Record labels are an essential part of an artist’s growth and overall career progress. Their core function, to a large extent, is to manufacture, distribute, and promote the recordings of affiliated musicians. This ensures that artists have a proper management team, who monitor their entire affairs.
An artist’s record label could make or mar them, and this is why it is imperative to do one’s due diligence before deciding which one to be a part of. Here is how we have ranked record labels in the music industry.
- Mavin Records
Mavin Records, owned by Nigerian genius producer, Michael Collins Ajereh, also known as Don Jazzy. Back in the day, he used to co-own the famous label dubbed, Mo’hits Records, alongside D’banj. The first generation of artists produced by Mavin were the likes of Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, Dr. Sid, D’Prince, Dija,
The reason for rating Mavin number one is not far-fetched as it’s quite evident that the likes of Ayra and Rema have no doubt been blessings to the music industry. Rema describes his genre as “Afrorave”, which has successfully penetrated Indian and Arabian countries
2. YBNL Nation
Taking the number 2 spot is YBNL, an independent record label founded by Olamide Adedeji in 2012. Olamide has constantly proven himself as the number one voice of the street, despite suffering severe backlash from naysayers. Again, he’s that go-to industry big brother that you only need a feature from to be propelled into stardom.
Former acts of the label were the likes of Lil Kesh, Viktoh, Chinko Ekun, Adekunle Gold, Xino Davolee, Lyta, Picazo Rhap, Pelepele, Limerick, Yomi Blaze, and Temmie Ovwasa.
Asake and Fireboy are doing amazing jobs at putting Afrobeat on the global map. Asake recently sold out the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena. YBNL clearly does not play small.
3. Jonzing World
Jonzing World was founded by Don Jazzy’s brother, D’Prince in March 2019. It currently houses artists like Rema, Ruger, and GDZILLA. Nonetheless, they are a subsidiary of Mavin Records.
Although Jonzing World’s capability has recently gone under some scrutiny with the unveiling of their latest act, GDZILLA, they undoubtedly remain one of the best labels in the country with Masterclass level Afrobeats acts like Ruger on their artiste repertoire. Finally, this explains why it is ranked at number 3.
4. DMW (Davido Music Worldwide)
Davido Music Worldwide is a music company that was formed in 2016 by Afrobeats music icon, David Adeleke. The label housed musicians like Yonda, Peruzzi, Mayorkun, Dremo, Idowest, Liya, and Davido himself.
While the label did birth top-class acts, it fails to continually spotlight others other than Davido. As a result, many have expressed opinions with the belief that Davido needs to do more in regards to the label, I mean, the sky is wide enough for birds to fly they say.
5. Starboy Entertainment
Following Wizkid’s departure from Empire Mates Entertainment, he established Starboy Entertainment.
Furthermore, the label is home to producers such as Ace, Maleek Berry, and Legendury Beats, including singer, Terri, and LAX. Wizkid’s album Ayo was released by Starboy Entertainment on September 17, 2014.
Although Record labels are supposed to carry their children (signees) along, we fail to see them at the forefront of things in this case. Additionally, many are oblivious to the fact that there are others in the label. This has earned Starboy Entertainment a spot at number 5.
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