The Nigerian music industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country. New artists constantly spring up from every corner with the dream of getting signed to a big record label to invest and further push their careers.
There are some established and well-structured ones that have produced some of the biggest artistes in the country. Let’s take a look at 5 Notable Record Labels in Nigeria.
1.STAR BOY ENTERTAINMENT
Nigerian pop singer Wizkid established StarBoy Records after leaving Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) label in 2013. Wizkid is the major artist on this label as is evident from his nickname Starboy. Some acts that have been associated with the label in the past include Maleek Berry, Legendury Beatz, L.A.X, Mr Eazi, Efya and R2Bees. Terri is currently signed to the label.
2. CHOCOLATE CITY
The record label operates as a subsidiary of Chocolate City Group. This label has served as home to the very best talents and artistes, leading the African music industry. It was founded in 2005 by Nigerian lawyer, entrepreneur, and social activist, Audu Maikori. The record label was headed by legendary rapper MI Abaga for 13years and has produced several acts like MI himself, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Brymo, etc and currently houses Ckay, MI, Blaqbonez, Dice Ailes, Candy Bleakz, and Nosa.
3. YBNL NATION
YBNL was founded by Nigerian indigenous rapper Olamide after he came into limelight in 2011 from the stables of ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunes. He went solo in 2012 to establish his own label, YBNL. Today, his the label prides itself as one of the biggest in Nigeria having produced popular artistes like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, and Viktoh who have all gone solo. Currently, it houses DJ Enimoney, Temmie Ovwasa, Fireboy DML, Young John, Pheelz, and of course Olamide himself.
4. DMW
Davido Music Worldwide was founded by Nigeria Pop singer, Davido in 2016 after exiting his former record label HKN which he founded with his elder brother. DMW began to flourish in less than two years of its existence and over the years, it has grown from 1 to more than 10 talents including Mayorkun, Dremo, Yonda, Peruzzi, DJ E-Cool, Sinzu, Idowest, Speroach Beatz, and most recently May D.
5. MAVIN RECORDS
The Mavin Records was birthed after the separation of members of Mo’Hits Records which Don Jazzy co-founded with former music partner, D’Banj. Mavin is solely owned by Don Jazzy. Some say the record label was restored to its former glory after D’Prince brought in a new act, Rema following the exit of Tiwa Savage and Reekado Banks. Mavin Records also houses Di’ja, Dr Sid, D’Prince, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Ladi Poe, DNA, Crayon and producers Don Jazzy, Altims and Baby Fresh
