Chopstix: The maestro behind Nigeria’s latest Grammy triumph

A Silent Architect of Global Hits
Nigeria has always been home to musical greats, but this year’s Grammy Awards shined an even brighter spotlight on one of its most gifted producers, Chopstix. The internationally acclaimed record producer, known for his groundbreaking fusion of Afrobeats, Dancehall, and Hip-Hop, clinched the Best Global R&B Album award at the 2025 Grammy Awards for his production on Chris Brown’s 11:11 (Deluxe).

For Chopstix, this win is not just another accolade; it is a defining moment in Nigerian music history, one that highlights the growing influence of African producers in shaping the global soundscape. His success is a testament to years of dedication, innovation, and an unrelenting pursuit of musical excellence.

Born Malcolm Kolade Olagundoye, Chopstix’s journey to Grammy glory began in Jos, Plateau State, where he developed an early passion for music through the church. His time at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Fine and Applied Arts, helped him craft a vision that extended beyond just beats, it was about creating timeless musical experiences.

Relocating to Lagos in 2012, he made his mark early on with Ice Prince’s “Aboki”, a song that became a cultural anthem and propelled both him and Ice Prince into international prominence. Since then, his production credits have expanded, working with heavyweights such as Burna Boy, Mr. Eazi, WSTRN, Rick Ross and Sean Paul.

While he has received multiple Grammy nominations in the past, including for his work on Burna Boy’s African Giant and Love, Damini, it was his meticulous craftsmanship on Chris Brown’s 11:11 (Deluxe) that finally earned him the coveted Grammy win.

His production on “Nightmares” featuring Byron Messia was particularly lauded for its seamless blend of Afrobeats percussion, soulful R&B and global instrumentation, proving that African producers are no longer just contributors but architects of today’s biggest hits.

This Grammy win is significant not only for Chopstix but for every aspiring producer in Nigeria, proving that excellence and persistence pay off on the grandest stages.

Beyond his Grammy success, he has been pivotal in bringing Nigerian music into Hollywood. His production of “London Town” by Mr. Eazi ft. Giggs has been included in the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 soundtrack, further showcasing the global demand for his signature sound.

His work has also earned recognition from BMI Awards (2023) for his contribution to Burna Boy’s “Last Last”, a song that dominated streaming platforms worldwide.

Despite his impressive accomplishments, Chopstix remains focused on the bigger picture. He has committed himself to mentoring the next generation of producers through his Sound Education initiative, a platform dedicated to equipping young talents with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the music industry successfully.

With plans to expand into film scoring, collaborative projects and establishing his own production academy, he is proving that his Grammy win is just the beginning.

As Nigeria celebrates this monumental achievement, one thing is clear, Chopstix is not just a producer, he is a visionary shaping the future of global music.