In the Nigerian music industry, many artists rely on record labels to rise to stardom. Even after becoming celebrities they remain under the record label to increase their fan base, market their albums etc. Here are top 10 most popular record label in Nigeria:
Mavin Records: Mavin Records is founded by record producer and artist, Don Jazzy on May 8, 2012. The label’s inception came to fruition following the closure of Mo’ Hits Records, another record label owned by Don Jazzy. Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Reekado Banks, and Iyanya were all formerly signed to the label. Mavin Global is an African leading entertainment company and has over 3 million followers on Instagram.
YBNL Records: YBNL Records, also known as Yahoo Boy No Laptop is founded by Nigerian rapper Olamide in 2012. The label was formed as a vehicle for promoting Olamide’s music. The label has signed several artists including Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, and Temmie Ovwasa. The label has a strong social media presence, with over 1 million followers on Instagram. YBNL Records is considered one of the most influential record labels in Nigeria.
DMW: DMW (Davido Music Worldwide) is a Nigerian record label founded by Afrobeats singer Davido in 2016. The label is home to several recording acts, including Dremo, Yonda, Peruzzi, Idowest, DJ Ecool, Danagog, B-Red, Deekay, May D, Deinde, Ayanfe, Liya, Morravey, and Logos Olori. It also houses producers Fresh vdm and Speroach Beatz.
The label has a strong social media presence, with over 1 million followers on Instagram. DMW is considered one of the most prominent record labels in Africa.
Marlian Records: Marlian Records is a Nigerian record label founded in 2019 by Azeez Adeshina Fashola, whose stage name is Naira Marley. The label is home to several recording acts, including Mohbad (passed away recently), Fabian Blu, C Blvck, Tori Keeche, Lyta and Zinoleesky (Zino recently removed “Marlian Music” from his Instagram bio, indicating that he may have left the label).
Jonzing World: Jonzing World is a Nigerian record label and management company founded by Charles Enebeli, popularly known as D’Prince, on March 22, 2019.
The label is a subsidiary of Mavin Records, another Nigerian record label owned by Don Jazzy.
The label currently houses artists like Rema, Ruger, and Gdzilla. Rema was the first signee of the label, and he released his debut EP, “Rema,” on the same day the label was founded. The EP peaked at number 1 on Apple Music Nigeria.
Starboy Entertainment: Starboy Entertainment is a Nigerian independent record label founded in 2013 by Ayodeji Balogun whose stage name is Wizkid.
The label is home to several recording artists and producers, including Wizkid, Maleek Berry, Legendury Beatz, L.A.X, DJ Tunez, Terri, and Efya.
The label has released several albums and EPs, including “Soundman Vol. 1,” which was released in 2019 and features collaborations with Chronixx and other artists. The label is currently managed by Jada Pollock, Wizkid’s babymama.
Aristokrat Records: Aristokrat Records is a Nigerian record label owned by The Aristokrat Group, an African Media & Entertainment company. The label was founded in 2010 by Piriye Isokrari, under the entertainment company, The Aristokrat Group. The label operates as a subsidiary of The Aristokrat Group, and its units include Aristokrat 360, Aristokrat Publishing, and Aristokrat Records. Aristokrat Records has signed several artists, including Burna Boy, Kamar, Mojeed, Ozone, and Pucado. Aristokrat Records is focused primarily on contemporary African music.
G-Worldwide Entertainment: G-Worldwide Entertainment is an entertainment company in Nigeria founded by Festus “Emperor Geezy” Ehimare in 2007. The company operates as a music and movie production company in Lagos.
The label is home to recording acts such as Sugarboy, Ajura, and Easy Jay, and recording music producers Hollar (Da beat cheat) and Brickz. Artists formerly signed to the label include Kiss Daniel, Iceberg Slim, and DJ Shabsy.
EeZee Conceptz: EeZee Conceptz is a Nigerian record label and management company founded by Ezekiel ThankGod, popularly known as EeZee Tee, in 2017.
The label is home to several gospel artists, including Judikay, GUC, Chidinma, Mercy Chinwo, and Toby Godwin. EeZee Conceptz has released several albums, including “The Cross: My Gaze” by Mercy Chinwo.
EeZee Conceptz is known for its commitment to promoting gospel music in Nigeria and beyond.
Chocolate City: Chocolate City is a Nigerian record label founded in 2005 by Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori. The label is headquartered in Lagos, with offices in Abuja, Nairobi, New York City, and other locations.
Chocolate City is one of the largest and longest-running independent labels in Nigeria. The label has worked closely with the Nigerian government and has won several awards, including the International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007.
Chocolate City Records was the first Nigerian music company to attain a global music award and recognition by the British Council.
In 2019, Chocolate City partnered with Warner Music Group to grow the reach of African artists around the world. The label is currently headed by Abuchi Peter Ugwu, who took over from M.I Abaga.
