10 Most Prominent Record Labels In Nigeria

By: David Balogun

We examine 10 of the most renowned Nigerian-based record labels in recent history.

1. Mavin Records

Mavin Records, founded by Don Jazzy in 2012, is currently home to stars like Rema, Ayra Starr, and Crayon, emerging after the closure of Mo' Hits Records.

2. YBNL

YBNL, started by Olamide in 2012, partnered with Empire in 2020 and launched careers for artistes like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Asake, Fireboy DML and more.

3. Chocolate City

Chocolate City, founded in 2005, partnered with Warner Music and houses artistes like M.I Abaga, CKay, and Femi Kuti, once home to Ice Prince and Jesse Jagz.

4. DMW

DMW, founded by Davido in 2016, developed talents like Mayorkun and Dremo, recently introducing Morravey and Logos Olori.

5. Penthauze Music

Penthauze Music, led by Phyno, started in 2011 and boasts talents like Cheque, Runtown, and Storm Rex.

6. Jonzing World

Jonzing World, founded in 2019 by D’Prince, nurtured Rema, Ruger, and GDZILLA.

7. Starboy Entertainment

Wizkid's Starboy Entertainment, founded in 2012, housed artistes like L.A.X and Maleek Berry and briefly signed some Ghanaian artistes.

8. Kennis Music

Kennis Music, established in the late '90s, features legends like 2Baba and Sound Sultan, known as "Africa's No 1 Record Label."

9. E.M.E

E.M.E, founded in 2002 by Banky W, was home to Wizkid and others, becoming iconic in Nigerian music history before becoming defunct in 2018.

10. Mo'Hits

Mo'Hits, helmed by Don Jazzy and D'banj, was legendary, with artistes like Wande Coal and Dr. Sid, even after their publicized fallout in 2012.

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