The Grammy-nominated producer behind Yemi Alade’s Tomorrow and sound designer for Chike’s Boo of the Booless, DeeYasso has built a reputation as a musical alchemist, fully channeling his creative spark. We have turned it into a realized masterpiece.
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In an interview with OKAfrica, he spoke about his journey so far, his approach to music production and the artistry behind collaborating with some of Nigeria’s best talents.
Boo of the Booless was quietly released on Valentine’s Day four years ago, capturing the hearts of Afropop lovers with its musical ambition and seamless delivery. The album is now hailed as a cornerstone of modern Nigerian music, intertwining Chike’s lyrical grace with Diyasso’s songwriting genius. For DeeYasso, this was the culmination of a 14-year journey that began with a casual interest in production and a church musical background.
“I started producing music casually after seeing my friends producing. I got interested, and since I was already playing an instrument in church, it became very easy.” Diyasso said. The producer credits his initial learning curve to his laptop, which gave him access to production software, a skill he honed while pursuing a law degree.
DeeYasso’s breakthrough came in 2018 when Chike invited him to Lagos. “We were just going to make one or two songs, but we ended up making more than an album,” he recalls. This was the beginning of a fruitful partnership that extended to Chike’s follow-up projects, Brothers Keeper and Son of Chike. DeeYasso’s unique touch on these records highlights his ability to create music that blends seamlessly with the artist’s vision. “Sometimes you can’t hear the beat. The beat becomes one with the voice,” he says of his understated yet powerful style.
In an interview with HealthyAfrica, DeeYasso emphasized that she is dedicated to keeping her sound organic. “No matter how simple it is, I try to make my sound as musical as possible. I love playing percussion live, and when I need horns or violin, I invite live players. When these things are played live, the dynamics translate very well.”
DeeYasso’s influences include iconic producers like Sarz and Masterkraft, but he’s developed a signature direction that prioritizes authenticity. “I didn’t want their sound to directly influence me. As time went on, I just focused on where I was going,” he explained. His independence has put him right in the conversation with icons and cemented his place as Nigeria’s top producer.
His recent Grammy nomination for producing Yemi Alade’s Tomorrow marked a new pinnacle in his career. “I met Yemi at a recording camp in January,” Diyasso recalls. “We created a tomorrow there. It wasn’t planned, it was just a vibe. We recorded about four songs that day and added post-production touches later.”
DeeYasso is characterized by her ability to accurately interpret creative ideas. “I listen to music randomly to keep my senses open, so I can interpret and translate whatever comes to mind. I always ask artists about creative directions. Then I add my input and we create together.”
From his early days learning to produce to producing era-defining albums, DeeYasso has mastered the art of bringing music to life. Whether it’s Chike’s world-building ballads or Yemi Alade’s Grammy-worthy hits, his work embodies a delicate balance of technical skill, artistic intuition, and collaborative synergy. “At the end of the day, it’s all about direction,” he concluded, and this principle continues to guide his remarkable journey in music.
