Creative Compass: Anita Ashiru and the Power of Set Design in Afrobeats

Few names in modern African music's visual language carry the same weight of intention and creativity as Anita Ashiru.  As a well-known creative director and production designer, she is quietly and confidently creating the backdrop for Nigeria's most memorable pop images.

Her art goes beyond ornamentation, It is a world-building project.  Anita creates environments that reverberate far beyond the frame, from the sun-drenched scenes in Davido's videos to the gloomy, textured sets that have fueled Burna boy's ascension.  Every location she creates is a character in its own right, telling stories with light, architecture, and emotion.

Her studio at AA Creatives is more than just a production facility; it's also a visual laboratory. Anita's touch combines heritage and innovation, frequently incorporating cultural iconography, earthy tones, and experimental materials to give each piece a tangible personality.

Anita's growing acclaim, including the Future Awards Africa Prize for Creativity & Innovation (2024) and nominations from the Berlin Music Video Awards, has not dimmed her desire to collaborate.  She is fiercely committed to mentoring the next generation, frequently collaborating with emerging stylists, set designers, and directors of photography to further the debate about African design.

Here are some of her work:

DAVIDO FT OMAH LAY - WITH YOU

BURNA BOY - UPDATE

DAVIDO FT ODUMODU BLVCK AND CHIKE - FUND

WIZKID - KESE (DANCE)

FIREBOY DML X SPRITE LIMELIGHT - MY STORY

1XBEX TVC

WOMEN ECONOMIC POWER CAMPAIGN - SHETANK X BELLANAIJA

DAVIDO FT FAVE - KANTE

ADEKUNLE GOLD - OGARANYAN

DAVIDO INFINIX NOTE 40

TECNO SPARK 10 X FIREBOY DML

HENNESSY CYPHER