Sarz

Osabuohien Osaretin, known professionally as Sarz, is a Nigerian record producer, mixing engineer, and musician. Born on March 17, 1989, in Benin City, Edo State, he is a defining force in Afrobeats, celebrated for his signature producer tags "Sarz on the beat" and "Really." Sarz has produced some of the biggest songs in modern African music, including Wizkid's "Essence," Lojay's "Monalisa," and Niniola's "Maradona." His work has earned him multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Global Music Performance in 2023 and another Grammy for Best Global Music Album in 2024. With over 100 tracks to his name and billions of streams globally, Sarz is widely regarded as one of the most influential producers in Afrobeats. He currently runs his own record label, Sarz Music, and is working on his debut album, expected in late 2026. Fans admire him for his innovative blend of Afrobeat, electronic, and dancehall sounds, as well as his humble, focused persona.[edit]

Sarz grew up in Benin City, where his father's extensive vinyl collection introduced him to highlife, funk, and Afrobeat. He taught himself music production as a teenager using FruityLoops on a computer, spending countless hours honing his skills. His first full credit production came in 2007 with Lord of Ajasa's "See Drama." He briefly studied Business Administration at the University of Lagos but left before graduating to pursue music full-time. Before his breakthrough, he worked as a radio DJ and was signed to Trybe Records, leaving after his contract expired in November 2013 to operate independently.[edit]

Sarz's mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2013 with his production on Wizkid's "Omo Baba." He followed with hits for Naeto C, Banky W, and Skales. In 2017, he produced Niniola's "Maradona," winning Producer of the Year at The Headies. In 2019, he produced "Sweet in the Middle" for Davido and "Somebody" for Burna Boy. His debut EP, Sarz on the Beat, dropped in 2020. In 2021, his collaboration with Lojay on "Monalisa" became a global hit, charting in the UK and US. In 2022, he produced Wizkid's "Essence" featuring Tems, which earned a Grammy nomination and won Best Global Music Performance. In 2023, he launched Sarz Music label and released The Sarz Academy EP. In 2024, he produced BNXN's "Ojapiano" and Victony's "Soweto," both chart-toppers. He has also worked with international acts like Alicia Keys and Tems. As of 2026, he is producing the soundtrack for the Nollywood film Lagos Nights and preparing his debut album.[edit]

Sarz is known for his calm, reserved personality and signature style of designer streetwear and sneakers. The media portrays him as a quiet genius and a pioneer of modern Afrobeats. On social media, he shares studio sessions, behind-the-scenes clips, and motivational posts with a humble and encouraging tone. His fan community, sometimes called the Sarz Army, celebrates his production breakdowns and hit songs. Fans connect with his dedication to craft and his role in shaping the global sound of Afrobeats.[edit]

Sarz commands a global footprint defined by the quiet authority of his sonic architecture rather than the noise of celebrity performance. His influence extends across continents, placing him among the most recognized figures in modern African music and beyond. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Sarz is currently the 87th most famous person in Afrobeats, a standing he has maintained steadily since the previous cycle. This placement reflects his sustained relevance as a producer for international superstars and a pivotal figure in the genre's evolution. While the data does not document a formalized fandom name with specific rituals or collective identifiers, his audience remains deeply engaged through his educational initiatives like the Sarz Academy and his social media presence, where followers track his production breakdowns and collaborative projects. The fanbase operates primarily around his professional output and mentorship efforts rather than organized campaigns or subcultural events typical of front-facing artists.[edit]

Self-taught in his craft, Sarz began producing using FruityLoops before recording his own signature tag, "Sarz on the beat." Before dedicating himself fully to production, he worked as a radio DJ, a background that informed his rhythmic sensibilities. He frequently blends electronic house and techno elements into Afrobeats, reflecting his personal affinity for the genre. Sarz owns a pet dog named Beat and actively advocates for mental health awareness within the Nigerian music industry. A recurring story in his lore involves his tagline becoming an instant marker of quality production, instantly recognizable to peers and listeners alike. Coverage from late 2025 highlighted his role as a key collaborator for Drake and Beyoncé, cementing his status as a global hitmaker working behind the scenes. More recently, his creative partnership with BNXN yielded the EP *The Game Needs Us* in May 2026, featuring tracks like "Back Outside" that became summer staples. His participation in the prestigious Hennessy Cypher alongside other top producers further solidifies his reputation as a central curator of talent in the industry.[edit]

Sarz is private about his family. He has not publicly disclosed his parents' names or occupations, nor does he have any known siblings. He has no wife or children. He lives in Lagos, where he owns a state-of-the-art recording studio.[edit]

Sarz frequently collaborates with Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Niniola, Lojay, Tems, BNXN, Victony, Banky W, and Reminisce. He has also worked with international artists like Alicia Keys and Chris Brown.[edit]

Sarz keeps his romantic life extremely private. There are no confirmed public relationships, and he has never been married, engaged, or publicly linked to any partner. As of 2026, Sarz is single with no known partner or children.[edit]

Heading into 2026, research by the iFANN Editorial Team estimates Sarz's net worth at $5 Million. His financial portfolio derives from music production royalties, earnings generated by his record label Sarz Music, and endorsement agreements with Samsung and MTN Nigeria. He maintains ownership of a state-of-the-art recording studio in Lagos and holds real estate investments in both Lagos and Benin City. This accumulation of wealth has grown consistently since his breakthrough in 2013, driven significantly by the commercial success of global hits such as 'Essence' and 'Monalisa'.[edit]

Sarz has won multiple awards for his production work, including two Grammys (Best Global Music Performance in 2023 for 'Essence' and Best Global Music Album in 2024 for 'Love, Damini'), multiple Headies awards (Producer of the Year in 2018, 2020, 2022), Soundcity MVP Awards, AFRIMA awards, and a BET Award. His accolades reflect his dominance in Afrobeats production.[edit]