Aremu Olaiwola Qudus, professionally known as Director K or DK, is a celebrated Nigerian music video director and filmmaker recognized for his innovative and cinematic visuals in Afrobeats and African music. Born on November 13, 1993, in Lagos, Nigeria, he co-founded PriorGold Pictures and has worked with top artists including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Skepta. Director K won the 2020 Headies Award for Best Music Video and directed the Grammy-nominated “Essence” by Wizkid featuring Tems.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Aremu Olaiwola Qudus |
| Date of Birth | November 13, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Kwara State |
| Occupations | Music Video Director, Filmmaker, Cinematographer, Commercial Director |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $200,000 and $500,000 USD |
Early Life and Education
Born into a polygamous family in Lagos but originally from Kwara State, Director K nurtured an early passion for visual arts. He studied Creative Arts at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, which laid the foundation for his career in filmmaking.
Career
Director K started directing music videos in 2015, initially using an iPhone. His breakthrough came in 2018 with videos like Teni’s “Case” and Skiibii’s “Sensima.”
In 2019, he co-founded PriorGold Pictures, a production company specializing in music videos and creative visuals.
He gained widespread acclaim in 2020 with videos such as Burna Boy’s “Wonderful” and Davido’s “1 Milli,” the latter winning Best Music Video at The Headies.
His direction of Wizkid’s “Essence” in 2021 marked a historic milestone as the song became the first African track to chart on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200, earning multiple award nominations and wins.
Director K continues to collaborate with leading artists such as Fireboy DML, Rema, Ladipoe, and Patoranking, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s top music video directors.
Personal Life
Director K keeps his personal life private, focusing on his creative work. Raised in a large family, he is respected for his professionalism and storytelling innovation in the industry.
Director K Net Worth
His net worth is estimated between $200,000 and $500,000, earned through directing fees, production projects, and brand endorsements. His expanding international presence promises continued financial growth.
Filmography (Selected Music Videos)
- “Isabella” – T-Classic (2017)
- “Pareke” – Teni (2018)
- “Sensima” – Skiibii feat. Rekaado Banks (2018)
- “I Can’t Kill Myself” – Timaya (2019)
- “Wonderful” – Burna Boy (2020)
- “1 Milli” – Davido (2020)
- “Suzannah” – Sauti Sol (2020)
- “Essence” – Wizkid feat. Tems (2021)
- “Running” – Ladipoe feat. Simi (2022)
- “Calm Down” – Rema (2023)
- “Benin Boys” – Rema feat. Shallipopi (2024)
Commercials
- DSTV Nigeria – TV Commercials
- Havana Club – Skepta Collaboration Commercial
Awards and Nominations
- 2020 The Headies Award – Best Music Video for Davido’s “1 Milli” (Won)
- 2020 Afrimma Awards – Video of the Year for Burna Boy’s “Wonderful” (Nominated)
- 2020 Afrimma Awards – Video of the Year for Sauti Sol’s “Suzannah” (Nominated)
- 2021 NAACP Image Awards – Outstanding Music Video for Wizkid feat. Tems’ “Essence” (Won)
- 2021 Soul Train Music Awards – Video of the Year for Wizkid feat. Tems’ “Essence” (Nominated)
- 2022 The Headies Award – Video of the Year for Ladipoe feat. Simi’s “Running” (Nominated)
- 2023 Soundcity MVP Awards – Video of the Year for Rema’s “Calm Down” (Nominated)
