Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, partner at Hightower Solicitors and Advocate, has earned a spot on Billboard’s prestigious list of the world’s top music lawyers for 2025.
This recognition highlights Ayinoluwa’s outstanding expertise in music law and his unwavering dedication to protecting the rights of record producers and songwriters.
The honor comes after Hightower Solicitors, under Ayinoluwa’s leadership, brokered a publishing deal with Empire Music, a prominent global record label.
In addition, Ayinoluwa’s firm played a crucial role in representing Ragee, a top Afrobeats producer, who co-produced Chris Brown’s “Sensational,” nominated for Best African Music Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ayinoluwa expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying, “It’s a blessing to be acknowledged by Billboard as one of the leading music lawyers globally. I dedicate this achievement to my late father, who not only taught me the value of discipline but also introduced me to the legal profession while encouraging me to follow my passion for music.”
Ayinoluwa’s journey into music law began over 13 years ago when he identified the lack of legal representation for record producers and songwriters.
“I saw an opportunity to make a difference,” he explained, recognizing that these groups were often overlooked, while recording artists thrived.
Today, Ayinoluwa’s practice focuses on advocating for artists, songwriters, producers, record labels, and music investors. He believes that truly understanding his clients’ vision and challenges is crucial to providing effective legal guidance.
Asked about the biggest challenge facing Nigerian music professionals, Ayinoluwa pointed to fair compensation for producers and songwriters.
“This recognition will drive me to continue making a meaningful impact and advocating for our clients. It also reinforces that excellence exists within Africa, and African lawyers can contribute to global conversations.”
Looking ahead, Ayinoluwa plans to launch a mentorship program aimed at nurturing the next generation of Nigerian entertainment lawyers.
NAN
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