Nigeria: Mavin Records celebrates 12-year anniversary

In a statement released on the occasion of the label’s anniversary, Don Jazzy noted that 2024 also represents a “landmark year in so many ways.”

“We are grateful to everyone who has been instrumental to our success in the past 12 years,” he said.

Founded in 2012 and regarded as one of Africa’s most influential entertainment companies of this decade, Mavin now delivers 360-degree services including management, publishing, sync, production and strategic partnerships. In 2019, the company established an equity investment partnership with Kupanda Holdings, and in February, Universal Music Group announced a major investment in the label, with the deal expected to close by the end of Q3 2024 pending regulatory approval.

“I’m proud of the artists, careers and brand we’ve built that have made Mavin the force it is today,” Don Jazzy said of the deal. “In this historic partnership with UMG, we will continue that mission in Africa and across the globe.”

Mavin is credited with activating the careers of the likes of D'banj, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal and Reekado Banks in its formative years. It is currently home to Afrobeats popstars like Rema, whose global hit ‘Calm Down’ featuring Selena Gomez became the first African artist-led song to surpass 1 billion Spotify streams. Grammy nominee Ayra Starr is also a signee at Mavin.

In 2022, Mavin secured the signatures of producers Andre Vibez, Jvxn, Prestige and Sevn, as well as songwriters Mbryo and Milar. In December of the same year, the label released Chapter X, a compilation in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

Since 2019, the company has been running the Mavin Future Five leadership programme as part of its vision to develop and equip aspiring industry leaders aged 18 to 23 years with training, mentoring and internships in digital, artist relations, public relations, promotions and creative marketing.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished so far as a team but we remain ambitious still,” Mavin chief operating officer Tega Oghenejobo said. “There is more work to be done as we break more talents, expand to more territories and contribute our quota to the development of Africa and her extremely talented human capital.’’