In a major achievement for Nigeria’s legal and entertainment sectors, Akinyemi Ayinoluwa has been named among Billboard’s top music lawyers for 2025 — the only Nigerian to be featured on this year’s prestigious list.
A native of Ilaro in Ogun State, Akinyemi, widely known as “Akinyemilaw,” has become a respected figure in Nigeria’s music industry, particularly for his work defending the rights of songwriters and record producers — a part of the industry often sidelined.
Rooted in Discipline and Purpose
Born in January 1986 to a lawyer father, Akinola Ayinoluwa, and a teacher mother, Modupe Ayinoluwa, Akinyemi grew up in a household grounded in discipline and learning. Raised with four siblings, he followed an academic path that led him through Oluwole Christ the King School, Baptist Model High School, Excel College, and eventually the University of Lagos, where he studied law. He later trained at the Nigerian Law School.
Now a family man with a wife and two children, Akinyemi balances personal life with a thriving legal career.
From Local Beginnings to Global Recognition
Starting his legal journey with reputable law firms like Ogunde & Co. and Awokoya & Co., Akinyemi co-founded Hightower Solicitors and Advocates in 2012, focusing on the creative sector. Over the years, he has worked with top industry names such as Masterkraft, Blaq Jerzee, Tuzi, and ID Kabasa, helping artists navigate legal complexities and secure fair compensation.
His recent achievements include Hightower’s role in closing a major publishing deal with Empire Music and representing Nigerian producer Ragee, who worked on Chris Brown’s Grammy-nominated single “Sensational.”
Billboard’s April 2025 issue honored Akinyemi for these accomplishments, spotlighting his unique role in shaping legal protections for creatives.
Gratitude and Dedication
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Akinyemi said the global acknowledgment was deeply meaningful:
“I feel blessed to be recognised by Billboard… I’m dedicating this to my late dad for instilling in me the discipline to stay on a journey, for introducing me to law, and for supporting my love for music.”
His interest in music law stemmed from observing the lack of legal backing for behind-the-scenes contributors like producers and songwriters.
“Recording artists were already in the spotlight, but the creatives behind the music — the producers and writers — were often ignored. I wanted to change that.”
Advocating for the Underserved
Akinyemi’s client base spans artists, labels, investors, and managers. What sets him apart is his ability to connect with his clients’ visions and challenges, using that insight to guide them through the legal maze of the music world.
One of his biggest concerns remains the industry’s poor compensation structure — an issue he continues to address through policy reform, negotiations, and education.
Looking to the Future
Akinyemi is currently developing a mentorship program to train aspiring Nigerian entertainment lawyers, hoping his recognition will motivate others to pursue excellence in the field.
“This recognition pushes me to continue doing top-quality work. It also proves that African lawyers can contribute meaningfully on a global scale. There’s excellence in Africa.”
