Top music record labels in Nigeria: For as long as I can remember, record labels have existed. And they’ll be around as long as people keep making music. A record company can be thought of as a “farm” where musicians are planted as seeds and eventually grow into “crops” that the world “consumes.”
A record label, or record company, is a brand or trademark of music recordings and music videos, or the company that owns it.
Several musical labels stand out in Nigeria. Some are devoted to a specific genre, while others are only there to showcase their talents, allowing them to delve into anything they are talented in or are interested in.
Below are the top music record labels in Nigeria of 2023
Mavin Records
Michael Collins “Don Jazzy” Ajereh founded Mavin Records, commonly known as the Supreme Mavin Dynasty. Following the dissolution of the eagerly acclaimed Mo’Hits, which included D’Banj as one of its original members, the record label was established.
Soon after its establishment, Mavin Records saw rapid growth and eventually rose to become one of Nigeria’s most renowned locally owned record companies. In fact, it is challenging to name another local secular music record label with as much might as Mavin.
Some of Nigeria’s most recognizable singers, like as Rema, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, Crayon, and Ayra Starr, are currently signed to the record company.
DMW
David “Davido” Adeleke, the company’s creator, is honored with the name DMW (Davido Music Worldwide). The “Assurance” crooner, who was born in Osun, started the recording company not long after making a name for himself in Nigeria’s music industry.
It has developed over time into one of the major record labels in Nigeria, with many well-known artists signing to it, including Dremo and Peruzzi.
The success of the record company and its attraction to the general public, not just aspiring musicians, can also be attributed to Davido’s personal kindness.
YBNL
Yahoo Boy No Laptop is referred to as YBNL. Olamide, who had a rough upbringing but would go on to become one of the most important voices in Nigeria, started it.
The founder of the company had the possibility to engage in online fraud (Yahoo), but he resisted the urge. Instead, he made the decision to use his musical abilities to advance in society. He has been successful in it. Asake and Zlatan Ibile are two of the many talents that YBNL has given life to.
Loveworld Records
Christ Embassy, commonly known as Believers Loveworld, is the owner of Loveworld Records. The music ministry of this pentecostal church is one of the busiest in all of Africa. Its focus on gospel music as a church, though, is understandable, and it is the home of gospel artists like Sinach and Frank Edwards, among others.
Chocolate City
Except if you’re willing to refer to good music as chocolate, Chocolate City doesn’t produce chocolates. The record label was founded by M.I. (Mr. Incredible) Abaga and is home to a number of talented individuals, including your neighborhood “Preacher” Blaqbonez.
Chocolate City has been able to maintain its position as a major player in a sector where record labels tend to become irrelevant practically as soon as they are established.
Eezee Concepts
Another record label that specializes in gospel music is Eezee Concepts. It follows in the footsteps of Loveworld Records but lacks the popularity and influence of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s business. Mercy Chinwo and other talented gospel performers are represented by Eezee Concepts.
Spaceship Collective
Burna Boy, who calls himself the “African Giant,” established the record company Spaceship Collective, commonly known as Spaceship Entertainment (read, he has an album by that title). The “Twice As Tall” singer is both the owner and the principal artist of the record label. Previously home to Buju, the label is now home to Burna Boy and his sister Nissi.
Starboy Entertainment
The most well-known artist on the record label and its founder is Wizkid. Contrary to other record labels, it doesn’t promote its musicians too much.
Wizkid’s “overbearing fame,” which seems to have overwhelmed that of his musicians, is probably the cause of this. But for whatever reason, it doesn’t seem like there is an intentional attempt to promote the record label’s musicians.
Empawa Africa
As the most well-known representative of Empawa Africa, a record label that was founded with the purpose of fostering the musical abilities of its artists, Mr. Eazi stands out. Empawa Africa has served as a platform for the development of a number of artists, including Joeboy, who is still successful today.
