In an industry often dominated by performers, Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, founder of Lagos-based Hightower Solicitors & Advocates, stands out as a champion for the unseen architects of sound—Africa’s producers and songwriters. His dedication to safeguarding their creative rights and economic empowerment has now earned him a prestigious on  Billboard’s 2025 Top Music Lawyers list, making him the only Nigerian lawyer recognized.

With a roster that includes some of Afrobeats’ most in-demand producers: Magicsticks (Asake, Tiwa Savage), Ragee (Davido, Adekunle Gold), Damie (BNXN, Fave), Rexxie (Burna Boy, Zlatan), Blaq Jerzee (Mr Eazi, Wizkid), Masterkraft (Justin Bieber, Yemi Alade), and Marvey Muzique (Ayra Starr, Qing Madi), among others, Akinyemi uniquely blends his background as a musician with legal acumen.

This exclusive Q&A delves into what drives this global acknowledgment, the evolving landscape of African music law, and his bold vision for a more equitable future for creators.

Introduction & Recent Recognition

Akinyemi, congratulations on being named to Billboard’s 2025 Top Music Lawyers list – a truly landmark global recognition. As the only Nigerian lawyer featured this year, what does this achievement personally mean to you, and what message do you hope it sends to the broader African music industry?

AKINYEMI: This global acknowledgement is a recognition of the 16 years of hard work and toiling, hinged on the strong belief that I can add value to the journeys of African talents and the music industry at large. This is also a “prophecy fulfilled,” having called myself “Africa’s finest” in the last three years. I hope that other Africans are inspired by this feat. To believe that it is possible to be born, bred, and educated in Africa, and still be a world-beater in your work.

Journey & Evolution in Music Law

Your background as a former recording artist and songwriter brings a unique perspective to your legal work. How did your personal experience as a musician directly influence your decision to transition into music law, and what specific gaps did you aim to fill for creators when you founded Hightower Solicitors?

AKINYEMI: I believe that my personal experience as a musician laid the foundation to understand the pain points for the talents that I have been blessed to represent. Understanding this allows you to be able to identify what the issues are and to be able to look for the solutions as much as you can. Remember that by my discipline, we have been taught to master and understand what the issues are and to be able to apply principles in a manner that it can help solve the problem.

We’re always looking for resolutions as lawyers. So I think the same thing applies because I’ve been a musician before qualifying as a lawyer. I know what the issues are. The issues that musicians deal with, issues that investors do it. And I’m able to get to the solution as much as I can.

Also, at the start of my career. Not too many talents were educated on their rights. I think me coming on board as a lawyer, and actively advocating and teaching and educating, having webinars, being a part of conferences that has helped to, you know, close the gap in the literacy level of talent in Nigeria. And I believe also with the advent of social media, it’s easier to amplify education and educational materials.

And I’m happy that the average talent in Nigeria has heard of some of the things we’ve been saying for years. They know what they call contracts. They know what they call split sheets. They know what it means to get paid in royalties and things of that nature. So, yes.

Over your journey of advocacy, how has your approach to music law evolved to meet the dynamic needs of the African music ecosystem? Are there specific shifts or trends you’ve observed that have significantly shaped Hightower’s strategy?

AKINYEMI: I believe our approach has to keep changing. We need to keep following where the business is. Stay abreast of what’s going on internationally, of course. Technology is a major driver of how music is being exploited, and how businesses and talents can benefit from the exploitation of music.

So about 16 years ago, when I got called to the Nigerian bar, we didn’t have anything like streaming. Yes. The principles of exploitation of music, in many cases, are universal. The principles are the same, but technology will keep impacting. So our strategy is always to follow the development in technology and pace of international best practices, because I think it is the most impactful variable in the last 60, 70, 80 years of music consumption and production.

The different changes we’ve seen has come from technology, in no small parts. And as a law firm, our strategy is always to stay abreast of development and technology. And usually technology moves faster than law. So when the technology keeps pushing, pushing, pushing, the law keeps pulling, pulling, pulling. We need to stay abreast of what’s going on there. And this informs what happens with the economics of the music business.

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Championing Behind-the-Scenes Creators

Hightower Solicitors is widely recognized for its dedication to “amplifying the legal and financial rights of songwriters and producers, the often-overlooked architects of modern African music.” What motivated this sharp focus, and why is it so crucial for the sustainable growth of Afrobeats and other African genres globally?

AKINYEMI: At the time of qualifying to be a lawyer. About 16 years ago, I just dived in and I wanted to be of value. I wanted to contribute my quota. And me representing songwriters and record producers wasn’t initially planned. I came to the realization of committing more time to these talents after about three years of working in the music industry, and when I discovered that, this community of creators were not properly taken care of. I just took it upon myself to work in that space. And I’m happy that my contribution started getting a lot of recognition and helped me land more clients .

And over the years, we’ve been able to be a part of so many record producers and songwriters’ journey. And it has been very rewarding for me, especially from the fulfillment I get. Also, if we look a little deeper, you will find that the producers are the ones who define the sound. Yes, they need the artist as a vehicle to amplify it, but many people agree that the producers can actually be the architect of the sound while the performing artist or the recording artist would usually be the vehicle to amplify what the producer has created.

Could you elaborate on the significance of the recent major publishing deal finalized between EMPIRE and Ragee for Chris Brown’s ‘Sensational’? Beyond the financial aspect, what larger statement does this deal make regarding the global recognition and fair compensation of African producers?

AKINYEMI: Ragee in the last 2 or 3 years. He’s been phenomenal. He’s been fantastic. And it’s good to see him partner with an international company like Empire. This will help him make music at the highest level and continue to collaborate with the best of the best and make hit records. And I think what this portends is that a record producer or songwriter could start small and with time to be able to compete at the highest level with other champions.

There would also be a need for strong partners as careers advance. You need a stronger team. And it doesn’t have to be just financial benefits. You would have more fulfillment when you’re making music at the highest level. And also make sure that you know the deal is favorable so that you can, you know, get fair compensation for your creativity as an African producer. 

Achievements & Broader Impact

Beyond the Billboard recognition and specific deals, what do you consider the most impactful achievement of your career or Hightower Solicitors to date?

AKINYEMI: I think the most impactful achievement of my career or my love films would be being a part of some interesting journeys. We’ve been instrumental to helping to build some powerful catalogues for our clients that help them financially secure as successful songwriters and record producers. So that is what we are most proud of, being able to protect our clients’ body of work is really valuable.

You know, people coming to our office without being able to afford legal fees and two, three, five years later, they’re doing well off. So it’s very important for us, we value that. So I think that is the most important and impactful achievement of my career. And of course, getting acknowledged by Billboard 2025 as a top music lawyer. That is a big deal for me.

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How do you envision your firm’s work contributing to the long-term cultural, economic, and legal infrastructure of the African music industry, especially as it continues its global expansion?

AKINYEMI: I will continue to champion establishing strong legal foundations, pursuing fair compensation, fostering talent development, and strategically expanding Hightower Solicitors’ reach to serve a broader African and global market. This would guarantee that we remain part of the journeys of the talents we represent. From their humble beginnings to when they become world-beaters and culture icons.

Personal Insights & Future Aspirations

When you’re not navigating complex legal frameworks, what’s a surprising or unexpected activity you enjoy that helps you unwind and recharge?

AKINYEMI: I love to dance. Love my wine. Love to connect over food and drinks with the people I care about. I love to travel as well.

Looking ahead, you’ve mentioned Hightower is expanding its reach into South Africa and Tanzania, and has major initiatives planned for 2025, including a legal mentorship programme for young African lawyers and expanding your songwriting competition. What excites you most about these upcoming ventures, and what impact do you hope they will have on the next generation of African music professionals?

AKINYEMI: Yeah. I think mentorship is always a good vehicle to give clarity and guidance. And I know that Africa is never in short supply of talented people or creative people. So with the idea for the mentorship program for young lawyers, it is just to be able to share a bit of what I know and guide the next generation into the world of music.

With respect to the songwriting competition, we’re trying to amplify the importance of collaboration between creators of music on the continent. And I think this would always be a refreshing exercise. I’ve been doing it since 2020. And I’m happy that we’re doing it again in November, 2025. This is another opportunity to do it. So yes, I’m excited. I’m excited. 

Finally, if there’s one impactful thing you could manifest for African music creators – something you truly wish would come into existence or be achieved – what would that be, and why?

AKINYEMI: That African creativity gets all the investment, attention/amplification and return on investment it deserves.

Akinyemi Ayinoluwa’s journey shows how persistence and self-belief can lead to global impact. By addressing creators’ pain points and promoting legal education, he champions producers, mentors new talent, and strengthens the legal backbone of African creativity for lasting investment and recognition.

CONNECT WITH AKINYEMI AYINOLUWA

Instagram: www.instagram.com/akinyemilaw
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/akinyemi-ayinoluwa-12698468
X (Twitter): www.x.com/akinyemilaw
Website: www.hightowerlawyers.com

Image Source(s): Supplied