It could pose as really difficult to survive the Nigerian music industry as an independent artiste (indie). This is because recording, promotions and keeping up with the lifestyle are actually very expensive.

A record label literally owns the life of the artiste because it pumps huge amounts of money into the artiste’s career.

In this article, we will be looking at the top five music record labels in Nigeria and how well they are doing in the industry.

Mavin Global

At the moment, Mavin Global Records seems to be the most organised and most functioning label in the country. Owned by popular producer/songwriter Don Jazzy, Mavin was established after Don and D’banj’s Mo’Hits Records broke up after some misunderstanding between both artistes. Mavin also has sub-labels like Blowtime Entertainment and Jonzing World.

Some artistes signed under the label are rave of the moment Rema, Korede Bello, Crayon, D’ija, DNA, Johnny Drille, Ladipoe and Da Prince.

Some music producers/disc jockeys signed under the label are Ozedikus, Dj Big N, Altims, Honter (London), BabyFresh and Don Jazzy.

Davido Music Worldwide (DMW)

With music sensation, Davido as the CEO, the label is one of the hottest at the moment. DMW was established in 2016 by David Adeleke and has been thriving ever since.

The label is responsible for promising acts like Peruzzi, Mayorkun, Yonda, Dremo and Fresh. Fresh also happens to be an ace producer.

Universal Music Nigeria

Lately, this label has been signing on artistes with futuristic music, the latest of them being Alpha P of the defunct RNA (his duo with Rema). Universal Nigeria is a division of Universal Music Global. It was established in 1934 and is headed by Ezegozie Eze in Nigeria.

Popular artistes signed under the label are afrobeats goddess Tiwa Savage, WurlD, Alpha P, Mr. Eazi and Timi Dakolo.

YBNL Records

This label is owned by indigenous rapper, Olamide. They have produced a good number of popular artistes and still going on to sign on more of them. There was an issue of recent between the label and an artiste, Lyta. Even though it was sorted as amicably as possible, it still raised dust as people were curious to know why Lyta was let go as soon as he had come onboard.

Popular artistes under the label are Fireboy DML, DJ Enimoney and Yomi Blaze.

Aristokrat Records

This label, which is under 960 Music, is headed by Piriye Isokrari. Other labels under 960 are Hypertek Digital (which houses 2Baba) and Ultima productions.

Some artistes under Aristokrat are Ozone, Mojeed and Leriq.

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