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.
Controversial street-hop singer, Okikiola Badmus, better known by his stage name Portable, has been remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State, after failing to meet the bail terms set by an Upper Area Court.
The singer was arraigned on Monday following allegations of defamation filed against him by veteran Fuji star, Akorede Saheed, popularly known as Saheed Osupa.
Although the court approved bail for Portable in the sum of N1 million, the conditions attached proved difficult for the singer to meet immediately.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Court Grants Singer Portable ₦1m Bail Over Criminal Charges
The court stipulated that he must produce two sureties in like sum — one of whom must be “either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria,” while the second must be “a property owner within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.”
More to follow……….
Entertainment
‘Nigeria Jaga Jaga’ Will Remain Unofficial National Anthem Until Change Happens – Eedris Abdulkareem
Renowned Nigerian rapper and activist Eedris Abdulkareem has boldly asserted that his 2001 protest anthem Nigeria Jaga Jaga will continue to serve as Nigeria’s unofficial second national anthem, insisting it will remain so until the country addresses the systemic issues it critiques.
Abdulkareem, famed for his fearless criticism of corruption and social injustices, made these remarks in a recent interview with Channels TV.
The song, which has seen a resurgence in popularity on platforms like TikTok, was groundbreaking for its uncompromising portrayal of Nigeria’s governmental failures, rampant corruption, and decaying infrastructure.
READ MORE: Rapper Eedris Abdulkareem Drops New Single ‘THANK YOU‘
Abdulkareem declared, “Nigeria Jaga Jaga will continue to be the second national anthem, whether anybody likes it or not. But I always pray to wake up one day and find the song is no longer relevant. That would make me very happy.”
Released nearly a quarter of a century ago, Nigeria Jaga Jaga caused a national stir with its sharp criticism of the nation’s political and economic decay.
Even though the song faced government bans and significant backlash at the time, it has stood the test of time, resonating with generations of Nigerians who continue to grapple with the same issues.
Abdulkareem expressed regret that the song’s message remains as relevant today as it was when it was first released: “Until we see real development—constant electricity, security, and good leadership—Nigeria Jaga Jaga will remain relevant. Sadly, 24 years later, the message of the song is still our reality.”
Aside from revisiting his iconic hit, Abdulkareem also addressed the controversy surrounding his latest track, Tell Your Papa. The song, which was recently banned by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and marked “Not to be Broadcast” (NTB), has ignited a fresh debate on the state of censorship and freedom of expression in Nigerian music.
Many believe that Tell Your Papa is a direct rebuttal to a viral video in which Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, passionately defended his father’s administration.
Abdulkareem explained his motivation behind the song, revealing, “I was inspired by Seyi Tinubu. In the video, he kept repeating, ‘My father is the greatest president.’ But I differ. He may be the best father to Seyi, but he’s the worst president to Nigerians.”
The rapper went on to criticize the current administration for its failure to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, insecurity, and widespread youth unemployment.
Abdulkareem contrasted the privileged life of Seyi Tinubu with the struggles faced by everyday Nigerians, saying, “I told him to travel by road without security and feel the pain of the people.
Nigerian youths are asking for basic things—electricity, security, job opportunities—not palliatives.”
Despite the ban, Abdulkareem maintained that his song was not an insult but a truthful commentary on the country’s leadership.
“If you listen carefully, there’s nowhere in the song that I insult him. I just stated the truth. He spoke publicly, so I responded publicly. If he had remained silent, I wouldn’t have recorded the song,” Abdulkareem clarified.
Drawing comparisons to the legendary Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti, Abdulkareem emphasized that his criticism comes from a deep love for Nigeria.
“I’m a passionate Nigerian. I love this country deeply. But truth is bitter, and those in power don’t like hearing it,” he said. “I want a better Nigeria, and I’ll keep speaking out until we see real change.”
An Upper Area Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has granted bail to controversial Nigerian singer, Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, in the sum of ₦1 million.
Portable was arraigned before the court on Sunday on charges bordering on criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking.
Ruling on his bail application, the court ordered that the singer must produce two sureties in like sum.
READ ALSO: I Want To Fight Anthony Joshua – Portable
One of the sureties is required to be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the other must own a landed property within a Government Reserved Area (GRA) and present a valid Certificate of Occupancy as proof.
The court has adjourned the case, with further proceedings expected to continue in the coming days.
Details later…
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