Meet The Artist:10ten
On the latest NTS MEETTHEARTIST segment, we’re delving deeper into the life and journey of a creative genius, Osagie Onobun, also known as 10Ten.
10Ten is the head of A&R and Artist Development at Chocolate City Music, and is also an established music producer with numerous hits to his name. He is a leading figure in the Nigerian music industry and can be considered one of the pioneers of the “modern” A&R “wave” in the Nigerian music scene.
In 2018, he got fully established in the music industry as an intern with Chocolate City, and worked his way up to being the head of A&R for the label. He was paired with Blaqbonez and has since then amassed quite a number of accolades with A&R and production credits on several hit songs, including Blaqbonez’s last album – “Emeka Must Shine.” His vast understanding of the music business, as well as his knowledge of music, has made him a force to be reckoned with and has undoubtedly put him on the level he sits on at the moment. It can be said that his rise has propelled the current wave of A&Rs.
As far as the music industry goes, we rarely get to see or hear about the creatives who work behind the scenes to put things in place. Their contributions are just as valid and valuable as those we see on billboards and screens. 10Ten is set to release his first project as an A&R, titled “18:23”, and intends to use this project to showcase his mastery and fluidity in the creative space.
The project comes with a star-studded feature list, featuring artists like Blaqbonez, Superboycheque, and Qing Madi.
Speaking on his creative journey:
“I remember my interview with Chocolate City… I was right there with MI and told him about all my crazy ideas regarding developing musical talent. He loved everything. I told him I make music and he asked me to play him something. I played him some of my songs/beats and immediately he was on the edge of his seat! Haha… he couldn’t believe what he’d heard and asked me if I’d rather like to be brought in as an artist. I declined and told him I was more interested in working on developing artists.”
NTS: Which musician(s)/producers have influenced your sound and style the most?
10Ten: Kendrick Lamar, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé. I’m also immensely inspired by Pharrell, Don Jazzy, Mr Eazi – these are music businesspeople who are equally talented.
10Ten is a CREATIVE MAESTRO, his knowledge of the game as well as his talent in music generally, makes him a “Master of both worlds”.
