Top 5 Hottest Music Record Labels Shaping Nigeria’s Sound in 2024

Nigeria’s music industry is thriving in 2024, with record labels significantly influencing its evolution. This article explores the top five trending music record labels steering the Afrobeats movement and more this year.

Dapper Music

Founded in 2018 and led by Damilola Akinwunmi, Dapper Music has quickly established itself as a prominent force in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape. It has transformed the approach to music production, distribution, and promotion.

This label started as a music distribution service but has now evolved into a comprehensive entertainment entity, featuring sectors such as Dapper Digital (distribution), Dapper Music and Entertainment (artist management), Dapper Films (film production), Dapper Live (events), and S94 Publishing (music publishing). Together, these divisions significantly contribute to the advancement of Nigerian entertainment, especially the Afrobeats genre.

Some notable artists associated with Dapper Music include:

• Seyi Vibez
• Balloranking
• Shallipopi
• BhadBoi OML
• Bhary Jay
• Reeha
• T.I Blaze
• Dibs
• Pabrymo
• Tega Boi
• ZerryDL

These artists are not just creating hits in Nigeria but are also gaining recognition internationally. Their music contributes to the evolution of Nigerian entertainment, with some actively participating in Nollywood films featuring esteemed Nollywood stars.

Dapper Music aims to promote Afrobeats globally, achieving significant milestones. Its digital platform, Dvpper Digital, has successfully distributed over 2,000 tracks, leading to millions of streams globally. Artists from Dapper Music have achieved remarkable success on streaming services, including 5 albums with over 100 million streams on Audiomack and a total of over 1 billion streams on the platform.

For instance, Seyi Vibez’s albums, such as Billion Dollar Baby, have topped the Apple Music charts in Nigeria. Additionally, Shallipopi’s Planet Pluto EP has reached the number one spot on Audiomack’s charts, confirming his rising star status in Nigeria.

YBNL Nation

YBNL Nation, established by music icon Olamide in 2012, has played a significant role in molding contemporary Nigerian music. The label has successfully launched the careers of many prominent Nigerian artists.

In 2020, Billboard Magazine recognized YBNL as a “Gatekeeper of the Nigerian Music Industry,” emphasizing its importance in the music scene both locally and internationally.

YBNL’s Current Talent

Currently, YBNL Nation is home to successful talents, including Fireboy DML and Asake. Fireboy has gained international recognition for his Afrobeat and pop fusion, with acclaimed albums like Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps, and Apollo achieving millions of streams.

Asake, known for blending Afrobeats, Fuji, and street-pop, has become a sensation with chart-topping hits such as Fuji vibes and Sungba. His album Mr. Money with the Vibe further showcases his immense talent, solidifying his position in the Nigerian music scene.

YBNL has been a launchpad for numerous prominent artists, with former talents like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Viktoh, Chinko Ekun, and Lyta gaining significant success independently, highlighting Olamide’s talent scouting abilities.

Supporting these artists, YBNL boasts a team of skilled producers who have created some of Nigeria’s biggest hits. Notable producers linked to YBNL include Pheelz, Young John, Magicsticks, Mike Dean, P.Priime, Sak Pase, Sarz, and B-Banks, all contributing to the label’s distinctive sound.

Chocolate City Music

Chocolate City Music is one of Nigeria’s leading record labels, founded in 2005 by lawyer Audu Maikori, along with Paul Okeugo and Yahaya Maikori. It is a prominent player in Africa’s music industry, recognized as a major force in urban music. The label is part of the broader Chocolate City Group, which spans various media and entertainment sectors.

Featured Artists at Chocolate City

Over its history, Chocolate City has nurtured a vast array of talented artists across genres like Afropop, hip-hop, and alternative R&B. Currently, it features several exciting acts:

• Femi Kuti: An Afrobeat legend known for his musical talent and activism, he remains a key figure at Chocolate City.
• Blaqbonez: Renowned in Nigerian hip-hop, Blaqbonez is celebrated for his clever lyrics and innovative style.
• Young Jonn: A multifaceted artist and producer, Young Jonn is recognized for his unique Afropop compositions, gaining significant attention as both a solo artist and a producer.

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• Candy Bleakz: This talented female rapper is making a name for herself in Nigeria’s rap and street music scene, celebrated for her outspoken lyrics and unique style.
• Tar1Q, Noon Dave, and Major AJ: These artists represent the new generation of talent nurtured by Chocolate City, highlighting the label’s dedication to discovering and supporting fresh voices.

Chocolate City has been pivotal in shaping the careers of many renowned Nigerian artists, including:

• M.I Abaga: A major influencer in modern Nigerian hip-hop and one of the industry’s leading rappers.
• Ice Prince: An award-winning artist famous for his impactful track “Oleku,” he remains a key player in the Nigerian music scene.
• Ckay: Rose to international fame with his hit “Love Nwantiti,” becoming a sensation worldwide.
• Other talented artists like Brymo, Dice Ailes, Victoria Kimani, Jesse Jagz, Pryse, Koker, and Ruby Gyang have enhanced Chocolate City’s reputation for diverse talent.

Chocolate City’s International Collaborations

Chocolate City has expanded its influence beyond Nigeria through collaborations with global entities. Partners such as the British Council and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism have joined efforts to showcase Nigerian creativity worldwide.

In 2019, the label formed a significant partnership with Warner Music Group (WMG). This alliance provides Chocolate City artists access to WMG’s extensive distribution channels and independent label services through ADA, boosting their international presence and opening doors for global outreach.

DMW (Davido Music Worldwide)

Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), established in 2016 by celebrated Afrobeats artist Davido, stands out as one of Africa’s leading record labels. DMW is acclaimed for its roster of talented artists and innovative ideas that continue to shape Afrobeats and urban music in Nigeria and internationally.

Current Talent at DMW

DMW boasts an impressive lineup of musical talents, including:

• Davido: The founder and a global Afrobeats superstar, he has released several hits, including his latest track “Awuke” featuring YG Marley, solidifying DMW’s prominence in the music industry.
• Morravey: A vibrant newcomer who joined DMW in 2023, quickly gaining popularity.
• Logos Olori: Another 2023 addition, he adds a fresh vibe to DMW’s varied musical landscape.
• Yonda: Since 2017, his catchy songs have kept him as a staple artist at DMW.
• Peruzzi: Esteemed for his songwriting and Afropop hits, he’s a defining force in the label.
• Idowest: Known for his energetic street-hop style, he has successfully made his mark since joining.
• DJ Ecool: The official DJ for Davido, he contributes to the DMW sound both as a DJ and an artist.
• Danagog and B-Red: Their Afrobeat and hip-hop combination enriches the diversity of DMW’s offerings.

DMW was founded by Davido after he transitioned from HKN Music, the label he co-established with cousin B-Red. This move focused on showcasing Afrobeats and urban music, evolving into a prominent force in the industry and promoting various businesses, including clothing lines and skincare products.

Former Artists and Producers

Many successful artists who previously signed with DMW have since ventured into solo careers, including:

• Mayorkun: His hits like “Mama” and “Che Che” propelled DMW’s reputation before he left in 2021 to pursue his own music journey.
• Lil Frosh: Signed in 2019, he departed in 2020 amid controversy, marking a pivotal moment for DMW.
• Dremo, Ichaba, Lola Rae, and Liya: Each artist contributed to DMW’s legacy and moved on for various reasons.

Additionally, DMW is home to talented producers like Fresh VDM and Speroach Beatz, known for crafting hit beats that have defined the Afrobeats genre. Other notable producers include Napji, Blaisebeatz, and Magicboi, all of whom have contributed to the label’s success.

Spaceship Records

Spaceship Records, founded by global Afrobeats star Burna Boy, is also referred to as Spaceship Entertainment. Launched on February 18, 2015, it emerged after Burna’s exit from Aristokrat Records, allowing him to take control of his artistic direction. In 2020, Spaceship was rebranded under Spaceship Collective, which Burna Boy also leads.

During its early years, Spaceship Records became synonymous with the rise of Burna Boy, whose successful albums and singles propelled the label to prominence.

Artists and Collaborations at Spaceship

The label showcases a select group of artists known for their contributions to Afrobeats:

• Burna Boy: As the main figure and founder, he has gained global acclaim and multiple awards, including a Grammy Award, through his innovative blend of music styles.
• Nissi: Burna Boy’s sister, she is recognized for her powerful voice and eclectic sound that blends pop and electronic elements.
• LeriQ: A leading producer at Spaceship, he has helped shape the Afrobeats sound through his work with Burna Boy and beyond.
• Telz: Known for his versatile production skills, he contributes significantly to the musical landscape of Spaceship Records.

Buju’s Exit

A significant event in Spaceship’s timeline was Buju‘s (now BNXN) brief tenure. Joining in 2020, he achieved attention with tracks like the remix of “Lenu” alongside Burna Boy. However, he departed in April 2021 after his contract concluded to launch his solo career. His time at Spaceship was crucial for his visibility in the music industry.

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