Zeeno Foster: A Trailblazer in Nigerian Sound Engineering

Over more than two decades, Zeeno Foster has been pioneering contributions to sonic engineering which have helped shape the sound of Nigeria’s most iconic artists and genres, establishing him as a true industry trailblazer. Zeeno Foster, born Ewomazeeno Foster on April 8, 1971, in Lagos, Nigeria, hails from Delta State and has become one of the most influential and celebrated audio engineers in the country’s vibrant music industry.

Zeeno Foster’s extensive body of work with Nigerian music legends has cemented his reputation behind the scenes. He served as the mixing and mastering engineer for P-Square’s groundbreaking 2007 album, “Game Over”, thereby creating the signature sound of hits like “Ifunanya” and the title track “Game Over.” His involvement extended beyond the studio, traveling with the duo for video shoots such as “Do Me” and “More Than a Friend,” illustrating his vital role in their rise to stardom.

His influence also spans a wide array of artistes, including 2Baba, whose 2008 album “Originality” benefited greatly from Foster’s expert touch, and Wizkid, whose global hit “Jaiye Jaiye” featuring Femi Kuti from the Ayo album was mixed and mastered by him. Foster’s collaborations have shaped the sound of Nigerian music across multiple eras and genres, working with pioneers like Idris Abdulkarem, Ruggedman, Weird MC, 9ice, Jim Iyke, and respected producers such as Nelson Brown.

Beyond these, Zeeno Foster has worked with a diverse roster of Nigerian icons, including KC Presh, KCEE (when he became a stand-alone artist), Eedris Abdulkareem, ID Cabasa, Tiwa Savage, Sean Tizzle, Wande Cole, Faze, Blackface, Olamide, Adaz, Olu Maintain, Plantashuz Boyz, Sunny Nneji, and many others. His projects, spanning the early 2000s to the present, demonstrate his versatility, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

In addition to his engineering prowess, Zeeno Foster has also established himself as a savvy entrepreneur. He founded GoldTent Media Company, a reputable media agency that handles online and print media for major clients. Notably, this agency previously served as the media vendor for Diamond Bank and has been managing the media for Access Bank arguably the biggest bank in West Africa for nearly a decade. This venture highlights his influence beyond music into the realm of media and corporate communications.

Zeeno Foster is also making strides as a budding tech entrepreneur and realtor. His ventures in technology focus on coding and digital solutions. He is also in real estate to provide innovative solutions to Nigeria’s housing deficit; aiming to make homeownership more accessible and streamlined through integrated real estate solutions. His diverse business interests reflect his dynamic approach to impacting Nigeria’s economy and infrastructure.

Foster’s exceptional achievements earned him the “Best Mixing & Mastering Engineer” award at the 2015 Beatz Awards. Held in Lagos in December 2015, this prestigious recognition celebrated his dominance in the field, placing him among Nigeria’s elite sound engineers. The award ceremony featured other top nominees such as Olaitan Dada, Ndu Mix, Brain on the Mix, Sheyman, SukaSounds, Vetek, and more.

This accolade not only underscores Foster’s mastery in delivering high-quality sound but also highlights his role in defining the sonic identity of Nigerian music. His mastery seamlessly blends traditional analog techniques with cutting-edge digital innovations, ensuring Nigerian music remains vibrant and globally relevant.

As Nigeria’s music industry continues to evolve, Zeeno Foster remains a pioneering force; pushing boundaries, mentoring the next generation of sound engineers and championing the integration of technology and artistry. His legacy as marked by different awards and recognition notably the 2015 Beatz Award and decades of evident influential works has amplified his place as one of Nigeria’s greatest sound engineers and a true pioneer of Nigerian music.