Lagos: An entertainment lawyer, Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, who is a partner at Hightower Solicitors and Advocate, has been named one of the most important music lawyers in the world by Billboard for 2025.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the recognition highlights Ayinoluwa's expertise in music law and dedication to championing the rights of record producers and songwriters. Billboard's April edition notes that Hightower Solicitors, led by Ayinoluwa, recently finalized a publishing agreement with Empire Music, an international music label. The firm also represents Ragee, a prominent Afrobeats producer, co-producer of Chris Brown's 'Sensational', nominated for Best African Music Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards. This achievement underscores Hightower's role in helping clients build valuable music catalogues.
In an interview with NAN, Ayinoluwa expressed his gratitude for the recognition by Billboard, dedicating the honor to his late father, who inspired his journey in law and music. He shared that his career in music law began with a commitment to represent marginalized record producers and songwriters in the industry. Ayinoluwa has spent 13 years advocating for these groups, having identified early in his career that they were underrepresented compared to recording artists.
Ayinoluwa's practice focuses on representing various stakeholders in the music industry, including recording artists, songwriters, record producers, record labels, investors, and talent managers. He emphasized the importance of understanding clients' visions and challenges to guide them through legal complexities in the music industry.
Akinyemi highlighted the significant challenge Nigerian record producers and songwriters face in receiving appropriate compensation for their work. He sees his recognition as a motivation to continue delivering quality work and championing clients' interests, showcasing the potential for excellence in African legal practice.
Looking ahead, Ayinoluwa announced plans for a mentorship program aimed at supporting the next generation of Nigerian entertainment lawyers, fostering growth and development in the field.