Ikeja earns its reputation as the music capital of Nigeria thanks to different recording studios. Musicians flock to Ikeja from across the country to record their latest hits and collaborations.
Inside Ikeja’s many studios, artists are able to translate their creative visions into high quality recordings. Producers, sound engineers and session musicians provide their expertise. State-of-the-art equipment like ProTools rigs, vintage microphones and top-notch instruments help produce the polished final tracks.
Here are the top 20 recording studios that make Ikeja an audio production powerhouse:
1. Firehouse Studios – This major studio on Adebowale Street has three state-of-the-art recording booths. Firehouse uses the latest ProTools rigs and has an in-house production team.
2. Red Room Studios – Located on Anifowoshe Street, Red Room is known for live room recording sessions using vintage analog equipment. Its underground vibe attracts top artists.
3. Greenhouse Studios – The sleek, modern facility on Opebi Road has quickly become popular thanks to its stylish design and new equipment.
4. Smooth Sound Studios – With its large live room inside a refurbished warehouse on Toyin Street, Smooth Sound is ideal for full band recordings.
5. Vinyl Valley Studios – Analog aficionados come to Alagomeji Street to record using Vinyl Valley’s reel-to-reel tapes and vinyl recording technology.
6. Rhythm House – Found on Oregun Road, this cozy studio provides independent artists with a welcoming space focused on community.
7. Beats Avenue Studios – The go-to spot on Ladipo Street for hip hop producers, stocked with samplers, synths and drum machines.
8. Melody Lane Studios – Vocalists flock to Melody Lane on Anifowose Street to record using its breathtaking Yamaha grand piano.
9. Bass Arena Studios – With its high-end bass amp collection, Bass Arena on Opebi Road is all about capturing massive low end.
10. Vista Studios – The modern glass building on Olowu Street, with panoramic views, houses this space ideal for inspiration.
11. Purple Haze Studios – A classic studio located on Awolowo Way, great for psychedelic rock and trippy sounds.
12. Soul Sound Studios – Known for silky smooth R&B recordings, this studio on Ogba Road has vintage microphones and outboard gear.
13. Hip Hop Hut – Aspiring rappers come to lay verses at this no-frills studio on College Road. The beat production is top-notch.
14. Synth City Studios – Electronic artists flock to Synth City on Agidingbi Road for its extensive collection of synthesizers and modular gear.
15. Rock n’ Roll Studios – Groove to classic rock recordings tracked inside this studio on Adeniyi Jones Avenue. The live rooms are enormous.
16. Reggae Riddim Studios – Find the perfect vibes on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way at this iconic reggae studio. It even has a backyard jerk shack!
17. ClassicalSound Studios – With phenomenal acoustics, ClassicalSound on Kudirat Abiola Way is built for symphony orchestra sessions.
18. Jazz Lounge Studios – Inside cozy confines on Oba Akran Avenue, Jazz Lounge attracts the world’s smoothest jazz cats.
19. House Music Studios – Dance musicians head to this pulsating studio on Opebi Link Bridge to create throbbing house tracks.
20. Afrobeats Studios – Top stars craft chart-topping afrobeats hits inside this high-tech facility on Ogunlana Drive.
In addition to the major studios, Ikeja has dozens of small boutique operations. Bedroom producers are able to create full recordings with just a computer and software.
The concentration of recording studios in Ikeja has helped establish the area as Nigeria’s premier music production district.
