As one of the leading record labels in Afrobeats, Mavin is home to some of the genre’s biggest stars. You’ve probably jammed to songs from artists like Rema, Ayra Starr, and Ladipoe recently; they’re all part of the Mavin family.
And behind the scenes, super-producers like Don Jazzy, Baby Fresh, and Altims are the ones crafting those infectious beats. Mavin Records Artists have been dominating the charts and dropping hit after hit, with an ever-growing roster of talented artists and a team of all-star producers. Read on to learn more about the Current Mavin Records Artists in 2023.
The History of Mavin Records
The Mavin Records was founded on the 8th of May, 2012 by Don Jazzy after the closure of Mo’Hits Records. Mavin Records is also known as the Supreme Mavin Dynasty. The label is home to many of Nigeria’s biggest stars.
Mavin Records has featured artists like Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, D’Prince, Dr SID, and Dija. Tiwa Savage is known as the “Queen of Afrobeats” and is one of the most successful female artists in Nigeria. Now, there are fresh Artists like Ayra Starr, Crayon, Bayanni, and others in the record label dishing out all the hits.
With its roster of talented artists and Don Jazzy’s skilled production, Mavin Records has shaped the sound of modern Afrobeats and brought it to the global stage. The label is poised to continue breaking new stars and making major hits.
Don Jazzy: CEO and Founder of Mavin Records
Mavin Records founder and CEO, Don Jazzy, is a renowned Nigerian record producer, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Don Jazzy was born Michael Collins Ajereh on November 26, 1982, in Nigeria. In 2004, Don Jazzy co-founded the now-defunct record label Mo’Hits Records. He produced and co-wrote major hit songs for the label’s artists like D’Banj, Wande Coal, D’Prince, Dr. SID, and Ikechukwu.
In 2012, Don Jazzy founded Mavin Records after the closure of Mo’Hits. He has since produced hit songs for Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Di’Ja, Johnny Drille, Ladipoe, and other artists signed to the label.
Don Jazzy is known for his unique production style and has won several awards, including multiple Producer of the Year awards. He has helped launch the careers of many successful artists and has contributed immensely to the growth of the Nigerian music industry.
Mavin Records Artists in 2033
Mavin Records, founded by producer and artist Don Jazzy, is home to some of the biggest names in Nigerian music. Current artists in the Mavin Records include:
Rema
Rema is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper currently signed to Mavin Records. Born Divine Ikubor on the 1st of May, 2000. Rema grew up in Benin City, Edo State, where he attended Corona Secondary School.
Rema went viral in 2018 after releasing a freestyle to D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang” on Instagram. D’Prince was captivated and flew him to Lagos to offer him a record deal. In 2019, Rema signed a record deal with D’Prince’s Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records. In 2019, he released his self-titled debut EP, “Rema,” which debuted at the top of the Apple Music Nigeria charts.
On May 21, 2019, Jonzing World and Mavins released the music video for “Dumebi,” a huge breakout hit off his self-titled EP. Furthermore, Rema declared in May 2021 that he would name his style “Afrorave,” a type of Afrobeats influenced by Arabian and Indian music. He has one of the most committed fan bases in the country, known as Ravers.
Rema has also worked with several international artists. He has featured with talents like Chris Brown on ‘Time N Affection,’ 6lack on ‘Hold Me,’ Yseult on ‘Wine,’ AJ Tracey on ‘FYN’ and Selena Gomez on ‘Calm Down’.
Johnny Drille
Johnny Drille is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer currently signed to Mavin Records. Born John Ighodaro on the 5th of July, 1990, Johnny Drille hails from Edo State, Nigeria. He has released popular songs like ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ ‘Wait For Me’ and ‘Halleluya.’
Drille’s musical career started at church. He competed in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. In 2015, he made a cover of Di’Ja’s “Awww,” which attracted Mavin Records CEO Don Jazzy’s curiosity. His debut single, “Wait for Me,” was released in 2015. It was nominated for Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2016. He collaborated on the song “Start All Over” with Niniola, another season 6 contestant. In February 2017, he signed a record deal with Mavin Records. He released his debut album, “before we fall asleep,” a fourteen-track project, on September 3, 2021.
Johnny Drille is known for his emotive vocals and soulful R&B sound. His music incorporates elements of folk, hip-hop, and Nigerian rhythms. He plays the guitar and piano, which feature prominently in his recordings. Some of his musical influences include 2Face Idibia, Asa, and Bob Marley.
Johnny Drille continues to make beautiful music and touch lives with his meaningful, melodic songs.
Ladipoe
Ladipoe, whose real name is Ladipo Eso, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on April 29, 1992 in Lagos, Nigeria. Poe was the first rapper to sign with Mavin Records.
Ladipoe debuted his first track, “Man Already,” which was produced by Altims. Poe is influenced by Lupe, Little Brother, and Slum Village. On February 28, 2017, Ladipoe signed a record deal with Mavin Records. He rose to prominence with the song “Feel Alright,” which was featured by Show Dem Camp. In March 2019, he released a new song named “Jaiye” before releasing the smash hit “Know You,” which featured Nigerian singer Simi. He is also a member of the Nigerian group Collectiv3.
Crayon
Crayon, whose real name is Charles Chibueze Chukwu, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He was born on the 21st of November, 2000, in Lagos State, Nigeria. At a young age, Crayon developed an interest in music and taught himself how to play the piano.
Crayon joined Blowtime Entertainment, a division of Mavin Records, in May 2019. He released his first EP, “Cray Cray,” on July 12. Crayon released “Jackpot,” a single from his second EP, “Twelve A.M,” on March 26, 2021. It features Bella Shmurda. The single “Ijo (Laba Laba)” by Crayon was released on July 6, 2022, and it peaked at number 5 on the Turntable Top 100 Chart.
Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr is a 21-year-old Nigerian singer and songwriter currently signed to Mavin Records. She is known for her hit singles “Away,” “Bloody Samaritan,” and “Sability”. Ayra has become one of the fastest-rising stars in Nigeria.
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, better known as Ayra Starr, was born on June 14, 2002. Her birthplace is Cotonou, Benin. Ayra Starr began modeling at the age of 16 with Quove Model Management before deciding to pursue her musical career. She released her first original song on her Instagram profile in December 2019 after covering various songs by prominent artists. This got the attention of record executive Don Jazzy, who signed her to Mavin Records.
Ayra Starr earned international fame with the release of her self-titled first extended play in early 2021, and its popular song “Away” went two weeks in a row at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 and peaked at number 17 on the US Billboard Top Triller Global. This paved the way for her debut full-length mixtape, 19 & Dangerous, which was released in 2021. Her melodic vocals, catchy lyrics, and fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop have resonated with fans across Africa and the diaspora.
Magixx
Alexander Adelabu, known professionally as magixx, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who was born on September 27, 1999. In 2021, he signed a record deal with Mavin Records.
In September 2021, he signed with Mavin Records and released his debut EP, “Magixx.” It features five tracks, including “Love Don’t Cost a Dime”, “Colors,” and “All Over.” The EP showcases Magixx’s Afrobeat sound and songwriting skills. It received positive reviews.
Magixx and Ayra Starr re-recorded “Love Don’t Cost a Dime” in February 2022, and it debuted at number 27 on the TurnTableTop 50 list on March 28, 2022, and peaked at number 8 on March 28, 2022. On July 20, 2022, he released “Shaye” as the first single off his second EP, ATOM. ATOM was released on July 22, 2022, to positive reviews.
He is known for his impressive vocals, catchy melodies, and contemporary style. Magixx continues to make waves in the Nigerian music scene and gain more international recognition.
Boy Spyce
Boy Spyce, born Ugbekile David Osemeke, is a Nigerian artist and songwriter. He was born On May 10, 2001, in Edo State, Nigeria.
Boy Spyce rose to prominence after his freestyle video for Wizkid’s big hit “Essence” featuring Tems went viral on the internet. He was raised and spent his formative years on Jakande Estate Isolo. Boy Spyce, who is well-known for his freestyle, has maintained a large fan base since he rose to prominence. Don Jazzy confirmed signing Boy Spyce on April 14, 2022, saying he has had his eye on Spyce since 2019.
Boy Spyce has released several singles, including Folake, Relationship, and Nobody. He is known for his impressive vocal range, catchy hooks, and high-energy performances; Boy Spyce is poised to become one of the leading artists of Nigeria’s music scene.
Bayanni
Bayanni, whose real name is Abimbola Oladokun, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He was born on the 25th of June, 1997. Bayanni was a member of Davido’s DMW (Davido Music Worldwide) and was previously known as Zhenoboy. On August 23, 2022, Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records introduced Bayanni as a newly signed artist. He was found, signed, and given access to Mavin Records’ artist development program before joining the company.
Body, Kala, and Ta Ta Ta are just a few of the well-known songs he has recorded. He featured Jason Derulo in the remix of his hit single, Ta Ta Ta.
Lifesize Teddy
Lifesize Teddy is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper who is quickly rising to prominence in the music industry. Banigo Apiafi Treasure, also known as Lifesize Teddy, was born in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria, and began writing music at the age of nine.
Lifesize Teddy was signed to Mavin Records in August 2023, and her debut EP, “Lifesize Teddy,” was released shortly after. The EP was favorably received and helped promote Lifesize Teddy to a wider audience. Since then, she has released other singles, including “No Competition,” “Baddest,” and “Body Party.”
Teddy is well-known for her powerful vocals, distinctive melodies, and assured lyrics. She is known for her unusual style, which combines hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeat.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, Mavin Records has amassed an incredible array of talent over the years. From Don Jazzy’s visionary leadership to the massive stars on their roster today, Mavin Records continues to shape the future of Nigerian music. The artists highlighted in this article are just a snippet of the label’s success, with many more rising stars surely on the horizon. Keep your eyes on Mavin Records; they’ve been bringing you hits for over a decade and show no signs of slowing down.