In the vibrant, competitive landscape of modern Afrobeats, few figures command the quiet, assured respect of Osabuohien Osaretin, known to the world as Sarz. His career, beginning with a single beat sold for the equivalent of a few pounds, has evolved into something far grander: a mission to curate worlds, define eras, and protect a unique artistic vision at all costs.
Sarz’s journey started not on stage, but deep within the instrumentals that captivated him as a teenager in Benin City. A self-taught producer, he moved to Lagos with a philosophy forged by studying American greats like Timbaland and Pharrell Williams, and a steely determination to be valued.
In an industry where producers were often sidelined, he made a stand. “I knew what I was worth,” he recounted. “So I took a stand: if I was not given what I deserved, I would not produce”. This insistence on respect laid the foundation for everything that followed.
His breakthrough arrived through seminal collaborations that helped chart the course of Afrobeats. Tracks like Reminisce’s street anthem “Kako Bi Chicken” and his contributions to Wizkid’s classic album Ayo established his signature: a sleek, rhythmically complex, and irresistibly modern sound.
Soon, his distinctive producer tag—“Sarz on the beat”—became a stamp of quality, heralding hits for a generation of stars from Niniola to Burna Boy. His influence reached a global zenith with co-production credits on international crossovers like Drake’s “One Dance,” proving the worldwide appeal of the sounds he helped pioneer.
However, Sarz has consistently transcended the traditional role of a behind-the-scenes beatmaker. In 2019, his defiantly titled instrumental EP SINYM (Sarz Is Not Your Mate) announced his ambition to be heard as a primary artist. This evolution culminated in his debut album, Protect Sarz at All Costs, a project he describes as an act of curation.
Here, he assembled a global roster of talent, from Asake and Wizkid to Gunna and Skillibeng, not merely as a producer, but as a director shaping a cohesive sonic universe. A standout track, “Getting Paid,” even soared to number one on the United Kingdom’s Official Afrobeats Chart.
Beyond his own music, Sarz channels his philosophy into nurturing new talent through his Sarz Academy, an initiative focused on teaching young producers how to build sustainable careers. This desire to elevate the ecosystem reflects his broader view on Afrobeats’ global moment.
He sees the international boom not as an end goal, but as an opportunity. “We simply have to take advantage of today to develop our own industries,” he argues, “so that we can make a living making African music in Africa”.
For Sarz, the core of his art is a relentless pursuit of “freedom”. Whether he is in the studio, on stage as a DJ controlling the energy of a crowd, or guiding the next generation, his aim is to create immersive, unpredictable moments. He operates as a “real selector” in an age of algorithmic noise, trusting his instinct and taste above fleeting trends.
From a determined young producer in Lagos to a curator of sound shaping culture across continents, Sarz’s story is one of profound artistic conviction—a reminder that true influence lies not just in making hits, but in architecting entire worlds for others to inhabit.
