Sarz (Osabuohien Osaretin) is a Nigerian record producer and artist best known for adding the tags “Sarz On The Beat” and “Really” to the beginning and end of all of his musical creations. The term Osabuohien refers to someone who is ambitious, playful, and unique.
In 2007, he produced Lord of Ajasa’s “See Drama” for the first time with full credit. Among the artists he has produced music for are Naeto C, Banky W, Skales, Shank, Reminisce, Goldie Harvey, eLDee, Wande Coal, YQ, and Niniola. When his contract with Trybe Records expired in November 2013, he moved on to 1789 Entertainment.
Early Life and Education
Sarz was born in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, on March 17, 1989. He is the second of three children in his family. He attended All Saints Primary School and Goodwill Secondary School for his primary and secondary education before moving on to higher education.
Career
Sarz decided to pursue a professional music career after high school and began practicing full-time. As a result of this decision, he relocated to Lagos, West Africa’s entertainment capital. He began his career as a full music producer in 2007 after working with Lord of Ajasa to produce “See Drama,” for which he claimed full credit. Sarz produced the remix for Jahbless’ 2010 smash song “Jor Oh,” which features Durella, RuggedMan, Reminisce, Ice Prince, and eLDee.
At The Headies, the song was nominated for “Best Collaboration” and “Best Street Hop.” In 2011, he worked on Shank’s “Salute,” eLDee’s “Today Today,” “Wash Wash,” Skales’ “Mukulu,” Goldie Harvey’s “Don’t Touch My Body,” and Reminisce’s “Kako Bi Chicken.” “Kako Bi Chicken” was nominated for “Best Street Hop” at the 2012 The Headies. Later that year, he produced eLDee’s Undeniable album entirely on his own (except for “We Made It”).
At the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, Sarz and Don Jazzy were both nominated for “Producer of the Year.” Despite the fact that Don Jazzy had won the award, he presented it to Sarz as a mark of respect. Sarz was named “Best New Producer” at the 2012 Dynamix Awards. He then performed “Beat Of Life (Samba),” his debut song from his album, with Wizkid. In 2013, he contributed two songs to Wizkid’s Ayo album, “Kilofe” and “Jaiye Jaiye,” both featuring Femi Kuti.
According to Premium Times Nigeria, he is one of five new music producers challenging Don Jazzy. Later that year, Sarz agreed to an endorsement deal with Nike. Sarz produced the official Hennessy Artistry 2014 theme song, “Dance Go (Eau de VieVie”),” which featured Wizkid and 2Face Idibia.
Sarz and Shizzi decided to go live on Instagram in April 2020 for a battle dubbed “The Battle of Hits,” which drew a peak of 19.2k live viewers worldwide on March 30, 2020. He has also worked with some foreign artists, including Drake and Chris Brown.
Personal Life
He lives in one of Lagos City’s wealthiest neighborhoods. When not in Lagos, he can be found traveling or working on music in London. He also goes by the stage name “Sarz On The Beat,” which he uses at the beginning and end of his musical compositions. It’s also a well-known moniker.
When he is not writing music or performing on tour, he may spend time with his friends and family. He lost his father to the grip of death in 2021.
Sarz is single and has not disclosed his relationship status.
Impact and Influence
The Sarz Academy
In June 2015, the Nigerian producer founded the Sarz Academy to provide opportunities to new and aspiring beat makers. He is a mentor and an inspiration to the younger generation who aspires to be music producers.
Discography
Selected Songs
- Good Morning, Riddim
- Get Up
- Celetronic Riddim
- MAD
- Beat of Life
- Legwork Riddim
- Inbox Riddim
- EGO
- Sade
- Ise Yen
- Sweat
- Bad Energy
- Focus
- Samba
- Tofunmi
- Shoknorris
Awards and Nominations
Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | Dynamix Awards | Music Producer of the Year | Himself | Won |
2013 | City People Awards | Music Producer of the Year | Himself | Won |
Nigerian Entertainment Awards | Music Producer of the Year | Himself | Nominated | |
Song Of The Year | “Beat Of Life (Samba)” (featuring Wizkid) | Nominated | ||
South-South Music Awards | Producer of the Year | Himself | Nominated | |
2018 | The Headies | Producer of the Year | Himself | |
2019 | SoundCity MVP Awards | African Producer of the Year | Himself | |
Songwriter of the Year | “Trobül” (Sarz & Wurld) | Nominated | ||
Best RnB Duo | “Trobül” (Sarz & Wurld) | Nominated | ||
2021 | Afro X Digitals Awards | Music Producer of the Year | Himself | Won |
Net Worth
Sarz has been a mainstay in the Nigerian music scene for a long time. His net worth is estimated to be $5 million.