Mp3bullet.ng presents Top Popular Record label Owners in the Nigerian Music industry.
When it comes to the current record Label owners in the Nigerian Music Industry, there are certain names that ring a bell.
With people like Don Jazzy, Olamide, Davido, Naira Marley and others using their record labels to give young talented acts a chance at fame, it’s easy to see why the industry is evolving.
These st of people have built not just record labels but homes to artists who need platforms to push out their much-needed talents to the world.
Here are the Top Popular Record label Owners in the Nigerian Music industry
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Don Jazzy
Real Name Micheal Collins Ajereh, Don Jazzy is one of the popular Music executives in the Nigerian Music Industry. He became popular in 2004 alongside his former partner, D’Banj after the release of their track, “Tongolo“.
That same year the two formed Mo’Hits record which for years was one of the biggest labels in Nigeria until its disbandment in 2012. Under Mo’hits records, Don Jazzy groomed artists like Wande Coal, Dr Sid, D’Prince, Kay Switch.
After shutting down Mo’Hits records, Don Jazzy launched another label called Mavin Records signing Reekado Banks, Di’Ja, Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, Dr Sid, and later on, Rema, Crayon and Ayra Starr.
Mavin is one of Nigeria’s biggest record labels and powerhouses in the industry accounting for a sizable percent of the hit songs to come out every year.
With his over two decades of experience, Don Jazzy has shown grace, excellence, class and even despite the scandals that rock his brand, he is still at the peak of his carer.
Olamide
Olamide started out as a rapper signing under ID Cabasa’s “Coded Tune” under which he released his debut album, Rapsodi in 2011. However, the following year, he launched his own label, YBNL with the help of his long-time collaborator, Pheelz.
Years later, he started signing talented acts into the label like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Viktoh, Chinko Ekun, Davolee, Lyta, Picazo Rhap, Limerick, Temmie Ovwasa, Yomi Blaze all of which have left the label.
The label currently houses acts like DJ Enimoney, Fireboy DML, Pheelz, among others.
Despite the many scandals that have rocked Olamide and the label’s way of managing artists, the singer has given a lot of artists platforms, helping to craft a successful brand.
Davido
When Davido first launched into the Industry, he was under HKN Label which was managed by his brother, Adewale Adeleke, him and his cousin, Sina Rambo.
In 2016, he announced he signed a deal with Sony Music and then founded the record label Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) a few months after signing with Sony.
The first set of artists that were signed to the label were Dremo, Mayorkun, Yonda and Peruzzi. Currently, Yonda and Maryokun are no longer on the label, but other artists like Liya (the label’s first female artist), Napji, among others are signed to the label.
Davido has proven to be not just a successful singer but a smart Label boss who has evidence to back up his skills.
Dr Dolor
Dr. Dolor whose real name is Osadolor Nate Asemota, is a Nigerian businessman, musical producer, and entrepreneur.
He was born and raised in Edo State’s Benin City. He worked as a marketing executive at Etisalat and Globacom, rising to the level of manager before launching his first company, Global Prime Advantage Solutions (GPAS).
Following the success of GPAS, he established his second company, Dr. Dolor Entertainment (DDE) in 2016, which is a record label and music distribution organization.
It’s under this label, that popular female artist, Teni is signed to. On most of her songs, references to the name of the label is given.
The label also houses other upcoming acts like Hotkid, Afin Osha, Nikita, and Ryan Omo.
Currently, Dr Dolor has is now releasing songs of his own, like “I Go Pay”, “Prosperity”, “Wake Up” among others.
Audu Makori
Audu Makori is a Nigerian lawyer, entrepreneur, social activist, public speaker and creative industry expert. He is the co-founder and President of Chocolate City Entertainment.
He launched Chocolate City alongside Paul Okeugo and his brother Yahaya Maikori as directors of the company.
In January 2005, Chocolate City signed Jeremiah Gyang under a recording and management contract and re-released the album ‘Na Ba Ka‘. In mid-2006, M.I was signed up to Chocolate City.
Others like Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Ruby Gyang were signed to the label.
In 2015 Audu via Twitter announced his exit as CEO of Chocolate City Music and the appointment of M.I as the new CEO of Chocolate City Music, with label mate Ice Prince Zamani as the Vice President of the music label.
Maikori was made judge for the first season of Nigerian Idol alongside Yinka Davies and Jeffrey Daniel in 2010 and was seen as the Simon Cowell of the show.
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E-Money
Emeka Okonkwo who is famously known as E-money is an entrepreneur, investor, business tycoon, and the chief executive officer (CEO) of Five Star Music.
He is into Oil and Gas also has a different chain of businesses home and abroad which includes a shipping company.
He is the younger brother of the Limpopo crooner, Kcee, and also the official sponsor of his music career as well as signing likes of Harrysong, Skiibii, Xbusta.
Apart from Kcee, Skiibii and Harrysong have left the label.
Wizkid
Ayo Balogun also known as Wizkid is not a Nigerian superstar but the owner and founder of Starboy ENtertainment. When Wizkid first came into the industry, he was signed to Banky W’s EME Records under which he released two albums, “Superstar” and “AYO”
After years of being with EME, Wizkid left the label and launched his Starboy Entertainment Label. In 2017, he signed to Sony Music and released his third album, “Sounds from the Other Side”.
In April 2013, Wizkid signed Maleek Berry and Legendury Beatz and later L.A.X to his imprint.
In 2016, Wizkid signed management deals with Efya, R2Bees, and Mr Eazi and in 2018, announced the signing of Terri to the label.
Phyno
Born Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike and known as Phyno, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer.
He started his music career as a producer in 2003 and is famous for rapping in the Igbo language. Under his Penthauze label, Phyno released his debut album, “No Guts No Glory“.
Penthauze in 2011 had Runtown, Shugaboi and Flipside on its bill. It signed Storm Rex in 2014, the singer becoming the label’s sole female act.
The label as a crew announced itself with the song ‘Camera Out’ (2011). Runtown, however, left the label in 2013. Currently, the label houses Afro trap rapper, Cheque who became popular in 2020 thanks to his hit song, “Zoom“.
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Naira Marley
Azeez Adeshina Fashola known by his stage name as Naira Marley is a British-Nigerian singer and songwriter.
After launching to fame in 2017, then getting into trouble with EFCC over fraud-related charges and building a fanbase called Marlians, Naira Marley launched his label Marlian Music in 2019.
During the “Marlian Fest“, which was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites on 30 December 2019, Naira Marley announced the launch of his record label Marlian Records and unveiled CBlvck, Zinoleesky, MohBad and Fabian Blu as signed acts.
On 10 July 2020, Naira Marley took to his Instagram Page to unveil another act under his label, named: Emo Grae and later the same year unveiled two more acts, Lyta and Tori Keeche under the label.
Mohbad and Zinoleesky are currently the faces of the label with their chart-topping songs which has sealed their name in the streets.