From crafting beats in Taraba to earning global acclaim, DeeYasso’s journey as a music producer defies expectations. Born and raised in Nigeria’s northeastern state, he shattered the myth that success in the industry requires relocating to Lagos. Now, with a 2025 Grammy nomination for Yemi Alade’s “Tomorrow” and credits on era-defining tracks like Chike’s Boo of the Booless, DeeYasso’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and African musical fusion.
Roots in Taraba: Building a Musical Foundation
Growing up in Taraba, DeeYasso’s passion for music was ignited early. His father, a church chorister, became his first supporter. “Music surrounded me—my dad sang, our church invested in instruments, and my school encouraged my talent,” he recalls. By his teens, he’d mastered drums, piano, and guitar, turning his home’s boys’ quarters into a makeshift studio.
Despite his remote location, DeeYasso never doubted his path. “I believed if my music was strong enough, opportunities would find me,” he says. This conviction carried him through collaborations with local bands and church groups, laying the groundwork for his signature sound.
Breaking Through: Setbacks and Breakthroughs
The road to success wasn’t smooth. In 2016, a stolen hard drive erased sessions with stars like Kizz Daniel and Jesse Jagz. A year later, grief over his mother’s passing led him to miss a career-changing offer from Mavin Records. But 2018 brought redemption: a DM from singer Chike sparked a partnership that produced three albums, including the critically adored Boo of the Booless.
“Chike trusted my vision,” DeeYasso shares. “That album blended Highlife with Congolese, Cameroonian, and Ivorian rhythms—a sound shaped by years of playing with musicians across Africa.” Tracks like “Roju” became instant classics, proving his ability to merge tradition with modernity.
Crafting Hits: A Producer’s Signature Style
DeeYasso’s genre-defying approach has fueled Nigeria’s biggest recent hits. From Oxlade and Dave’s “Intoxycated” to Mohbad and Chike’s viral “Egwu,” his productions balance African roots with global appeal. “I don’t believe in boxes,” he explains. “My sound is a fusion—live band energy meets electronic innovation.”
His Grammy-nominated work on Yemi Alade’s “Tomorrow” exemplifies this ethos. “We built the track spontaneously, adding choirs and chants to amplify its African soul,” he says. The song’s success validated his belief that “great music transcends borders.”
Lessons from the Studio: Collaboration and Instinct
For DeeYasso, every project starts with understanding the artist’s vision. “Some want me to lead; others bring ideas we refine together,” he notes. When creating Mohbad’s posthumous hit “Egwu,” spontaneity ruled: “We wrote it at 2 a.m.—Mohbad’s verse took 15 minutes. He knew it was magic.”
Patience also plays a role. Producing Ric Hassani’s The Prince I Became required 10 takes per song to capture raw emotion. “Ric’s perfectionism taught me to dig deeper,” DeeYasso admits.
Grammy Recognition and the Road Ahead
The 2025 Grammy nod for “Tomorrow” marked a milestone, but DeeYasso stays grounded. “I focus on creating timeless work, not awards,” he says. Tracks like Nasboi and Wande Coal’s “Umbrella” (which he pushed as a single) prove his instinct for hits.
Conclusion
As Afrobeats dominates globally, DeeYasso remains committed to elevating Africa’s sonic diversity. “My music is intentional—it carries our stories, rhythms, and future,” he asserts. From Taraba to the world stage, his journey reminds us that talent, paired with persistence, knows no boundaries.
