For years, Nigerian artists have dominated international music charts, but the 2025 Grammy Awards marked a shift in the narrative—producers are now sharing the global spotlight. At the heart of this evolution is Malcolm Kolade Olagundoye, popularly known as Chopstix, whose work on Chris Brown’s 11:11 (Deluxe) secured him a Grammy for Best Global R&B Album.

This win isn’t just about personal triumph; it’s a turning point for Nigerian producers, proving they are no longer behind-the-scenes contributors but architects of modern global music.

Chopstix’s musical journey began in Jos, Plateau State, where he honed his skills through the church before studying Fine and Applied Arts at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. His breakthrough came in 2012 with Ice Prince’s ‘Aboki,’ a song that cemented his reputation as a hitmaker. Over the years, he expanded his influence, producing for stars like Burna Boy, Mr. Eazi, Rick Ross, and Sean Paul.

While he had previously been nominated for his work on Burna Boy’s ‘African Giant’ and ‘Love, Damini,’ it was his meticulous production on Chris Brown’s ‘Nightmares’ featuring Byron Messia that finally earned him a Grammy. The track’s seamless blend of Afrobeats percussion, soulful R&B, and global instrumentation is a testament to how African producers are shaping the world’s biggest records.

https://thenationonlineng.net/chopstixs-grammy-win-signals-new-era-for-nigerian-producers/