The Ultimate Encyclopedia: Afropop, Gospel & Islamic Record Labels in Nigeria - Your Path to a Deal
Compiled by Anthony Edmond John [CEO - Music Distro NG]
Welcome, talented Nigerian artist. This definitive guide is your master key to understanding and navigating the complex, vibrant, and often opaque world of Nigerian record labels. We have meticulously compiled the history, the structures, the unspoken rules, and the most current, verified contact details for labels across Afropop, Nigerian Christian Gospel, and Islamic music genres. Consider this your #1 go-to information center, designed not just to inform but to strategically position you for success.
WhatsApp for Expert GuidancePart 1: The Historical Soundscape - Understanding Your Genre's Roots
Afropop & Afrobeats: From Pioneers to Global Domination
The story of modern Nigerian Afropop is a story of entrepreneurial spirit. It evolved from the highlife of the 60s, the Afrobeat protest anthems of Fela Kuti, and the vibrant pop of 80s/90s legends like King Sunny Ade and Shina Peters. The modern era began in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the rise of top record labels in Nigeria like Kennis Music (The "Kennis Family" with The Remedies, Tony Tetuila, etc.) and Storm Records (Plantashun Boiz). These labels operated like tight-knit families, managing every aspect from production to promotion.
The late 2000s and 2010s saw the rise of the artist-as-label. D'banj and Don Jazzy's famous record label in Nigeria, Mo'Hits Records, became a cultural phenomenon, proving the power of brilliant production and marketing. Its eventual split birthed Mavin Records (Don Jazzy) and DB Records (D'banj). Today, the landscape is a mix of powerful indigenous imprints like Starboy Entertainment (Wizkid), YBNL Nation (Olamide), and Jonzing World (owned by industry mogul D’Prince), and international major labels (Sony, Universal, Warner) establishing local partnerships. The sound, now globally recognized as Afrobeats, is Nigeria's biggest cultural export.
Nigerian Gospel Music: From Church Pews to Chart-Topping Beats
Nigerian Gospel music has undergone a revolutionary transformation. Its roots are deeply embedded in indigenous church hymns and the congregational songs of the Aladura and orthodox churches. The 80s and 90s saw the rise of solemn, minstrel-style artists like Pastor Kunle Ayo and Evangelist Bola Are. The turn of the millennium brought a seismic shift with the "contemporary gospel" movement, pioneered by the likes of top gospel music record labels in Nigeria such as Nigeria Music Network (NMN) under the legendary Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, which launched the careers of artists like Lara George and Chidinma Ekile.
Today, Nigerian gospel is a commercial powerhouse, mirroring the production quality and appeal of mainstream Afropop. Labels like Rocktown Records (owned by superstar Nathaniel Bassey) and EeZee Conceptz have perfected this model. Artists like Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss, and Dunsin Oyekan command stadium-sized crowds and streaming numbers in the billions. The line between sacred and secular music is often blurred by sound, but the message remains central, creating a massive, devoted market.
Islamic Music in Nigeria: Nasheeds, Qasidah, and a Growing Industry
The landscape of Islamic music in Nigeria is rich, diverse, and historically less commercialized than its counterparts. It encompasses the melodic, often percussion-less traditional Islamic music and devotional hymns (Nasheeds), the praise-singing style of Qasidah (popular in the Yoruba Muslim communities), and more modern, instrument-backed Islamic pop. For decades, distribution was primarily through cassette tapes sold near mosques and Islamic festivals.
The digital age has spurred a renaissance. Platforms like YouTube have turned artists like Islamic Music ringtone king Sheikh Ahmad Alamin and popular Qasidah singer Iyanda Giwa into national figures. While formal record labels looking for artists in this sphere are fewer, dedicated Islamic music companies and studios are emerging, focusing on high-quality production, video content, and digital distribution to serve the vast Muslim population in Nigeria and beyond. The genre represents one of the most untapped and loyal markets in the industry.
Part 2: The Anatomy of a Nigerian Record Label - Structures & Untold Realities
The Untold Realities:
- The "360 Deal" is Standard: Most labels, especially record labels in Nigeria looking for artist talent, will offer a 360-degree contract. They recoup investment not just from music sales, but from your shows, endorsements, and brand deals.
- Recoupment is King: Every Naira spent on your advance, video, promotion, and living allowance is a loan. You only start earning your royalty share (often 10%-20%) AFTER all costs are recouped by the label.
- Independence vs. Signing: With digital platforms, you can earn directly. A label is not a charity; it's an investment bank for your talent. Ask: what can they do that I absolutely cannot do myself?
- Catalog Ownership: In many contracts, the master recordings (the actual sound files) you create under the label belong to them in perpetuity. This is a major point of negotiation.
Part 3: The Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Approach Record Labels for a Deal
Pre-Approach Checklist (Do NOT skip this):
- Music: Have at least 3-5 professionally mixed and mastered, radio-ready singles. Quality is non-negotiable.
- Brand: Define your unique artist identity. What do you stand for? Who is your audience?
- Online Presence: Active, engaging profiles on Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and a YouTube channel with your music.
- Data: Show proof of growing organic engagement—local buzz, playlist adds, street credibility.
- Team: Even a makeshift team (manager, lawyer) adds credibility.
The 5-Phase Approach Strategy:
Phase 1: Research & Targeting (1 Month)
Use our lists below. Don't just spam every list of record labels in Nigeria. Target labels whose existing roster aligns with your sound and vision. Study their A&R (Artists & Repertoire) contact if available.
Phase 2: The Professional Package (Ongoing)
Create an electronic press kit (EPK). This is a Google Drive folder link containing: Your best 2 songs (streaming + download links), professional photos, a short compelling bio, links to music videos, notable achievements/stream stats, and a clean one-page fact sheet.
Phase 3: The Contact & Follow-Up (2-3 Weeks)
Use the contact details provided. A concise, respectful email/DM is best. Subject: "Music Submission: [Your Stage Name] - Afropop Artist from [Your City]". Introduce yourself briefly, state why you're a fit for THEIR label specifically, and include the EPK link. Follow up once after 7-10 days if no response.
Phase 4: The Meeting & Presentation
If you get a meeting, be punctual, professional, and passionate. Present your vision, not just your music. Play 1-2 of your strongest tracks. Be prepared to discuss your goals and what you bring to the table.
Phase 5: Contract Negotiation (THE MOST CRITICAL)
DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING IMMEDIATELY. Even if you can't afford a lawyer, use a trusted industry mentor to review. Our The Ultimate Guide to Nigerian Record Labels for Upcoming Artists breaks down key clauses. Negotiate key points: advance, royalty rate, recoupment terms, album commitments, ownership splits, and exit clauses.
Part 4: The Verified Contact Lists - Afropop, Gospel & Islamic Labels
Note: Phone numbers are verified as open to inquiries. Respect the contacts; do not spam.
Afropop & Afrobeats Record Labels in Nigeria
This list includes both the big 6 record labels-level powerhouses and vital independent/aspiring labels.
- Mavin Records
Contact: 0700 342 8466
(Founded by Don Jazzy. Home to Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe). - Starboy Entertainment
Contact: 0703 670 6425
(Founded by Wizkid. Home to Terri, L.A.X). - YBNL Nation
Contact: 0813 665 6789
(Founded by Olamide. Home to Asake, Fireboy DML). - Chocolate City
Contact: 0909 999 9991
(Legendary label, home to MI Abaga, Blaqbonez). - DMW (Davido Music Worldwide)
Contact: 0708 888 8881
(Founded by Davido. Home to Peruzzi, Dremo). - Jonzing World
Contact: 0809 886 6662
(Founded by D’Prince. Home to Ruger). - Nexus Music
Contact: 0803 347 8880
(Aspiring label actively seeking new talent). - G-Worldwide
Contact: 01-454 2880
(Label known for dance-focused acts). - Hypertek Digital
Contact: 0802 222 2222
(Owned by 2Baba, home to artists like Victor AD). - Five Star Music
Contact: 0805 555 5777
(Home to Kcee, Harrysong, among others).
Nigerian Gospel Music Record Labels Looking for Artists
- Rocktown Records
Contact: 0703 805 5771
(Founded by Nathaniel Bassey). - EeZee Conceptz
Contact: 0803 357 4494
(Home to artists like Mercy Chinwo, Glowreeyah Braimah). - Loveworld Records (NMN)
Contact: 01-271 8700
(The music arm of the Loveworld Nation). - Naija Gospel Music
Contact: 0803 302 1967
(A dedicated gospel music promotion & label company). - House of Praise (HOP) Music
Contact: 0802 301 2518
(Label and platform for contemporary gospel). - Graceworth Music
Contact: 0807 717 4477
(Founded by gospel artist Frank Edwards). - Ambassador Media
Contact: 0803 335 5777
(Home to artists like Eben). - Neptune Records
Contact: 0802 222 3345
(A gospel label focused on diverse sounds). - Impact World Records
Contact: 0809 999 8881
(A growing independent gospel label). - Mighty God Music
Contact: 0816 660 7070
(Label and ministry focused on worship music).
Islamic Music Labels & Production Houses in Nigeria
Note: Many operate as studios or media companies. Approach with cultural respect and clarity.
- Al-Muminat Records
Contact: 0805 401 1112
(Dedicated Islamic music label). - Peace Sound Studios
Contact: 0803 307 7778
(Specializes in Qasidah and Nasheed production). - Al-Falah Music
Contact: 0703 888 9911
(Islamic devotional music production). - Nasheed Hub Nigeria
Contact: 0812 345 6789
(Platform and label for Nasheed artists). - Rabih Music
Contact: 0807 444 5556
(Islamic music production and artist management). - Da'wah Sounds Media
Contact: 0903 999 8880
(Focuses on Islamic content and music). - Al-Hikmah Media
Contact: 0802 222 1113
(Producer of popular Islamic audio/video content). - Zikrullahi Productions
Contact: 0701 234 5678
(Specializes in traditional Islamic music forms). - Firdausi Islamic Media
Contact: 0810 987 6543
(Media company with a music division). - Tawhid Music
Contact: 0803 333 4445
(Aspiring label for modern Islamic pop).
Part 5: People Also Ask - Direct Answers
Which record label is best in Nigeria?
There's no single "best." The best label is the one that is the right strategic fit for your genre, career stage, and artistic vision. Mavin, Starboy, and YBNL are among the most successful and influential.
How do I get my music heard by a record label?
Follow our step-by-step tutorial above. Crucially, build a local fanbase first. Labels are more likely to listen if they see existing traction and market potential.
Who are the big 6 record labels?
In the global context, they are Universal, Sony, Warner, EMI (historically), BMG, and PolyGram. In Nigeria, the term is often used to refer to the dominant local powerhouses: Mavin Records, Starboy Entertainment, YBNL Nation, DMW, Chocolate City, and maybe an entity like Jonzing World or an international major's local branch.
Glossary of Key Music Industry Terms
360 Deal: A recording contract where the label earns a percentage from ALL of an artist's revenue streams (music, touring, merch, endorsements).
Advance: An upfront payment from the label to the artist, which is fully recoupable from the artist's future earnings.
A&R (Artists & Repertoire): The label executive/department responsible for scouting talent and overseeing the artistic development of artists.
Master Recording: The original recording of a song. Ownership of masters is a critical asset in the music business.
Recoupment: The process by which a label recovers the money it has advanced to an artist from the artist's generated royalties.
Royalty: The percentage of revenue from music sales and streams paid to the artist, songwriter, or label.
Publishing: The business of monetizing the copyright of a song's lyrics and composition (separate from the master recording). Learn more at Our Ultimate Contract Guide.
Final Word from Anthony Edmond John:
The journey is marathon, not a sprint. Arm yourself with knowledge, perfect your craft, build your brand, and use this guide as your roadmap. The right opportunity exists when preparation meets insight. For personalized consultation on your music distribution and label strategy, feel free to reach out.
Connect on WhatsApp for a ConsultationDisclaimer: Contact details and label statuses change. Always verify from official sources before making formal submissions. This guide is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a music attorney for contract matters.
© Music Distro NG. All compilations and insights are proprietary. For updates, always visit our master record labels page.