It’s easy to focus on the faces you see and forget the minds behind the music. But behind every hit song is a songwriter with a story, and one of the biggest yet most underrated artists in Nigerian music is Peruzzi. You might know him for “Majesty” or “Southy Love”, but what if I told you he’s responsible for some of the biggest songs in Afrobeats history?
Tobechukwu Victor Okoh, professionally known as Peruzzi. While many know him as a talented performer signed to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), his true superpower lies in his extraordinary ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with audiences across Africa and beyond.
From Medicine to Musical Mastery: An Unconventional Journey
Peruzzi’s path to becoming one of Nigeria’s most prolific songwriters is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Born on December 5, 1989, he initially pursued a career in medicine, studying in Ukraine before making the bold decision to abandon his medical studies to follow his musical passion. This pivotal moment in 2013 marked the beginning of what would become one of the most influential songwriting careers in contemporary African music.
What makes Peruzzi’s transition remarkable is not just the courage to leave a secure career path but how quickly he established himself as an indispensable creative force in the industry. Starting his musical journey in 2007 while still balancing academic responsibilities, he demonstrated an early understanding of melody, rhythm, and the emotional core that makes a song unforgettable.
The Numbers That Tell the Story
Perhaps the most compelling evidence of Peruzzi’s songwriting prowess comes from his revelation: he has written over 252 songs for various artists in the Nigerian music industry. This staggering number represents not just quantity but a testament to his versatility and the trust that established artists place in his creative abilities.
In an industry where intellectual property and songwriting credits are often contentious issues, Peruzzi has positioned himself as what he calls “the oracle” that artists consult when they need guaranteed hits. His pen doesn’t just write songs; it creates moments that define modern Nigerian pop culture.
The Hitmaker Behind the Scenes
Peruzzi’s songwriting catalogue reads like a playlist of Nigerian pop classics. His pen has touched some of your favourite jams, even if you didn’t know it.
“FIA”—Davido
Remember the banger that dominated 2017? Peruzzi helped write that anthem that had everyone singing along.
“Assurance”—Davido
The birthday gift that had social media on fire? That was also Peruzzi’s work, showcasing his ability to craft songs that become cultural moments.
“Risky” – Davido ft. Popcaan
Yep, he had a hand in this international collaboration that bridged Afrobeats with Caribbean dancehall.
“Pull Up”—Burna Boy
From Burna Boy’s acclaimed “African Giant” album, this track showcases Peruzzi’s ability to adapt his writing style to different artists’ sounds.
His other notable credits include Ecool’s “Ada” and 2Baba’s “Amaka”, the very song that served as his breakthrough moment in the industry. He has also worked with other artists, including Duncan Mighty and Ice Prince, demonstrating his versatility across different Afrobeats sub-genres.
The collaboration with 2Baba was particularly significant, as it not only established Peruzzi as a serious songwriter but also demonstrated his ability to work with legendary artists and contribute meaningfully to their artistic vision.
What Makes Peruzzi’s Writing Special?
Here’s why Peruzzi’s writing stands out in an industry full of talented creatives:
1. Real Lyrics
Peruzzi doesn’t fake feelings. When he writes about love, pain, or longing, it hits differently because he’s tapped into real emotions. “Majesty”, “Gunshot”, and “Only One” are perfect examples of this authentic emotional depth.
2. Melodies
He has a crazy ear for melody, informed by his childhood piano training, which provides him with a strong foundation in melody and harmony. His hooks stay in your head for days, sometimes weeks, and this classical training combined with contemporary sensibilities creates consistently memorable results.
3. Genre Fluidity
From street anthems to romantic Afropop, Peruzzi can do it all. His R&B and pop influences, evident in his performances, also inform his songwriting approach. This cross-pollination of genres allows him to create tracks that feel authentically African while possessing the mainstream appeal necessary for international success.
4. Conversational Vibes
His lyrics sound like texts you’ve sent or conversations with your ex. It’s relatable, easy to sing along to, and made for radio or TikTok virality. The ability to balance cultural authenticity with global marketability is a rare skill that Peruzzi has mastered.
The DMW Influence: Shaping a Movement
When Davido signed Peruzzi to his label DMW in 2018, things shifted dramatically. DMW’s sound got deeper, more emotional, and richer in lyrical quality. Davido himself has admitted that Peruzzi helped sharpen his sound, and the vibe at DMW became a mix of street energy and smooth songwriting, thanks largely to Peruzzi’s pen.
His association with Davido and the DMW label has been particularly fruitful, with Peruzzi contributing to multiple projects and helping to shape the sound that has made the label one of the most successful in African music. Behind the scenes, he wasn’t just a label artist; he became the songwriting backbone of one of Afrobeats’ biggest movements.
The creative synergy between Peruzzi and Davido exemplifies how songwriter-artist relationships can produce consistently excellent results, demonstrating Peruzzi’s chameleon-like ability to craft songs that feel natural to the artists who perform them while maintaining his creative standards.
Beyond the Pen: Peruzzi the Artist
Don’t get it twisted; Peruzzi isn’t just a ghostwriter. He’s a solid artist in his own right. Some of his biggest records include:
- “Majesty”
- “Southy Love” ft. Fireboy DML
- “Gunshot”
- “Ready” ft. AcebergTM
- “Pressure” ft. Fireboy DML
His 2021 album “Rum & Boogie” was a masterclass in versatility, splitting the vibe between party bangers and slow jams, showcasing the same range that makes him such an effective songwriter for other artists.
The Art of Afrobeats Songwriting
What sets Peruzzi apart as a songwriter is his deep understanding of the Afrobeats genre and its global appeal. His compositions typically feature the rhythmic complexity and melodic richness that define the genre while incorporating universal themes of love, ambition, and celebration that resonate with diverse audiences.
While Peruzzi enjoys success as a performing artist, his greatest contribution to the industry may be his work behind the scenes. The role of a songwriter in the modern music industry is often underappreciated, yet it is fundamental to the success of countless artists. This skill requires deep empathy, musical intelligence, and an understanding of market dynamics that few possess.
Peruzzi Deserves More Flowers
In an industry where hype often overshadows talent, Peruzzi stands out as a true craftsman. His influence is everywhere, from radio to playlists to dance floors. If we’re being real, half the songs that made you feel something in the last five years? Peruzzi probably had a hand in them.
His claim about writing over 252 songs also highlights the industrial nature of modern music production, where prolific songwriters serve as the creative engines behind multiple successful careers. In an industry that often celebrates the front-facing performers, Peruzzi’s success represents the crucial role of the creative architects who build the foundation for hit songs.
In an industry that often prioritises performers over creators, Peruzzi’s recognition as a songwriter represents an important acknowledgement of the creative process behind hit music. As streaming platforms and digital music distribution continue to change how music is created and consumed, the role of versatile, prolific songwriters becomes even more crucial.
The story of Peruzzi is ultimately one of artistic vision, professional dedication, and the power of great songwriting to shape culture. While he may not always receive the spotlight that performers enjoy, his influence on contemporary Nigerian and African music is undeniable.
Are you a fan of Nigerian music? You already love Peruzzi; you just might not know it yet. Are you an artist? You need his pen in your corner. Are you a music lover who values depth? It’s time to give the writers their credit.
For aspiring musicians and songwriters, Peruzzi’s career offers valuable lessons about the importance of honing one’s craft, building industry relationships, and maintaining creative output. His success proves that in music, as in many creative fields, consistent excellence and professional reliability can lead to sustained success and industry influence.
As African music continues to evolve and expand its global reach, songwriters like Peruzzi will undoubtedly play crucial roles in defining its future sound and ensuring its continued relevance in the international music landscape. He’s not just writing songs; he’s helping to shape the soundtrack of modern Nigerian pop culture, and his story is far from over.
