Entertainment
Unveiling Nigeria’s Top 6 Music Record Labels
Uncover the top six music record labels in Nigeria with ease! This article explores the diverse range of labels that local artists utilize to craft new songs, catering to the enjoyment of their fans and music enthusiasts.
Nigeria proudly hosts renowned music superstars recognized globally for creating exceptional songs, easily accessible for MP3 downloads.
Lately, social media has played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of emerging artists in Nigeria.
Nevertheless, the significance of being affiliated with a record label remains crucial, contributing to the flourishing musical careers of artists.
Here are the top 6 prominent record labels shaping the music industry in Nigeria
MARVIN RECORDS
Mavin Records, commonly known as Mavins, stands out as a prominent Nigerian record label, leaving an indelible mark on the African music scene since its establishment in 2012 by Don Jazzy, the renowned music producer and entrepreneur.
Under the leadership of Don Jazzy as the CEO, Mavin Records has played a pivotal role in propelling numerous Nigerian music artists to stardom.
Some notable talents nurtured by Mavin Records include Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Rema, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Boy Spyce, Ayra Starr, among others.
Don Jazzy, the label’s owner, is recognized for his benevolent efforts in guiding and elevating young artists in Nigeria.
YBNL
YBNL Records, acronym for “Yahoo Boy No Laptop Records,” is a notable Nigerian record label celebrated for its influence in the country’s music industry, particularly in hip-hop and Afrobeat genres.
Established by Olamide Adedeji, widely known as Olamide, in 2012, YBNL has emerged as a significant force in Nigerian music.
The label has propelled various successful artists to fame, such as Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, and Fireboy DML, who have gained widespread recognition for their distinctive styles and chart-topping hits.
MARLIAN MUSIC
Marlian Music, a prominent music record label in Nigeria, stands out as one of the greatest in the industry. Founded and owned by Naira Marley, a notable figure in the music scene, Marlian Music has become a hub for emerging talent.
In his role as the CEO of Marlian Records, Naira Marley has actively signed numerous young and promising Nigerian artists, aiming to nurture their talents and propel them into the spotlight.
Among the artists affiliated with Marlian Music are Mohbad and Zinoleesky, among other emerging talents. The label has played a significant role in providing a platform for upcoming artists to shine in the music scene.
DMW RECORDS
DMW (Davido’s Music Worldwide), a renowned Nigerian record label and entertainment entity, has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s music landscape, particularly in Afrobeat.
Established in 2016 by David Adedeji Adeleke, widely known as “Davido,” DMW has become synonymous with chart-topping successes and the discovery of emerging artists.
Under Davido’s leadership and vision, DMW has signed and nurtured a diverse array of outstanding artists, including Mayorkun, Dremo, Peruzzi, and Yonda, among others.
CHOCOLATE CITY
Chocolate City Music Group, a distinguished Nigerian record label and entertainment powerhouse, has significantly influenced the African music industry since its establishment in 2005 by Audu Maikori, a lawyer, and entrepreneur, along with Paul Okeugo and Yahaya Maikori.
Chocolate City has been pivotal in showcasing and nurturing exceptional Nigerian musical talent.
The label boasts a lineup of highly accomplished artists, including MI Abaga, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, and Brymo, among others.
These artists, affiliated with Chocolate City Music Group, have made substantial contributions, achieving numerous milestones and making waves in the music scene.
JONZING RECORDS
Jonzing World Records, a noteworthy Nigerian record label, has garnered attention in the music industry since its inception. Founded by the talented musician and songwriter D’Prince, Jonzing World Records is associated with Mavin Records, adding to its credibility within the Nigerian music scene.
While it may be lesser-known to some, Jonzing World Records stands as one of the best and most influential labels, providing promising opportunities for young Nigerians to create, record, and release new songs for global music enthusiasts.
The label has successfully brought numerous young artists to the forefront of the music industry, contributing to their rise to prominence.
Award-winning Nigerian singer and activist, Yemi Alade has accused Cool FM Nigeria and Clout Africa of blacklisting her music after she failed to perform at an event organized by the platforms in December 2023.
The singer, in a series of tweets on Thursday night, alleged that her music has been removed from the stations’ playlists for nearly a year, despite her efforts to resolve the misunderstanding.
Alade explained that she was invited by Cool FM to perform at their December event but couldn’t attend.
According to her, she apologized for her absence in January 2024 but faced a cold reception from the management.
She claims this eventually led to her entire music catalogue being banned from the station’s playlists.
“Mr Serge and Mr Joseph, this life is not hard like that. WE SEE YOU… I SEE YOU @cloutafrica @CoolFMNigeria. This world is a small village. My God will fight for me… Una dey form gatekeepers in 2024,” she tweeted, referring to Cool FM and Clout Africa executives Serge Noujaim and Joseph Adamu.
Alade expressed shock at what she described as a deliberate attempt to sabotage her career by refusing to play her songs. She accused the station of barring both her old and new music from the airwaves.
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“Since December 2023. I personally reached out in January. You are still refusing to play my music and giving my team a hard time. You’re not gatekeepers, and you are not God, Mr Serge Noujaim and Mr Joseph Adamu,” she wrote.
She further criticized the lack of communication from the management regarding the issue.
“The common decency to reach out and clear out any misunderstanding borne out of sheer carelessness on your path for a whole year, and your next move is to place an embargo on my songs? Remove my whole catalogue,” she added.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has congratulated his nephew and global music icon, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a superstar Osun State is proud of.
This was revealed in a statement by his Spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, where he cited Gov Aeleke as pointing to Davido’s consistency, energy and passion yielding the result he has recorded not only in his music career but also in his life as a person.
Gov Adeleke, stated Rasheed, prayed for progress, more success and achievement for Davido, while commending his continuous outreach to the orphanages and less privileged, which he described as ‘a noble act every blessed hand in Nigeria must emulate’.
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He said, ” I want to rejoice with my nephew, David Adeleke, Davido, on the occasion of his 32nd birthday, I am very happy we are all alive to witness it.
“Davido is a global super star that Osun State is very proud of. The consistency, energy and passion he has inserted into building his music career is evident in the result he has recorded not only in his career but also in his life as a person.
“I pray for him for progress, more success and achievement in long life, prosperity, sound health and mind.
“I equally want to commend his continuous outreach to the orphanages and less privileged. I must say that this is a noble act every blessed hand in Nigeria must emulate.
“Once again, Happy Birthday to Davido”.
Afrobeats sensation Wizkid has unveiled his highly anticipated sixth studio album, Morayo, released today (Nov. 22) via Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records.
The album, whose title translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba, is an emotional tribute to his late mother, Juliana Morayo Balogun, who passed away in August 2023.
“Best album I ever made!! Now listen! It’s only up from here!” the Grammy-winning artist tweeted in July, building anticipation for the 16-track project.
Morayo features an impressive lineup of collaborations, including Brent Faiyaz on “Piece of My Heart,” Asake on “Bad Girl,” Tiakola on “Après Minuit,” Jazmine Sullivan on “Bad For You,” and Anaïs on “Slow.” The album also includes previously released singles like “Piece of My Heart,” which reached No. 4 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and No. 7 on World Digital Song Sales, and “Kese (Dance).”
Notably, Wizkid and Asake’s collaboration on “MMS” has earned a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance in 2025, cementing their impact on the global music stage.
READ MORE: Wizkid Unveils Morayo Album Tracklist Featuring Asake
The tracklist for Morayo includes:
1. Troubled Mind
2. Karamo
3. Kese (Dance)
4. Bad Girl (feat. Asake)
5. Time
6. Piece of My Heart (feat. Brent Faiyaz)
7. Break Me Down
8. Bend
9. A Million Blessing
10. Après Minuit (feat. Tiakola)
11. Bad For You (feat. Jazmine Sullivan)
12. Soji
13. Don’t Care
14. Slow (feat. Anaïs)
15. Lose
16. Pray
This marks Wizkid’s first album in three years, following More Love, Less Ego, which reached No. 2 on the World Albums chart and No. 59 on the Billboard 200. His previous projects, including the Grammy-nominated Made in Lagos (Deluxe), have solidified his place as a global music icon.
Fans can stream Morayo now and experience the evolution of Wizkid’s sound, deeply rooted in love, loss, and celebration.
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