Biography of Akinfenwa Rotimi (RotimiKeys)

 

Full Biography of Akinfenwa Rotimi (RotimiKeys) - The New Man Movement

 Award Winning Music Producer
-Creative Director
-Sound Designer
-Musician
-African Icon
-World Citizen


Rotimi Akinfenwa is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Creative Director at Song 23 Productions

Rotimi Akinfenwa AKA “Rotimikeys” is one of Nigeria’s most gifted music producers today. He is a songwriter, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, sound engineer, sound designer and consultant.
His vision to change the face of music in Nigeria and around the world drove him to leave his role as Senior Studio Producer at West Africa’s leading advertising agency (Insight Communications) to establish SonG23 Productions. SonG23 Music  which is the Parent company prides itself on excellent and original music output.
Rotimikeys  has produced top notch jingles, sound design and  support  for the biggest advertising  campaigns in Nigeria  and West Africa, for Blue Chip corporations and  flagship brands such as MTN, Etisalat, Gulder, Glo, Indomie, Bournvita, Amstel Malta, Sterling Bank, Stanbic IBTC, 7up, Golden Morn, Vitafoam etc
 
In different capacities, as  producer, musician, music director/arranger and consultant, he has also worked with artistes such as Asa, MI, Burna Boy, Lynxx, Naeto C, Flavour, Waje, Omawumi, Bez, Cobhams, Tuface, Yemi Alade, Niyola, Olamide, Banky W, Dammy Crane, Dija, Flavour, Chidinma, Simi, Nikki Laoye, Glowreeyah Braimah, Nathaniel Bassey, OC Ukeje e.t.c.
 
 
Rotimi Akinfenwa AKA “Rotimikeys” is one of Nigeria’s most gifted music producers today. He is a songwriter, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, sound engineer, sound designer and consultant. His vision to change the face of music in Nigeria and around the world drove him to leave his role as Senior Studio Producer at West Africa’s leading advertising agency (Insight Communications) to establish SonG23 Productions. SonG23 Music  which is the Parent company prides itself on excellent and original music output. Rotimikeys  has produced top notch jingles, sound design and  support  for the biggest advertising  campaigns in Nigeria  and West Africa, for Blue Chip corporations and  flagship brands such as MTN, Etisalat, Gulder, Glo, Indomie, Bournvita, Amstel Malta, Sterling Bank, Stanbic IBTC, 7up, Golden Morn, Vitafoam etc In different capacities, as  producer, musician, music director/arranger and consultant, he has also worked with artistes such as Asa, MI, Burna Boy, Lynxx, Naeto C, Flavour, Waje, Omawumi, Bez, Cobhams, Tuface, Yemi Alade, Niyola, Olamide, Banky W, Dammy Crane, Dija, Flavour, Chidinma, Simi, Nikki Laoye, Glowreeyah Braimah, Nathaniel Bassey, OC Ukeje e.t.c. 
ActivityActivity

Read: Biography of Minister Gbenga Akinfenwa (Phatstrings)

Experience

CEO/Creative Director

Song 23 Productions Feb 2012 - Present · 13 yrs

Radio/T.V Producer

Insight Communications Ltd Jan 2007 - Jan 2012 · 5 yrs 1 moJan 2007 to Jan 2012 · 5 yrs 1 mo

Education

Olabisi Onabanjo University where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Accounting 2004 - 2007 

Skills

    Music Production and Sound Design

Songs and Musical Releases by Akinfenwa Rotimi (Rotimikeys)

Akinfenwa

  • Ayo
  • Ore Ofe Sha featuring Gbenga Akinfenwa, Jumoke Williams
  • This Year (featuring Moses Bliss)

 

Rotimikeys: Navigating New Musical Horizons and Breaking Grounds in Nigeria

Rotimi Akinfenwa a.k.a “Rotimikeys,” is one of Nigeria’s most gifted music producers. He is a songwriter, arranger, music director, sound engineer, sound designer and consultant. As producer, musician and consultant, he has worked with artistes such as Salife Keita, Yemi Alade, Asa, Simi, Omawunmi, Bez, Cobhams, Tosin Martins, Niyola, Waje, Flavour, Nathaniel Bassey, Segun Obe, Mairo, Femi Leye, Mercy Chinwo, Gbenga Akinfenwa, Darey Art Alade and many others.

In 2016, he released an Extended Play (EP) of covers titled Wild Colours, featuring covers of  three of the biggest Naija hit tracks that year: Dami Duro by Davido, Ferrari by Yemi Alade and Oluwa Ni by Reekado Banks. In 2017, he wrote and produced the gospel music hit Olowogbogboro for Nathaniel Bassey. In 2020, he released his first original single, Life is Beautiful, followed by Onise Iyanu, in 2022,  Ore Ofe Sha in 2023 and recently, this Year in Jan 2024.

In 2018, he was one of the three judges on the first season of “Stardom Reality Show”, a music talent show that went beyond the surface of music artistry into the dynamics of songwriting, music production and singing, The show was a huge success throughout Nigeria. In 2019, he was one of the three judges for BET’s Sunday Best Lagos Auditions.

His vision to change the face of music in Nigeria and around the world drove him to leave his role as Senior Studio Producer at West Africa’s leading advertising agency, Insight Communications, to establish SonG23 Productions in 2013. SonG 23 Music, the parent company, prides itself on excellent and original music output. He has also produced top-notch jingles, sound design and sound support for brands such as MTN, Globacom, Etisalat, Nigerian Breweries and many more. Having been nominated and won several awards home and abroad, he is moving from producing alone to also being an artiste and his two recent songs, steady gaining ground, is testament to his versatility.

Moving from producing to singing is definitely a big leap, has this always been the plan and what informed this move?

Well, singing has always been a part of me and I did it where necessary, to support my clients’ projects, as a background vocal or lead voice on a couple of my jingles and other projects for my advertising clients, from Ambode’s Ambo oh to Konga and others. I have been experimenting with it a lot. I have sung and “canned” many songs in the past decade, never releasing them, many of them are in my hard drive as we speak. I have done a few collaborations in fact, with Yemi Alade, Mike Abdul, Femi Leye, Olaitan Dada and a few other artistes. Many may remember my Wild Colours EP cover of Yemi Alade, Davido and Reekado Banks or even My Life Is Beautiful song released in the thick of Covid.  It just occurred to me in the past three years, that I needed to finally curate, write and put out more of the songs God is laying in my heart, my own unique sound. This does not mean that I’m transitioning from being a producer, I’m merely adding to my current portfolio. I remain a music producer, arranger, writer and audio-visual connoisseur.

Tell us about your recent projects?

I released two songs so dear to my heart, in December 2023 and last month. Ore Ofe Sha is a live song I did in collaboration with Gbenga Akinfenwa (my brother, also an artiste) and This Year is an Amapiano-style track that will resonate with many as their anthem for the year, any year.

How much of an influence would your production skills play in your new journey?

It’s certainly playing a huge role. When you do music as long as I have, you are thoroughly immersed in the process of bringing a vision, a sound to life. It’s literally my day-to-day and this time, I’m doing it for myself, ideating, writing, arranging, mixing, being a producer is absolutely a massive plus for me as an artiste.

Having worked with a lot of big names in the past and even till date, did this spur you into stepping into the limelight yourself?

The limelight as we know it, hasn’t been an attraction for me otherwise I would have done this sooner. I have been blessed to do so much for stars behind the scenes and I have thoroughly enjoyed being that way  If anything, I have shied away from the limelight, but now I know it’s time.

Take us briefly through your early journey; has it always been music/music production for you?

I started at a very young age, around six. I played drums and keyboard in church back in the day. I was super fascinated as a child with the music I heard on radio, from mama Bola Are to Don Moen, to Bob Fitts to Ebenezer Obey and lots more. I would sit with the radio for hours and play and replay songs trying to imagine how the harmonies were put together or how the the instruments were made to blend. That young boy in the 80s had no inkling that this was music production/arranging at play but I knew deep down that it was called something. Music production came alive for me when I got to the university and started volunteering for a few campus fellowships, arranging music, playing at events and the rest is history.

What makes a great song, the beats or lyrics and why?

I don’t think it’s just one element. All the various parts (music, lyrics, even down to the sometime overlooked elements like mixing and mastering) play important roles in making a great song. All these being said though, at the heart of a great song is authenticity and excellence.

You have a couple of songs out, what genre did you explore and what can your fans expect?

Afrofusion will always have my heart and Gospel and inspirational music will always be at my core, though I’m not a gospel artist in the usual sense. I’m an artiste who happens to be a proud Christian and it will show in my work. My fans can expect soul-lifting, carefully curated sounds for those with a discerning ear. If you love live music, you will love my sound.

Take us a bit through your creating and producing process, how do you decide which songs resonate most with listeners?

Truth is there’s no hard and fast rule to it. Listen to your God-given gut and go for it with excellence.

The music industry can be tough with many talented artistes struggling to be seen and/or keep making ‘hits’; how do you intend to navigate these waters?

Well, I’m going to take it one day and one song at a time. It’s not a struggle when you do what you love and for me, music as a whole is purpose. I’m not trying to release a ‘hit’ song; I’m just gladly expressing what God has laid on my heart with excellence.

Nigerian music has taken over Africa and gaining worldwide fame as well, does this surprise you?

It does not surprise me at all. Nigerians around the world are extremely talented and fearless in our pursuit of anything and music is no less. Our sound is compelling and irresistible, our many talents are world-class and the whole world is taking notice. It’s time.

What lessons have you learned along your journey that you would like to pass on?

God has made you unique and special in your own way. Find your own voice and forge your path.

In this article

    Afrobeats
    Afrofusion
    Excellence in Music
    Gospel music
    music industry
    Music Production
    Nigerian artists
    Nigerian Music Producer
    Rotimi Akinfenwa
    Rotimikeys
    Singing Career
    Unique Sound

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Rotimikeys

Rotimi Akinfenwa AKA “Rotimikeys” is one of Nigeria’s most gifted music producers today. He is a songwriter, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, sound engineer, sound designer and consultant.

His vision to change the face of music in Nigeria and around the world drove him to leave his role as Senior Studio Producer at West Africa’s leading advertising agency (Insight Communications) to establish SonG23 Productions. SonG23 Music  which is the Parent company prides itself on excellent and original music output.

Rotimikeys   has produced top notch jingles, sound design and  support  for the biggest advertising  campaigns in Nigeria  and West Africa, for Blue Chip corporations and  flagship brands such as MTN, Etisalat, Gulder, Glo, Indomie, Bournvita, Amstel Malta, Sterling Bank, Stanbic IBTC, 7up, Golden Morn, Vitafoam etc

In different capacities, as  producer, musician, music director/arranger and consultant, he has also worked with artistes such as Asa, MI, Burna Boy, Lynxx, Naeto C, Flavour, Waje, Omawumi, Bez, Cobhams, Tuface, Yemi Alade, Niyola, Olamide, Banky W, Dammy Crane, Dija, Flavour, Chidinma, Simi, Nikki Laoye, Glowreeyah Braimah, Nathaniel Bassey, OC Ukeje e.t.c.

To mention a few Classics to his credit:

    Ambode “Ambo oh” Lead theme song for 2015
    Konga Happiness Theme Song 2015
    Konga Christmas Theme Song 2015
    MTN Life is Richer  Theme  Song
    MTN Project Fame theme song

Listen to these and more here

Today a huge percentage of the jingles on TV, Radio, Caller tunes and Online platforms in Nigeria can be credited to him.

That is absolutely not all, his music consulting credits include:

    The Future Awards Africa; Live Stage Music Direction for the National Anthem
    Heineken UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour; Music Direction

Rotimikeys is set to reveal his artiste side in 2016 with his singles and collaborations with artistes. Watch out.
Connect with Rotimikeys

    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Youtube
    Instagram

Song23 Team Members

    Rotimikeys

    CEO/Creative Director
    Ayodotun Rotimi-Akinfenwa

    COO/Business Director

SonG23 Studios

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Akinfenwa Rotimi is happily married to his heartthrob, Ayodotun Rotimi-Akinfenwa

married in 2012
 Rotimikeys is a powerhouse of talent-an award- winning music producer, singer, songwriter, music director, creative consultant, and entrepreneur. As a visionary Christian creative whose creativity cannot be "put int a box", his artistry transcends borders, creating ripples of impact across the globe. With a signature sound that captivates hearts and moves souls, he continues to redefine music's power to inspire, uplift, and transform lives, shining his light and giving glory to the source of it all- GOD.

Akinfenwa Rotimikeys is active on social media. You can connect with him via his official handles on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X

YouTube (Rotimikeysofficial)

Instagram, LinkedIn and X


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