Early Life
Michael Ovie Hunter, better known as Thisizlondon, was born on 21 October 1999 in Kaduna, Nigeria. He hails from a mixed Nigerian-British background, with a Nigerian mother from Isoko and a British father. Growing up in Kaduna, a state in northern Nigeria, London was exposed to music early on. His musical journey began in church, where he learned drumming. He further developed his interest in music production by teaching himself beat-making, especially after discovering the FL Studio software from a close friend while working as a graphic designer.
London completed his secondary education at Christ Ambassadors College in Kaduna in 2016. His passion for music led him to pursue a career in production, and he soon made his mark on the industry.
Career Beginnings of Thisizlondon (2018–2020)
London’s career took off in 2018 when he co-produced “Turn Up” by DJ Tunez featuring Wizkid and Reekado Banks. The collaboration brought attention to his talent and set the stage for his rise in the Nigerian music industry. In 2019, he moved to Lagos and began working with Mavin Records in-house producer BabyFresh. London signed with Blowtime Entertainment, a division of Mavin, and began building a name for himself in the industry.
His production tag, “Thisizlondon”, debuted on 12 July 2019 on the opening track “So Fine” from Crayon’s debut EP Cray Cray. In October of the same year, he had his breakthrough with the track “Bad Commando” from Rema’s debut EP Bad Commando. This track was a major hit and launched London into the spotlight.
In 2020, he contributed to Wizkid’s Soundman Vol. 1, producing the track “Electric”, which featured London’s signature sound. He continued to gain momentum as he worked with various prominent artists.
Major Breakthrough and Global Success (2021–Present)
London’s most significant achievement came in 2022 when he co-produced “Calm Down” by Rema, a song that went viral and became a global hit. The track gained international success, charting as high as #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number one on the IMI International chart, marking it as the most successful Afrobeats song worldwide. The song also featured a remix with Selena Gomez, further boosting its global reach.
London served as the executive producer for Rema’s debut album Rave & Roses, producing 14 out of the 16 tracks. His contributions to the album were widely praised, and he shared that working on the project was one of his proudest achievements. In 2021, he also worked on the “Koroba” remake for Tiwa Savage, which was featured on the Coming 2 America soundtrack.
In 2024, Thisizlondon signed with LVRN and is now working on his debut project. The release of his single “Pinacolada” featuring Ayra Starr and 6lack earned him his first chart entries in Nigeria’s Official Top 100 and the UK Afrobeats chart. This track also earned London his first Billboard chart entry, further cementing his place in the global music scene.
Discography of Thisizlondon
Extended Plays:
- Rave & Roses (2022) – Executive Producer
- Pinacolada (2024) – Single featuring Ayra Starr and 6lack
Other Notable Productions:
- “Soundgasm” by Rema
- “Bad Commando” by Rema
- “Fashion Killa” by Ayra Starr
- “Koroba” by Tiwa Savage
- “Mystery Girl” by Johnny Drille
Artisty and Influences
Thisizlondon’s sound blends church influences with R&B elements, creating a unique blend that resonates with fans worldwide. He has cited Sarz, OVO 40, Bursbrain, Killatunez, and Don Jazzy as his musical influences, and his style reflects a mix of Afrobeats, R&B, and global pop sounds.
Awards and Nominations
- AFRIMMA – Music Producer of the Year (Nominated)
- The Beatz Awards – Producer of the Year (Nominated)
- Afro-Pop Producer of the Year (Nominated)
- Afro Dancehall Producer of the Year (Nominated)
- Don Jazzy New Discovery Producer of the Year (Nominated)
- 2022 Grammy Awards – Best Global Music Album for Made in Lagos (Deluxe Edition) by Wizkid (Nominated)
- 2023 The Headies – Producer of the Year for “Calm Down” by Rema (Nominated)
Conclusion
London Michael Ovie Hunter, known professionally as Thisizlondon, has carved out a significant place in the global music scene. From his early days as a self-taught producer in Kaduna to his work on international hits like “Calm Down” and his contributions to Rema’sRave & Roses, London has shown his versatility and ability to produce chart-topping music. His future in music looks promising, with upcoming projects under his belt and continued success on the global stage