Iyanya joins Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records

Don Jazzy, head of the Supreme Mavins Dynasty, announced the signing of pop artist Iyanya on social media in the early hours of Monday.

“SMD is pleased to welcome @Iyanya to the Mavin Family,” the producer wrote on Instagram and Twitter, attaching a photo of himself and Iyanya. “Pls join us to welcome him & let the world know that we #Up2Sumting.”

The announcement coincides with Iyanya’s birthday.

Iyanya first announced his exit from his former label Made Men Music Group (MMMG) back in August, prompting speculation about his next move. “I'll be launching my new label and new album soon,” he wrote, a familiar move for popular Nigerian artists. Instead he signed with the talent agency Temple Management and now with Mavin Records.

“I am at a decision-making curve in my music career where I have to make the right professional and creative decisions,” Iyanya said in a statement. “At this point, I realised the need to put solid structures in place to move to the next level of my career. I think I have found that professional and creative backbone in Mavin Records.”

Possible MMMG conflict

The deal with Mavin Records conflicts with the comments made by Ubi Franklin, head of MMMG. At the time of Iyanya's exit in August, Franklin said, “Iyanya is starting a new label which will be a company out of Made Men Music [Group] with a different structure and a different focus, aiming at growing our industry. I would like to state here that like every other label we all have our internal issues from time to time. We have shared happy and sad moments and it’s only fair to grow each other in every way possible. Not every move means a breakup.”

Don Jazzy, who has had some success with artists like D’Banj, Wande Coal and Tiwa Savage, commented on his musical union with Iyanya: “From the first time I stepped into the studio with him, there was an instant chemistry and energy. He is an amazing talent and he has great musical versatility. This is an exciting time for us and our fans have a lot of great music to look forward to. Iyanya brings his own unique style and sound to the Mavin Records family.”

He added on Twitter, “Let's learn that not all artist must own a label. 1 will suffer. The business or the music. Iyanya made a great decision and earns my respect.”

Although there have been no comments about the album release mentioned by Iyanya in August, the producer-and-artist pair, with Mavin Records old-timer Dr Sid, have released a new single titled ‘Up 2 Sumting.’ Iyanya’s last album, Applaudise was released in 2015.