The Nigerian music industry has grown in size and quality over the past 20 years with the help of numerous record labels. The industry happens to be one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country as new artists spring up from every corner, both from the ghettos and the GRAs. In order to manage this growth, the music industry has expanded its umbrella of labels to accommodate most of these artists, although a large number of fabulous singers are yet to be discovered by any label.
There are a million and one record labels in Nigeria that would be described as “small,” since they do not have the adequate resources, structure, and/or good enough artists to make them known. Notwithstanding, there are also a handful of good, well-structured labels that have produced most of the famous musicians in the country. This list comprises fifteen of them – the top best music labels in Nigeria.
The Top 15 Music Record Labels Currently Dominating The Country
1. Mavin Records
- Owner: Don Jazzy
- Year Founded: 2012
- Biggest Artists: Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Ladipoe, Rema, and Ayra Starr
Located in Victoria Island, Lagos, Mavin Records is currently the hottest and most influential record label in Nigeria. Created in 2012, the label is owned by recording artist and producer Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy. It was established after the separation of members of Mo’Hits Records which he (Don Jazzy) co-founded with former music partner, D’Banj. Prior to their split, the Mo’Hits record label rocked the Nigerian music industry in its time with sensational songs and albums.
Mavin is home to several talented, popular, and successful artists such as Dr. SID, D’ Prince, Di’Ja, Johnny Drille, Ladipoe, Rema, Ayra Starr, and Korede Bello. Popular musicians like Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, and Wande Coal were formerly signed to the label. Below are some of the hit songs released by the label.
- Take Banana by D’ Prince
- Eminado by Tiwa Savage
- Dorobucci by Mavin All-Stars
- Godwin by Korede Bello
- Katapot by Reekado Banks
- Yaro by Di’Ja
- Bad Commando by Rema
2. Davido Music Worldwide (DMW)
- Owner: Davido
- Year Founded: 2016
- Biggest Artists: Mayorkun, Peruzzi
Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) record label is founded by David Adeleke best known as Davido. The popular musician was formerly signed to HKN Gang, a label that was more like Davido’s family business as it was co-owned by him and his brother Wale. Speaking on why he left HKN Gang, Davido said that the decision was influenced by his family members, adding that it came to a point where everyone involved wanted to do something different.
Among the popular songs produced by HKN Gang are “Gobe”, “One of a Kind”, “Scape Goat”, “Aye”, etc. They also had two of their cousins signed in it with stage names B-Red and Shina Rambo. In April 2016, Davido left the label to establish his own, and that birthed Davido Music Worldwide located in Lekki, Lagos. DMW currently has popular singers like Mayorkun, Peruzzi, Dremo, Idowest, and DJ Ecool signed into it. Below are some of the hit songs from DMW
- Geng by Mayorkun
- Majesty by Peruzzi
- Mama by Mayorkun
- Bum Bum by Davido & Zlatan Ibile
- Fall by Davido
3. YBNL Nation
- Owner: Olamide
- Year Founded: 2012
- Biggest Artists: Lyta
YBNL was founded by one of the greatest rappers of contemporary times, Olamide. The Yoruba rapper gained prominence in 2011 under his former record label, ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunes record label, before establishing his own print in the following year. Priding itself as one of the biggest record labels in the country, YBNL once had artists like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, and Viktoh as its signees, though they would later go solo. However, it currently houses successful artists like Lyta, Ovwasa, Davolee, DJ Enimoney, Temmie, Limerick, Star Prince, and big names (Pheelz and Young John the Wicked Producer) in its production department. Famous songs from YBNL include
- Vibration by Fireboy
- Skibi Dat by Viktor
- Pick Up by Adekeunle Gold
- Durosoke by Olamide
- Diet by DJ Enimoney ft. Slimcase, Tiwa Savage & Reminisce
4. Chocolate City
- Owners: Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, Yahaya Maikori
- Year Founded: 2005
- Biggest Artists: Ice Prince
One of the biggest and most successful urban record labels in Africa is Chocolate City. It was founded in 2005 by Audu Maikori along with Paul Okeugo and Yahaya Maikori as a subsidiary of Chocolate City Group. Chocolate City Group is one of the biggest entertainment conglomerates in Africa which has other arms like Chocolate City Distribution, Chocolate City Events, and Chocolate City Media. The label is home to notable recording artists such as Femi Kuti, Ice Prince, DJ Caise, Victoria Kimani from Kenya, Pryse, Nosa, Dice Ailes, Jesse Jagz, and Koker.
Artists formerly signed to the label include M.I, Jeremiah Gyang, Brymo, and Jesse Jagz. Chocolate City Music was the first Nigerian music label to earn a global music award and recognition at the British Council in 2007. Other awards won by the music label are International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year (IYMEY) 2007 and Best Record Label by the City People Award 2013 among others.
5. Made Men Music Group
- Owner: Iyanya
- Year Founded: 2012
- Biggest Artists: Tecno, Selebobo
Made Men Music Group, popularly called triple M-G, was founded by Iyanya and his manager Ubi Franklin in 2012. The label houses incredible singers like Tecno, Selebobo, Emma Nyra, and Baci. The group has an album called The Evolution to its name. With Iyanya as its star artist, triple M-G has expanded its relevance, credibility, and fame since its inception. These A-list artists have done pretty well in taking the label steps ahead into success with their music and productions. Some of the famous songs produced by the label include
- Zamina by Selebobo
- ShowCase by Tecno
- Poco A Poco by Iyanya
6. Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) Records
- Owner: Banky W and Tunde Demuren
- Year Founded: 2002
- Biggest Artists: Banky W, WizKid
Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) record label was founded by popular R&B singer Banky W and Tunde Demuren in 2002 in New York. EME would later find its feet in Lagos, Nigeria following the founder’s relocation to the country, and till today the label has continued to grow stronger and more famous. The music label is home to recording artists such as Wellington himself, Shaydee, and Niyola, while Wizkid and Skales were formerly signed artists.
Its official DJ is DJ Xclusive, while songs from this label were produced by Masterkraft, Jay Sleek, Cobhams Asuquo, Spellz, and Samklef, among others. Some of the most popular hits from the Empire Mates Entertainment record label are
- Ebutemeta by Banky W
- Lagos Party by Banky W
- Holla at Your Boy by Wizkid
7. Five Star Music
- Owner: E-money
- Year Founded: 2010
- Biggest Artists: Kcee
Founded by two brothers, Nigerian billionaire Emeka Okonkwo popularly known as E-money, and his brother, Kcee – the Limpopo crooner, the Five Star Music company is a simple description of wealth, fame, and talents. Kcee was formerly in the Hip Hop duo group called Kc Presh which later got disbanded after 12 years following their decision to pursue solo careers. The famous producer Harrysong was previously signed to Five Star Music before he left in 2019 as a result of a feud that ensued between him and the management. Singer Skibii was also previously signed to the label. Five Star Music is currently keeping afloat with Kcee who is raising its flag and reflecting the light for the world to see.
8. Capitol Hill Records
- Owner: Clarence Peters
- Year Founded: Late 1990s
- Biggest Artists: Ill Bliss
Capitol Hill Records is owned by renowned director Clarence Peters, the son of veteran actress Clarion Chukwura and Nigerian music legend Shina Peters. The record label is one of the long-established record labels in Nigeria and has earned itself a strong reputation among other music companies in the country given the unique skills of its artists. It previously had Chidinma, Tha Suspect, and rapper Kel signed into it, and currently has rapper ill bliss as the sole big name in the group.
9. StarBoy Entertainment
- Owner: Wizkid
- Year Founded: 2013
- Biggest Artists: Mr. Eazi
Star Boy originated as a brand name for popular Nigerian singer, Wizkid. After he left his former label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), he established his own record label with the name STARBOY in 2013. In one of his interviews, Wizkid revealed that he had to leave EME because he felt to have gotten to the stage where he should move forward and higher. According to Wizkid, he established his own record label in order to give upcoming artists a platform for success.
Wizkid is the major artist in his label and so far has made great music following his relatively new label. StarBoy Entertainment also houses music arts like Legendary Beatz, L.A.X, Maleek Berry, Efya, R2Bees, and Mr. Eazi. He released his second studio album, Ayo, via his record label.
10. G-WorldWide Entertainment
- Owner: Emperor Geezy
- Year Founded: 2007
- Biggest Artists: Sugarboy
G-WorldWide Entertainment is one of the salient record labels in Nigeria founded by Festus Ehimare popularly known as Emperor Geezy. It was established in 2007 but started promoting music in 2011 and had its first top-performing artists under the music company as Kiss Daniel. Kiss Daniel would later leave the label in 2017 following a contract dispute and court case. The label has produced so many hit songs including Kiss Daniel’s famous singles: “Woju” and “Laye”. It currently houses Sugarboy, Ajura, and Easy Jay.
11. LoveWorld Records
- Owner: Chris Oyakhilome
- Year Founded: 2009
- Biggest Artists: Frank Edward, Sinach
The only gospel music label that made it to the list, LoveWorld Records, was founded in 2009 by one of Nigeria’s most influential pastors, Chris Oyakhilome. The record label is a religious subsidiary of Believers LoveWorld aka Christ Embassy and is aimed at discovering, grooming, and promoting gospel musicians. LoveWorld Records houses numerous household names who have largely contributed to bringing it to prominence. It is currently managed by a music veteran, Ehi Moses, who has gathered over 15 years of experience in the music industry. Below is the list of the A-list gospel artists signed into it
- Frank Edwards
- Sinach
- Joe Praize
- Ada Ehi
- Buchi
- Chris Shalom
- Eben
- Jahdiel
12. 960 Music Group
- Owner: Mark Redguard
- Year Founded: 2013
- Biggest Artists: Dammy Krane
960 Music is a record company and artist management firm focused on providing diverse audio and visual entertainment across Nigeria. The company was founded in 2013 by Mark Redguard in collaboration with Efe Omorogbe. 960 Music is the first music group to have independent record labels under it which include Hypertek Digital Records, Aristokrat Records, and Ultima Productions which is famous for the biggest music talent hunt show in Africa, MTN Project Fame. Some of the famous artists that have been involved with 360 Music are Burna Boy, Dammy Krane, and Victor Uwaifo.
13. Kennis Music
- Owner: DJ Kenny Ogungbe
- Year Founded: 1998
- Biggest Artists: Kenny Ogungbe, Sound Sultan
Kennis Music is a record label that specializes in R&B, pop, and hip hop music. It was founded by popular Nigerian radio DJ, Kenny Ogungbe, in 1998. The company also known as Africa’s No 1 Record Label, produced one of Africa’s greatest artists – 2face. Other former members of this label include OJB Jezreel, KC Presh, Tony Tetuila, and Sound Sultan. Currently, KM is a home label to Eedris Abdulkareem, Kenny Saint Brown, Essence, Capital Femi, and Joe EL. The current CEOs of Kennis Music are the world-famous duos – Kehinde “Keke” Ogungbe and Dayo “D1” Adeneye.
14. Kalakuta Republic
- Owner: Fela Kuti
- Year Founded: 1970
- Biggest Artists: N/A
Kalakuta Republic is the communal compound where Fela’s recording studio was located. The word “kalakuta” is a caricature of a prison cell named Calcutta that Fela inhabited. This republic of a Record label produced most of Fela’s songs that are still being enjoyed up to date. Though deceased, his songs still live on in the Kalakuta Republic. This is one of the oldest labels in Nigeria and remains a legacy to Nigerian Afro-beat/High life music.
15. DB Records
- Owner: D’Banj
- Year Founded: 2012
- Biggest Artists: Kay Switch
DB Records has grown to become a wave of creativity set to change the face of music and entertainment in Nigeria and Africa. It was founded in 2012 by the musical icon, D’Banj following his exit from Mo’Hits. Recall that D’Banj and Don Jazzy went solo after they separated from Mo’Hits Records. At the time of its launch, DB Records managed other artists such as Kay Switch, Jay Sleek, Dee Vee, Jsoul, Kris, and Nollywood actress turned musician Tonto Dike. In recent times, the label is home to multitalented Tanzanian star, FEZA, who made a name on Big Brother Africa.