From pursuing a Master’s degree in Mass Communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to becoming a leading music producer in Nollywood, Stanley Okorie’s story is marked by an unwavering dedication to his craft. His artistic journey did not begin with aspirations of becoming a music producer for Nollywood.
For over two decades, music maestro, Stanley Okorie, known for hit Nollywood tracks ‘Billionaire’ ‘Happy Mumu’ and ‘Chop Life’, has remained a leading music producer in Nollywood, as his songs have been featured.
Nigerian singer and soundtrack producer, Stanley Okorie, who has been dubbed the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) of Nollywood soundtrack production, with some of his notable works being ‘Billionaire onye ji cash’ (from Return of the Billionaire), ‘Happy Mumu’ (from Sonachi My Wife), ‘I Go Chop Your Dollar’ (from The Master) and ‘National Moi Moi’, the TikTok and Instagram favourites, ‘Ashawo no be Work’, ‘Fine Mama’, ‘Chop Life’, ‘Iyeme’ among others.
The connoisseur is believed to have churned out over 10,000 Nollywood soundtracks over two decades of his career. He is also the singer-songwriter behind the international hit song ‘I go chop your dollar’, the soundtrack to the Nollywood Movie ‘The MASTER’, which featured Nkem Owoh, who visually performed the song in a KAS-VID video.
His first big Nollywood Soundtrack song was ‘Karishika (Queen of Demons)’ from the 1996 horror movie KARISHIKA.
His iconic contribution to Nigerian gospel music with the viral hit ‘Jesus I Love You’ from the 90s, long before the age of the internet and social media, spread like wildfire across churches, motor parks, and radio stations, touching countless lives with its message of faith and devotion.
Discovering that Okorie was behind this timeless anthem was a revelation that added another layer of joy in writing this post. It brought moments of nostalgia and celebration — a testament to the enduring impact of his musical legacy.
Stanley Okorie’s journey is more than just a musical odyssey; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the unbreakable spirit of a true artiste. On his first job of making a soundtrack, he was paid a bottle of Sprite for the job.
As he continues to compose melodies that stir the soul and uplift the spirit, his influence on Nigerian music and beyond remains as vibrant and profound as ever.
It will be true to say when Okorie started doing movie soundtracks, most people who got into what they got into, now Nollywood, were all hobbyists learning on the job.
STANLEY OKORIE: NOLLYWOOD’S MUSIC MAESTRO BY PHASSY LAW WORDSMITH
