultan |
| Wizkid
|Kilofe |
| rowspan="5"|2015
|Burna Boy |Trance |
| Reminisce
|Skilashi |
| Wande Coal
|Ashimapeyin |
| Wande Coal
|Adura |
| Wande Coal
|Wanted Remix |
| rowspan="5"|2016
|2Baba: Coded Tinz |feat. Phyno |
| Reminisce
|Asalamalekun |
| Reminisce
|Asalamalekun [Remix] feat.Wale |
| Hennessey Artistry
|No be Water feat. Praiz, Burna Boy & Vector |
| Reminisce
|If E Nobi God feat. Mr. Eazi |
| rowspan="9"|2017
|Wizkid |Come Closer feat. Drake |
| Wizkid
|Sweet Love |
| Niniola
|Maradona |
| Niniola
|Sicker |
| Wizkid
|African Bad Girl feat. Chris Brown |
| Sarz:
|Get up ft. Flash |
| Niniola
|Saro |
| Niniola
|Magun |
| Mr Eazi
|Accra To Lagos |
| rowspan="8"|2018
|Dj Enimoney |Diet feat. Reminisce, Slimcase & Tiwa Savage |
| Wurld x Sarz
|Trobül |
| Skepta & Wizkid
|Bad Energy |
| Niniola x DJ Snake
|Maradona Riddim |
| Flash
|Balanciego |
| Niniola x Busiswa
|Magun Remix |
| Mr. Eazi
|Ogede |
| Niniola
|Bana |
| rowspan="6"|2019
|SeyiShay |Gimmie Love feat. Runtown |
| Reminisce
|Oja |
| Reminisce
|OGB4IG feat. Naira Marley & Olamide |
| Niniola
|Designer feat. Sarz |
| TBD X Wande Coal X Sarz
|Tofunmi |
| Wande Coal
|Vex |
| rowspan="5"|2020
|Niniola |Omo Rapala |
| The Sarz Academy
|Hold Me feat. Wizkid |
| Reminisce
|Ogaranya feat. Fireboy DML |
| Shirazee
|African Man In New York feat. Sarz |
| Wizkid
|Longtime feat. Skepta |
| rowspan="2"|2021
|Shirazee X Sting |English Man, African Man In New York |
| Nao
|Antidote feat. Adekunle Gold |
| rowspan="3"|2022
|Lojay X Sarz |Monalisa remix feat. Chris Brown |
| rowspan="2"|Crayon
|Ijo (Laba Laba) |
| Ijo (Laba Laba) remix feat. Camidoh, Costa Titch & Focalistic |
| rowspan="6”|2023
|BNXN |Gwagalada feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibes |
| Crayon
|Ngozi feat. Ayra Starr |
| Wurld x Sarz
|Location |
| Sarz x Crayon x Skrillex
|Yo Fam |
| Sarz feat. Asake, Gunna
|Happiness |
| Tems |
| rowspan="6”|2024
|Ruger & BNXN |Ilashe |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://twitter.com/beatsbysarz Twitter]
- {{Official website|http://www.only1sarz.com/}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Nigerian hip-hop record producers
Category:21st-century Nigerian musicians