US-based sound engineer Wondamagik, born Usman Adams Adakole, is set to release a new album titled: ’Chillhop Timezones Nigeria’, currently being compiled in collaboration with Chillhop Music.
While the name Wondamagik may not be widely recognised in mainstream Nigerian music and film circles, his consistent and behind-the-scenes contributions have been instrumental in shaping the Afrobeat and Nollywood industries as we know them today.
A staff member at the US-based One Fifteen Entertainment LLC, Wondamagik’s musical journey, like many artists, is deeply rooted in the church choir.
Born in Benue State, Nigeria, the 43-year-old Accounting graduate gained his first experience in the music industry in 2008 as a freelance sound enthusiast, working as a session recording engineer with the legendary Bongos Ikwue’s Double X Band.
In 2014, Wondamagik relocated to Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and entertainment hub, where he worked as an in-house producer and engineer for HFMusic. He collaborated with several artists under the label, including Harmonee, Big Little, Seven, Zeez (DJ Zeez), and BOJ.
His notable works include sound mixing and engineering for Harmonee’s Gat Your Back, which features Ghana’s Stone Bwoi, and DJ Zeez’s Atewo, featuring Olamide, from his star-studded album Magic. The album also featured artists such as Banky W, Seyi Shay, Falz The Bad Guy, and Ayo Jay.
Wondamagik has also contributed to Nollywood, creating scores for films such as Greg Odutoya’s Beyond Blood and Fizzy K Pictures’ Dynamite and Phoenix Fury.
His talents have earned him accolades, including the Best Movie Soundtrack award at the 2022 Toronto Film Festival and the Best Movie Soundtrack award at the 2024 British Urban Film Festival.
Having worked with several local and international music labels such as Double X Band, BIK Group, HF Records, Universal Music East Africa, HM Records, and One Fifteen Entertainment LLC, Wondamagik has built a strong brand in the industry.
It is clear that artists like Wondamagik deserve recognition for not only enhancing the global image of Nigerian-born creatives abroad but also for their significant contributions to the growth of the Nigerian music and film industries.
