Mariam Salaudeen
The Nigerian music industry has seen the rise of a plethora of record labels, but a selected few rose above their peers to imprint themselves in the music hall of fame. These record labels stood the test of time, and made it their goal to soar high. Record labels are one of the factors that determine the path an artiste follows through their journey to stardom. The impact of record labels on an artiste’s music career cannot be overemphasized. However, record labels can either make you or break you.
The positive impact of record labels in promoting an artiste is not to be undermined, and one of the record labels that has grown to be one of the biggest labels in Nigeria is Mavin Records. Mavins Records was formed by record producer and recording artist Don Jazzy on May 8, 2012. The inception of the record label came after the closure of the Mo’Hits Records. Mo’Hits Records was formed by award-winning artiste D’banj, and record producer Don Jazzy in 2006, and D’banj was the first artiste signed under the label. The label went on to sign other artists including Wande Coal, Dr Sid, D’Prince, and K-Switch.
Mo’Hits had a good run in the Afrobreats industry by intoducing Afrobeats to the international audience through their artistes; winning awards; dropping smash hits featuring international artistes, and topping the charts. The label aslo released a compilation album ‘Mo’Hits All Star: Curriculum Vitae’ in 2007. The album featured songs like ‘Booty Call,’ ‘Pere,’ ‘Close To You,’ and ‘Move Your Body.’
D’banj’s exit from Mo’Hits led to the creation of Mavin Records. After the creation of Mavins Records, it signed its first female artiste Tiwa Savage. Other artistes like Korede Bello, Di’ja, and Reekado Banks were also eventually signed to the record label. Don Jazzy made sure that these artistes were known in the industry through series of promotion, and he brought the all star hit magic to Mavin to release ‘Dorobucci’ in 2014. Mavins also won the award for the Best Record Label at the City People Awards in 2014.
Mavin’s trajectory in the music industry is one that has been applauded by many, and its success is alluded to the business moves by the mastermind Don Jazzy. Don Jazzy has set the standard when it comes managing a record label and also promoting the artistes under the record label. The record label is responsible for some of Afrobeats exceptional exports, and fans look forward to the new talent to be signed to the record label.
In 2019, Afrobeats experienced the invention of a new talent Rema. Rema was signed to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records. The artiste rose to stardom after the release of his smash record ‘Dumebi.’ Rema is now one of the internationally recognized Afrobeats artistes, and he has plagues, sold out shows, and awards to affirm his status as the new school rave.
It’s 2022, and Mavin Records is celebrating 10 years of being the best at what they do. The record label recently pulled a unique move earlier this year by signing songwriters and producers to the label. Presently, the record label is managing amazing talents like ‘Ayra Starr,’ ‘Rema,’ ‘Johnny Drille,’ ‘Ladipoe,’ ‘Bayanni,’ ‘Boy Spyce,’ ‘Magixx,’ and ‘Crayon.’
To celebrate 10 years of success, Mavins released an all star album ‘Chapter X’ on December 2, 2022. The lead songs off the album ‘Overdose’ and ‘Won Da Mo’ were released prior to the album’s release on music streaming apps. The all star magic is one thing Don Jazzy can never go wrong with, and this is one of the amazing things he is known for.
The record label also announced their first ever all star concert scheduled to hold on December 16, 2022. Mavin Records looks forward to closing the year in a grand style. The Mavin all star concert is a curated experience, that is part of the annual LivespotXFestival, and is set to be one of the biggest Afrobeats event.
