The Ultimate Guide to Nigerian Record Labels for Upcoming Artists

Your Definitive Roadmap to Securing a Record Deal and Navigating the Music Industry

Compiled by Anthony Edmond John [CEO - Music Distro NG Ltd.] | Learn More About the Author | WhatsApp: +2348057748347

Author's Note: "My journey from the halls of PMAN to founding Music Distro NG has been built on one principle: great music needs great strategy and distribution. This guide is born from that undying passion for the industry—a love letter to every artist dreaming of turning their sound into a sustainable career. Your talent is the seed, but knowledge is the water that makes it grow." – Anthony Edmond John

Introduction: The Nigerian Music Landscape

The Nigerian music industry, often hailed as the heartbeat of Afrobeats and a cultural export powerhouse, is a vibrant and complex ecosystem. For the upcoming artist, it presents a world of immense opportunity intertwined with formidable challenges. Understanding this landscape—its history, key players, and unwritten rules—is the first critical step toward successfully navigating it. This guide is meticulously crafted to be your comprehensive manual, moving beyond a simple list of record labels to provide the strategic insight, historical context, and practical tools you need to make informed decisions about your career.

Part 1: Understanding the Ecosystem – History, Structures, and Breakthroughs

A Brief Historical Timeline of Nigerian Record Labels

The evolution of Nigerian record labels mirrors the growth of the country's popular music itself, moving from colonial-era structures to today's global digital enterprises.

The Pioneers (1960s-1990s): The Foundation

The story begins with labels like EMI Nigeria and Decca West Africa, which recorded early highlife and juju legends. The 1980s saw the rise of indigenous labels like Rogers All Stars and Tabansi Records. However, the 1990s marked a pivotal shift with the establishment of Kennis Music in 1996. Founded by Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye, Kennis became "Africa's No. 1 Record Label," pioneering modern artist promotion, video production, and a hit-making machinery that launched 2Baba (then 2face Idibia), The Remedies, and others, setting the template for the industry.

The Golden Era & The Business of Hits (2000-2010)

This decade was defined by superstar-led empires. Mo’Hits Records (co-founded by Don Jazzy and D’banj) became a cultural phenomenon, proving that Nigerian pop could achieve unprecedented commercial success. Its eventual dissolution in 2012 led to the birth of two giants: Mavin Records (Don Jazzy) and DB Records (D’banj). Simultaneously, Chocolate City, founded by Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori, emerged as the home of premium hip-hop and rap, with M.I. Abaga as its flagship artist. This era cemented the "artist-as-CEO" model and showed the power of brand-building.

The Modern Afrobeats Powerhouses (2010-Present)

The 2010s witnessed the global explosion of Afrobeats, fueled by digital streaming and international collaborations. Labels became more structured and diversified. Mavin Records solidified its status as a hit factory with Rema, Ayra Starr, and Ladipoe. YBNL Nation (Olamide) and DMW (Davido) became street-pop powerhouses with fiercely loyal fanbases. The era also saw the rise of independent and boutique labels like NATIVE Records (focusing on alternative sounds) and Freeme Music (digital and artist services), catering to niche markets and new business models.

Behind the Scenes: Label Structures, Contracts, and Untold Realities

Before you seek a deal, understand what you're walking into. A record label is more than just a brand; it's a business with specific departments:

A&R (Artists & Repertoire): The talent scouts and your main point of contact. They find you, develop your sound, and oversee recording.
Marketing & Promotion: Responsible for campaign strategy, playlist pitching, media relations, and brand partnerships.
Distribution: Ensures your music is delivered to streaming platforms (DSPs) and physical stores globally.
Legal & Business Affairs: Drafts and negotiates the all-important contract.

⚠️ The Contract: Key Clauses Every Artist Must Scrutinize

This is not exhaustive legal advice. Always hire an entertainment lawyer.

Term & Options: How long is the deal? Is it for one album with options for more? Labels typically have options to extend.
Royalties: What percentage of sales/streams do you earn? Is it on wholesale or retail price? Understand "recoupable expenses."
Advance: This is a loan, not a gift. It's recouped from your future royalties before you earn a dime.
Masters Ownership: Who owns the copyright to the actual sound recording? This is often the label's most valuable asset from the deal.
360 Deal: Does the label take a percentage of your all income (touring, merch, endorsements)? Weigh the benefits of full support against the cost.

The Untold Gist: Many young artists focus solely on the advance. Seasoned players focus on the royalty rate, recoupment terms, and ownership splits. A smaller advance with a better royalty structure can be far more lucrative in the long run.

Part 2: The Definitive, Expanded List of Nigerian Record Labels

Below is an integrated, expanded, and verified list of labels, synthesized from multiple sources and updated for strategic relevance. This is your primary contact arsenal.

Tier 1: The Major & Established Powerhouses

These labels have significant financial resources, global distribution networks, and a proven track record of breaking artists internationally. Competition is fiercest here.

Mavin Global (Mavin Records)

Founder/CEO: Don Jazzy
Key Artists: Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, Crayon, Magixx.
Address: 33B, Akin Olugbade St, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Phone: +234 908 700 0088
Email: info@mavin.africa
Website: www.mavin.africa
Strategy Note: Known for artist development and high-quality production. Strong emphasis on building distinctive artist brands.

YBNL Nation

Founder/CEO: Olamide
Key Artists: Fireboy DML, Asake (formerly), Adekunle Gold (formerly), Lil Kesh (formerly).
Address: 3, Akin Ogunlewe Street, Off Ligali Ayorinde, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Phone: +234 704 444 4411
Email: ybnlnation@gmail.com
Website/Social: Instagram: @ybnlnation
Strategy Note: A street-pop empire with an impeccable ear for hits. Has a successful "YBNL Academy" model for introducing new acts.

Chocolate City Music

Leadership: Abuchi Peter Ugwu (CEO)
Key Artists: M.I. Abaga, Blaqbonez, Candy Bleakz, Ckay (formerly).
Address: Plot 102, Johnson Omorire Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. (Also listed: 30, Ilupuju Street, Surulere).
Phone: +234 908 711 1212
Email: info@chocolatecitygroup.com
Website: www.chocolatecitygroup.com
Strategy Note: A legacy label with deep roots in hip-hop and lyricism. Part of the diversified Chocolate City Group holding company.

Tier 2: Independent & Leading Labels

These labels offer a balance of structure and creative freedom, often with a strong focus on specific genres or innovative business models.

Storm Records

Address: 98, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Phone: +234 906 000 0338
Email: storm360@stormrecords.com.ng
Website: www.stormrecords.com.ng

DMW (Davido Music Worldwide)

Founder: Davido
Key Artists: Mayorkun, Dremo, Peruzzi (formerly), Logos Olori.
Address: 42/44, Montgomery Rd, Yaba, Lagos.
Phone: +234 913 636 3369
Email: dmw@davidoofficial.com
Website: www.davidoofficial.com

Freeme Music

Focus: Digital/Artist Services
Address: 43, Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Phone: +234 817 300 0336
Email: info@freememusic.com
Website: www.freememusic.com
Strategy Note: Not a traditional label; offers distribution, marketing, and funding services. A great alternative path.

Tier 3: Notable & Specialized Labels

These include legacy brands, genre-specific pioneers, and artist-owned ventures that are actively shaping scenes.

Label Name	Key Details/Artists	Contact Information
Jonzing World	Subsidiary of Mavin, founded by Don Jazzy's brother. Home to Rema.	Via Mavin HQ: info@mavin.africa
NATIVE Records	Part of The NATIVE magazine. Focus on alternative & emerging sounds.	Email: hello@native.africa \| Phone: +234 912 709 5587
G-Worldwide Entertainment	Known for dancehall and pop. Previously home to Kiss Daniel.	Email: info@gworldwide-ent.com \| Phone: +234 903 000 3453
Spinning Records	Independent label based in Lekki.	Email: spinningrecordsng@gmail.com \| Phone: +234 906 250 5070
Hypertek Digital	Founded by 2Baba. A legacy artist's label.	Email: info@hypertekdigital.com \| Phone: +234 908 702 7454
Five Star Music	Founded by KCee and E-Money. Home to Harrysong (formerly).	Email: info@fivestarmusicng.com \| Address: 23, Akinwunmi Street, Mende, Lagos.
1960 Music Group	Founded by Mark Redguard. Acts as a talent management firm.	Address: Rio Plaza, Muri Okinola, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Bahd Guys	Owned by Falz the Bahd Guy. Focus on conscious and hip-hop acts.	Email: bahdguys@gmail.com \| Phone: 0815 787 3242
Made Men Music Group (Triple MG)	Founded by Ubi Franklin. Previously home to Tekno, Iyanya.	Email: ubifranklintriplemg@yahoo.co.uk
Kennis Music	The historic pioneer. Now focused on legacy and media.	Website: www.kennismusic.com

💡 Pro-Tips for Contacting Labels Successfully

Perfect Your Craft First: Have at least 3-5 excellent, professionally recorded songs and a clear artistic identity before you approach anyone.
Build Your Own Buzz: Labels sign audiences, not just artists. Use Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to grow a genuine local following. Data (streams, engagement) talks.
The Email Pitch is Key:
- Subject Line: Clear and professional. E.g., "Demo Submission - [Your Stage Name]: Afro-Fusion Artist from Lagos"
- Body: Brief introduction, your unique selling point, notable achievements (e.g., "song reached 50K streams organically," "sold-out show at [Venue]").
- Links: Include a private SoundCloud/YouTube link (NOT attachments) to your best 2 songs and your social media handles.
- Keep it under 200 words.
Leverage Social Media Wisely: Tag A&Rs and labels in exceptional performance clips. Engage meaningfully with their content. Avoid spammy DMs with just "listen to my song."
Network in Person: Attend industry events, open mics, and showcases. A genuine conversation can be more powerful than a hundred emails.
Consider the Independent Route First: Services like Music Distro NG, DistroKid, or Tunecore allow you to own your masters, build data, and approach labels from a position of strength with a proven track record.

"My work at PMAN taught me that great music needs great distribution," shares Anthony Edmond John. "Now, through Music Distro NG, I'm helping other artists navigate the complex digital landscape while continuing to create music that moves people." This independent path is a valid and often smarter first step.

Part 3: Glossary of Key Music Industry Terms

360 Deal: A recording contract where the label earns a percentage of the artist's earnings from all revenue streams (music sales, touring, merch, endorsements), not just record sales. [Learn More on Rolling Stone]
Advance: An upfront payment from the label to the artist, which is then recouped from the artist's future royalties. It is not a salary or gift.
A&R (Artists and Repertoire): The label department responsible for scouting talent, overseeing the artistic development of artists, and managing the recording process.
Masters: The original sound recording of a song. Masters Ownership refers to who holds the copyright to this recording—often the most valuable long-term asset in a deal.
Publishing / Songwriting Royalties: Money generated from the composition (lyrics & melody) of a song, separate from the master recording. Collected when the song is streamed, downloaded, performed publicly, or used in film/TV. Managed by Publishing Companies like CAPASSO or PRS.
Recoupment: The process by which a label uses an artist's earned royalties to recover (recoup) all the advances and expenses it has invested in the artist. The artist only starts receiving royalty payments after full recoupment.
Royalty: A percentage of revenue paid to the rights holder (e.g., artist, label) for the use of their music. Can be from sales, streams, or public performance.

Part 4: People Also Ask – Direct Answers to Burning Questions

Which record label is the best in Nigeria?

There's no single "best" label, as it depends entirely on the artist's genre, career goals, and needs. Mavin Records is widely regarded as the most successful and structured hit-making institution. YBNL Nation is arguably the best at breaking and dominating the street-pop scene. Chocolate City remains the gold standard for hip-hop and artist development with creative depth. The "best" label for you is the one whose roster, strategy, and legacy align with your artistic vision.

Who are the big 6 record labels?

While the hierarchy shifts, the current consensus on the six most influential and powerful labels in Nigeria are: Mavin Records, YBNL Nation, Chocolate City Music, DMW (Davido Music Worldwide), Storm Records, and Jonzing World / G-Worldwide Entertainment (often debated for the sixth spot). This list encompasses the major players with significant market share and cultural impact.

Who are the big 3 artists in Nigeria?

The "Big 3" is a dynamic title reflecting current commercial dominance, streaming numbers, and global influence. As of 2026, the triumvirate consistently includes Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. However, the rise of artists like Rema, Asake, and Ayra Starr shows this elite group is always under contention, reflecting the industry's healthy competitive spirit.

Who owns the first record label in Nigeria?

This depends on the definition. For modern indigenous labels, Kennis Music, founded in 1996 by Kenny "Keke" Ogungbe and Dayo "D1" Adeneye, is widely credited as the first truly successful, corporate-structured Nigerian record label that shaped the industry as we know it. Earlier entities like Tabansi Records (founded in the 1970s by Chief G.A. Tabansi) were also pioneering forces in their era.

Conclusion: Your Journey Begins With Strategy

Securing a record deal is a major milestone, but it is not the only path to success, nor is it the finish line. The modern Nigerian music industry rewards talent, consistency, business acumen, and strategic patience. Use this guide as your foundational text. Study the labels, understand the history that shaped them, internalize the business realities, and build your own platform with the same diligence a label would.

Whether you choose to pursue a major deal, partner with an independent, or build your own empire from the ground up with distribution partners, let your art be undeniable and your strategy be intelligent.

Ready to take the next step in your music career?
For professional advice on independent distribution, marketing strategy, and navigating the industry, connect directly.

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Record Labels