DeeYasso, the Grammy-nominated producer behind Yemi Alade’s Tomorrow and the sonic architect of Chike’s Boo of the Booless, has carved a reputation as a music alchemist, turning creative sparks into fully realized masterpieces.
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While in an interview with OkayAfrica, he opened up about his journey, his approach to music production, and the artistry behind his collaborations with some of Nigeria’s finest talents.
Boo of the Booless quietly dropped four years ago on Valentine’s Day, its musical ambition and seamless execution capturing the hearts of Afropop lovers. This album, now hailed as a cornerstone of contemporary Nigerian music, showcased Chike’s lyrical grace intertwined with DeeYasso’s compositional genius. For DeeYasso, it was the culmination of a 14-year journey, beginning with a casual interest in production and a background in church musicianship.
“I started music production casually after watching my friends produce. I took interest, and because I was already playing instruments in church, it became very easy,” DeeYasso shared. The producer credited his initial learning curve to a laptop, which gave him access to production software, a skill he honed even while pursuing a law degree.
DeeYasso’s breakthrough came in 2018 when Chike invited him to Lagos. “We were meant to do a song or two, but we ended up creating more than an album,” he recounted. This marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership that extended to Chike’s follow-up projects, The Brother’s Keeper and Son of Chike. DeeYasso’s distinctive touch on these records underscores his ability to make music that blends seamlessly with the artist’s vision. “Sometimes you don’t even hear the beat — it becomes one with the voice,” he said, describing his understated yet powerful style.
In his OkayAfrica interview, DeeYasso emphasized his dedication to keeping his sound organic. “I try to make my sounds as musical as possible, no matter how simple they might be. I love doing my percussion live, and when I need horns or violins, I invite live players. Once those things are played live, they interpret the dynamics very well.”
DeeYasso’s influences include iconic producers like Sarz and Masterkraft, but he has developed a signature direction that prioritizes authenticity. “I didn’t want their sounds to influence me directly. Over time, I just focused on where I was headed,” he explained. That independence has placed him in conversations with these very icons, solidifying his place among Nigeria’s top producers.
His recent Grammy nomination for producing Yemi Alade’s Tomorrow marked a new peak in his career. “I met Yemi at a recording camp in January,” DeeYasso recalled. “We created Tomorrow there. It wasn’t even planned — just a vibe. We recorded about four songs that day, and later added post-production touches.”
What sets DeeYasso apart is his ability to interpret creative ideas with precision. “I listen to music randomly to keep my sense wide, so I can interpret and translate anything that comes my way. I always ask artists about their creative direction. Then I add my input, and together we create.”
From his early days learning production to crafting albums that define an era, DeeYasso has mastered the art of bringing music to life. Whether through Chike’s world-building ballads or Yemi Alade’s Grammy-worthy hits, his work exemplifies the delicate balance of technical skill, artistic intuition, and collaborative synergy. “At the end of the day, it’s about direction,” he concluded, a principle that continues to guide his remarkable journey in music.
