By Yusuf Mohammed
In the Nigerian music industry, few figures have wielded as much influence behind the scenes as Soso Soberekon. A legendary music executive with an unmatched ear for talent and a sharp business mind, Soso has quietly helped shape the careers of some of the country’s biggest music stars.
Unlike many in the spotlight, Soso is not your typical music executive. While active on social media, his online presence is more about his lifestyle than self-promotion. He rarely takes credit for the many artists he has guided to success and doesn’t seek appearances in music videos.
A huge figure both literally and metaphorically, Soso has been involved in major projects across the entertainment industry for decades. He is a true embodiment of the phrase “OG before IG,” a pioneer whose work predates the social media era yet continues to resonate today.
Soso’s career began in earnest in 2003 with the launch of Madskillz Studios. Two years later, he demonstrated his remarkable talent-spotting ability and helped push the song Obodo by Nigga Raw ft. Klint da Drunk to national fame. He later teamed up with E-Money and Kcee to build Five Star Music into a household name in Nigeria and beyond. As its general manager, he played a critical role in the label’s success before moving on in 2017 to pursue his personal ventures, including White Lion Global Energy, White Lion Construction, and White Lion Management, focusing on talent management, event direction, and media consultancy.
Throughout his career, Soso has been instrumental in launching and developing the careers of artists like Kcee, Harrysong, Skiibii and a host of others. More than just a manager, he’s involved in every stage of an artist’s journey: crafting their sound, guiding their branding, and helping shape their artistic identity.
Soberekon with Harrysong, Kcee and Skiibii
What sets Soso apart is his rare ability to blend creative insight with commercial savvy. He championed artist development during a time when the industry often prioritized quick hits, and many artists have credited him for mentoring them through defining moments in their careers.
In a 2023 interview, Soso opened up about his journey, revealing that the road to success wasn’t always smooth. Growing up in Port Harcourt, he dreamed of becoming a pilot, often staring at planes in the sky with wonder. Though that dream didn’t come to pass, his ambition led him to the studio, where he began as a “studio rat” before becoming a respected producer and meeting key figures like Lagbaja, who helped shape his musical perspective.
One of his most intriguing stories involves the hit song Limpopo. Soso revealed that the track, performed by Kcee, was originally intended to feature Beyoncé. A Nigerian billionaire had offered to fund the collaboration, and Soso travelled to New York to explore the deal. They even visited Jay-Z’s club in a bid to secure Beyoncé’s involvement. Although the collaboration never materialized, Limpopo became a massive success in Nigeria on its own.
Celebrating Ademola Adeleke’s victory with Davido
Soso’s decision to leave Five Star Music in 2017 was a bold but calculated move. “It’s not out of place to chart a new course for myself,” he said. “As a founding member, through dedication and hard work, I was able to build Five Star into an entertainment brand that is today recognised globally.”
Beyond music, Soso considers himself an “agent of solution.” His entrepreneurial ventures now span multiple sectors, from energy to construction. Despite his success, he remains grounded. In a candid moment, he shared the emotional story of lost love, how the woman he once loved married someone else while he was building his career. “I didn’t blame her. I wanted to be successful before settling down. She got married six years ago, and I haven’t been able to love anyone since.”
Today, Soso Soberekon, also known as White Lion, is not only a revered name in music but a multi-faceted entrepreneur whose impact extends far beyond the recording studio. His journey is a testament to grit, vision, and an unshakeable belief in the power of dreams.
