Mavin Records (also known as the Supreme Mavin Dynasty)[1] is a Nigerian corporation and record label founded by record producer and recording artist Don Jazzy on 8 May 2012. The label's inception came to fruition following the closure of Mo' Hits Records, a record label owned by the aforementioned producer and D'banj.[2] The label is home to recording artists such as Rema, Ayra Starr, Crayon, Johnny Drille, Ladipoe, Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, and Lifesize Teddy. It also houses producers such as Jazzy himself, Altims, London, Baby Fresh, and Andre Vibez.[3][4] In 2014, DJ Big N became the label's official disc jockey.[5] Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Reekado Banks and Iyanya were all formerly signed to the label.[6] On 8 May 2012, the label released its compilation album Solar Plexus.[7] In January 2019, Mavin Records secured a multi-million dollars investment from Kupanda Holdings, a subsidiary of Kupanda Capital and TPG Growth.[8]
 | |
| Company type | Private (incorporated as a general partnership) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music, entertainment |
| Genre | Various |
| Founded | 8 May 2012 |
| Founder | Don Jazzy |
| Headquarters | Victoria Island, Nigeria |
Number of locations | 2 |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Michael Collins Ajereh |
| Products | Music and Conglomerate |
| Brands | Mavin Clothing Line Ltd |
| Services |
|
| Owner | Mavin Energy Ltd |
| Parent | Mavin Global Holdings |
| Divisions |
|
| Website | www |
In 2020, Billboard Magazine named Mavin's as one of the Gatekeepers of the Nigerian music industry.[9]
History
Signings, website launch, endorsements, and musical releases
Mavin Records started as a result of D'banj's departure from Mo' Hits. Prior to commenting on D'banj's exit from Mo' Hits, there were allegations that D'banj signed over Mo' Hits to Don Jazzy.[10] In an interview with Sunday Punch, Don Jazzy addressed D'banj's departure from Mo Hits, saying, "We were working together, and all was going well." It got to a point where I looked at the situation and we both decided that it was not working, and we had to move on. Don Jazzy alluded to being hesitant about a name change.[11] According to BellaNaija, the term "Mavin" describes someone who is gifted and skilled in any field.[12] Upon establishing the rebranded record label, Don Jazzy said he sees Mavin Records as the powerhouse of music in Africa in the shortest possible time.[12] After rebranding Mo' Hits to Mavin, Don Jazzy signed Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. Pulse Nigeria reported that Jazzy admires the singer's work ethic and drive.[13] Pulse Nigeria also reported that Mavin Records signed producers Aluko "Altims" Timothy and Sunday "BabyFresh" Enejere.[14]
On May 7, 2012, the record label launched its official website and the Mavin league, a social networking site designed to cater to their fans worldwide.[15][16] Don Jazzy signed endorsement deals with Samsung and Loya Milk after establishing the label, and Tiwa Savage also signed an endorsement deal with Pepsi. Within a year of becoming a revamped brand, the record label released "Take Banana" and "Oma Ga" as singles from its debut compilation album, Solar Plexus.[17][18] In February 2014, Don Jazzy signed Di'Ja, Reekado Banks and Korede Bello to Mavin Records a week after each other.[19] On May 1, 2014, Mavin Records released the hit single "Dorobucci" to critical acclaim.[20] On February 25, 2015, Don Jazzy and Tiwa Savage both signed endorsement deals with Konga.com.[17] On October 31, 2016, several media outlets in Nigeria reported that Iyanya signed a record deal with Mavin Records. Both Iyanya and Don Jazzy confirmed the report on Instagram.[21] On February 28, 2017, Don Jazzy announced the signings of Johnny Drille, Ladipoe and DNA to Mavin Records.[22] In March 2019, he also announced the signing of Rema to Mavin.[23] On May 31, Mavin unveiled the signing of Crayon.[24] The next day, the record label released the collaborative single "All is in Order."[25] On January 21, 2021, the label unveiled the signing of Ayra Starr.[26]
Departures
Wande Coal and IP theft controversy
Reports about Wande Coal's departure surfaced after he released and promoted the single "Kilaju" without the support of Mavin Records.[27] On 5 November 2013, Wande Coal released a song titled "Baby Face" and said Shizzi produced it for him. Subsequently, Don Jazzy went on Twitter and accused Coal of intellectual property theft.[28] He uploaded a studio demo of "Baby Face," which was supposedly recorded the previous year. Wande Coal tweeted several times, debunking Jazzy's allegations.[28] He also tweeted a link to the "original" studio version of the song.[28] Entertainment lawyer Demilade Olaosun spoke to Premium Times newspaper about intellectual property (IP). He said the song is a property of Mavin Records since it was produced, arranged and voiced by an official of the label.[28] The lawyer also stated that since Wande Coal's recording contract was not made available to the public, speculations cannot be made about the IP of the recording sound.[28] On 7 November 2013, Mavin Records sent out a press release officially announcing Wande Coal's departure. The press release came shortly after the Twitter feud between Don Jazzy and Wande Coal.[28]
Iyanya, Reekado Banks and Tiwa Savage
In a radio interview with Beat FM in February 2018, Iyanya announced his exit from Mavin Records, saying, "I'm now signed to Temple Music, but I'm a Mavin for life. It was not a beef. I was there, and it was time to move on".[29] On 7 December 2018, Reekado Banks announced his departure from Mavin Records after 5 years and launching of his independent outfit banks music on Instagram.[30] In May 2019, Universal Music Group announced the signing of Tiwa Savage.[31] During said announcement, it was revealed that Savage left Mavin Records.[31] Don Jazzy congratulated Savage on her UMG signing and said she will forever be remembered at Mavin.[32]
Accolades
Mavin Records was nominated for Best Record Label of the Year at the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards.[33] The label won the aforementioned category at the 2014 City People Entertainment Awards.[34]
| Year | Awards ceremony | Award description(s) | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | City People Entertainment Awards | Best Record Label of the Year | Won |
| 2013 | Nominated |
Artists
Current acts
| Act | Year signed | Releases under the label |
|---|---|---|
| Dr SID | 2012 | 1 |
| D'Prince | 2 | |
| Ladipoe | 2017 | 2 |
| Johnny Drille | 6 | |
| DNA | 1 | |
| Rema | 2019 | 3 |
| Crayon | 2 | |
| Ayra Starr | 2021 | 2 |
| Magixx | 2 | |
| Boy Spyce | 2022 | 1 |
| Bayanni | 1 | |
| Lifesize Teddy | 2023 | 1 |
Former acts
| Act | Year signed | Year left | Releases under the label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiwa Savage | 2012 | 2019 | 3 |
| Wande Coal | 2012 | 2013 | — |
| Reekado Banks | 2014 | 2018 | 1 |
| Iyanya | 2016 | 2017 | 1 |
| Korede Bello | 2014 | 2022 | 1 |
| Dija | 2014 | 2023 | 2 |
Producers
Current producers
- Don Jazzy
- Altims
- Babyfresh
- London
- Andre Vibez
DJ's
Discography
Albums
| Artist | Album | Details |
|---|---|---|
| The Mavins | Solar Plexus |
|
| D'Prince | Frenzy |
|
| Tiwa Savage | Once Upon a Time |
|
| Dr SID | Siduction |
|
| Tiwa Savage | R.E.D |
|
| Reekado Banks | Spotlight | Released: 1 September 2016
|
| Korede Bello | Belloved | Released: 11 March 2017
|
| Iyanya | Signature (EP) | Released: 28 March 2017
|
| Tiwa Savage | Sugarcane (EP) | Released: 22 September 2017
|
| Di'Ja | Aphrodija (EP) | Released: 15 December 2017
|
| Poe | T.A.P | Released: 5 October 2018
|
| Rema | Rema (EP) | Released: 22 March 2019
|
| D'Prince | Lavida (EP) | Released: 3 May 2019
|
| Rema | Rema Freestyle (EP) | Released: 17 June 2019
|
| Di'Ja | Di'Ja (EP) | Released: 5 July 2019
|
| Ayra Starr | Ayra Starr (EP) | Released; 22 January 2021
|
| 19 & Dangerous | Released: 6 August 2021
| |
| Magixx | Magixx (EP) | Released: 24 September 2021
|
| Boy Spyce | Boy Spyce (EP) | Released: 15 April 2022
|
| Magixx | Atom (EP) | Released: 22 July 2022
|
| Bayanni | Bayanni (EP) | Released: 24 August 2022
|
| Mavins | Chapter X | Released: 2 December 2022
|
| Lifesize Teddy | Lifesize Teddy (EP) | Released: 9 August 2023
|
| Rema | Rave & Roses Ultra | Released: 27 August 2023
|
| Rema | Ravage (EP) | Released: 26 October 2023
|
| Lifesize Teddy | Poisn (EP) | Released: 21 November 2023
|
Singles
| Artist | Title | Year | Album | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Prince | "Take Banana" | 2012 | Solar Plexus | — |
| Tiwa Savage | "Oma Ga" | |||
| D'Prince | "Take Banana" (Remix) | Frenzy | 31 October 2012 | |
| "Real G" (featuring M.I) | ||||
| "Goody Bag" | ||||
| "Call Police" | ||||
| Wande Coal | "The Kick" (featuring Don Jazzy) | 2013 | Non-album single | 23 January 2014 |
| Wande Coal | "Rotate" | 26 April 2013 | ||
| Dr SID | "Lady Don Dada" | Siduction | 2 May 2013 | |
| "Love Mine" | 5 May 2013 | |||
| D'Prince | "Birthday" | Non-album single | 6 May 2013 | |
| Dr SID | "Talented" | Siduction | 12 May 2013 | |
| "Baby Tornado" | 21 August 2013 | |||
| Tiwa Savage | "Eminado" | Once Upon a Time | 8 October 2013 | |
| Dr SID | "Surulere" | Siduction | 13 November 2013 | |
| D'Prince | "Gentlemen" (featuring Davido and Don Jazzy) | 2014 | Non-album single | 27 January 2014 |
| Di'Ja | "Yaro" | 14 February 2014 | ||
| Reekado Banks | "Turn It Up" (featuring Tiwa Savage) | 21 February 2014 | ||
| Korede Bello | "African Princess" | 28 February 2014 | ||
| D'Prince | "Ojoro Cancel" (featuring Wizkid) | 7 March 2014 | ||
| The Mavins | "Dorobucci" (featuring Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr SID, D'Prince, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello and Di'Ja) | 1 May 2014 | ||
| Dr SID and Don Jazzy | "Highlife Dorobucci" | 2 May 2014 | ||
| The Mavins | "Adaobi" (Reekado Banks, Korede Bello and Di'Ja featuring Don Jazzy) | 27 May 2014 | ||
| Di'Ja | "Yaro" (Remix) (featuring Ice Prince) | 29 July 2014 | ||
| Reekado Banks | "Chop Am" | 8 August 2014 | ||
| Korede Bello | "Cold Outside" | 15 August 2014 | ||
| D'Prince | "Oyo" | 5 September 2014 | ||
| The Mavins | "Arise" (featuring Don Jazzy, Reekado Banks and Di'Ja) | 20 September 2014 | ||
| Tiwa Savage | "My Darlin" | 8 October 2014 | ||
| The Mavins | "Looku Looku" | 31 October 2014 | ||
| Di'Ja | "Awww" | 12 December 2014 | ||
| D'Prince | "Oga Titus" | 23 December 2014 | ||
| Korede Bello | "Jingle Bell" | 25 December 2014 | ||
| "Godwin" | 2015 | 28 January 2015 | ||
| Reekado Banks | "Katapot" | 14 February 2015 | ||
| D'Prince | "Nonso" (featuring Reekado Banks) | 16 March 2015 | ||
| Godywn [A] | "Promise" (featuring Di'Ja) | 27 March 2015 | ||
| Dr SID | "Chop Ogbono" (Remix) (featuring Olamide) | 5 May 2015 | ||
| Di'Ja | "Amen" | 29 June 2015 | ||
| Reekado Banks | "Corner" | 9 July 2015 | ||
| "Sugar Baby" | 10 July 2015 | |||
| "Tomorrow" | 11 July 2015 | |||
| Dr SID | "Kabiyesi" | 6 August 2015 | ||
| D'Prince | "Kwolity" | 21 August 2015 | ||
| Korede Bello | "Somebody Great" (featuring Aṣa) | 29 September 2016 | ||
| Di'Ja | "Falling For You" (featuring Patoranking) | 2 October 2015 | ||
| D'Prince | "Bestie" (featuring Don Jazzy and Baby Fresh) | 16 November 2015 | ||
| "Tarity" (featuring Phyno) | 25 November 2015 | |||
| Tiwa Savage | "Standing Ovation" (featuring Olamide) | 2016 | R.E.D | 14 January 2016 |
| Reekado Banks | "Oluwa Ni" | Non-album single | 15 January 2016 | |
| Di'Ja | "Take Kiss" (featuring Baby Fresh) | 25 January 2016 | ||
| Tiwa Savage | "Bad" (featuring Wizkid) | R.E.D | 22 March 2016 | |
| DJ Big N | "Erima" (featuring Dr SID and Wizkid) | Non-album single | 26 March 2016 | |
| Reekado Banks | "Machinery" (Dice Ailes Cover) | 7 April 2016 | ||
| Johnny Drille | "Romeo & Juliet" | 2017 | 14 July 2017 | |
| "Awa Love" | 2018 | 9 February 2018 | ||
| "Halleluya" (featuring Simi) | 23 July 2018 | |||
| The Mavins | "All is in Order" (featuring Don Jazzy, Rema, Korede Bello, DNA, and Crayon) | 2019 | 31 May 2019 | |
| Rema | Spiderman | Freestyle EP | 19 June 2019 | |
| Trap out the submarine | ||||
| Bad Commando | Bad Commando | 4 October 2019 | ||
| Lady | 11 November 2019 | |||
| Corny | Rema Compilation | 24 March 2019 | ||
| Beamer(Bad Boys) (x Rvssian) | 2020 | 21 February 2020 | ||
| Ginger Me | 19 June 2020 | |||
| Woman | 11 November 2020 | |||
| "Bounce" | 2021 | — | February 26, 2021 | |
| "Soundgasm" | Rave & Roses | June 11, 2021 | ||
| Ayra Starr | "Bloody Samaritan" | 19 & Dangerous | 30 July 2021 | |
| Rema | "Calm Down" | 2022 | Rave & Roses | February 11, 2022 |
| "FYN" (with. AJ Tracey) | March 11, 2022 | |||
| Magixx | "Love Don't Cost A Dime (Re-Up)" (with. Ayra Starr) | TBD | February 9, 2022 | |
| "Chocolate" | March 2, 2022 | |||
| Ayra Starr | "Stars" | May 6, 2022 | ||
| "Ase - A Colors Show" | June 6, 2022 | |||
| Ladipoe | "Big Energy" | June 10, 2022 | ||
| Magixx | "Shaye" | Atom | July 20, 2022 | |
| Ayra Starr | "Rush" | 19 & Dangerous | September 16, 2022 | |
| Johnny Drille | "How are You (My Friend)" | TBD | October 12, 2022 |
Labels
Mavin Records owns, or has a joint share in, many of the record labels listed here.
- Jonzing World[37]
- Blowtime Entertainment[38]