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Top 20 Nigerian Record Labels Looking For Upcoming Artistes To Sign In 2022/2023

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Top 20 Nigerian Record Labels Looking For Upcoming Artistes To Sign In 2022/2023

Lot of talented youths are seriously seeking and want to get signed by the best music record labels in Nigeria currently looking for upcoming artistes.

Are you one of them?

Do you want to kick-start your music career and be among the richest and popular Nigerian musicians in years to come via reputable record labels?

If YES, then this article is only what you need to read today.

Music is a huge aspect of human culture, allowing artistes to express themselves and share their messages with people all around the world.

Even with the talent, it’s difficult to release wonderful music and get your name out there in the Nigerian music industry because of the finance, and high expectations from music fans.

Even after gaining fame, to remain relevant in the industry is another major problem because of the tough competition in the industry.

While some artistes have created their own record labels, many still hope to make it big by getting signed with major record labels in Nigeria that are universally respected and highly profitable.

Today in this article, you’ll learn actionable tips, guidelines and answers on:

  • Functions and importance of a record label
  • Ways record labels make money
  • Nigerian record labels looking for upcoming artiste to sign
  • Nigerian record labels looking for producers and songwriters to sign
  • Gospel record labels looking for artists and songwriters to sign
  • Hip Hop record labels looking for artists to sign
  • Record labels accepting demos
  • Music sponsors contacts details and email addresses in Nigeria
  • How to contact your favorite Nigerian record label for a deal
  • How you can send your song to these record labels
  • How to start a record label

So, ensure to take your time and read to the end to know the best options and avoid making costly mistakes this year.

Getting started…

What is a Record Label?

Record labels are the heart of the music industry.

A record label is charged with the duty of distributing and promoting your music in soft, digital, and hard copy formats to music stores, music websites, and other marketplaces worldwide.

Record labels also supports artistes to distribute their music, make music videos, match artistes with brands and other artistes, and help to record and create new musics.

How Does a Record Label Deal Works?

  • You sign a label contract that states the agreement between you (the artiste) and your boss (the label).
  • As stated in the contract, the record label pays you for record sales and helps you secure more life-changing deals in the industry.
  • The label invests in your music career and development by making, distributing, and marketing your music.
  • Your record label will have a share in your earnings as stated in your contract.
  • When a record label signs an artiste, the money they pay the artiste is called an “advance”.

How Does a Record Label Make Money?

Record labels make most of their money when your music is purchased or licensed for use.

Money is also made from marketing, royalties, album sales, touring, endorsement deals, merchandise, gigs, concerts, or anything they could sell.

The goal of record labels is making money as you too make money.

You make the millions and fame while they make the billions; they are in business and their dream is getting richer as you become rich, for these reasons, record labels want to go for talented artists that will give them billions.

On average, a newly signed upcoming artiste in Nigeria is usually paid between ₦3 million to ₦25 million, as signing fee by the record label.

Because the record label is so important to your success as an artiste it is important that you get signed by the best label possible.

So, in defining the best record labels in Nigeria, these few factors were considered.

  • Artiste support and promotion
  • The success of its artistes
  • The success of its songs (number of hit songs)
  • Years in the music industry

Best 20 Record Labels In Nigeria Looking For Upcoming Artistes To Sign

If you are an upcoming artiste, songwriter, rapper, producer or instrumentalist looking for a record label to kick start your music career, these record labels are looking for talented artistes from Nigeria, SA, Ghana, DR Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Cameroon, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia etc. that they would sponsor.

20. Soul Muzik

Soul Muzik is an entertainment company based in Nigeria.

The company was founded in 2008 and it is owned by the award-winning singer, Dare Art Alade (Darey).

The acts under Soul Muzik include Darey, Zaina Agoro and Mo Eazy.

The latest release by this record label is a single titled, ‘Special Fever’ by Darey.

19. Capital Hills Records

Capital Hill records have been around for a while and have earned itself a solid reputation amongst records labels in the country owing to the crackerjack producing skills of its CEO.

Capital Hills Records, owned by Clarence Peters, a veteran video director is one of the biggest Nigerian Record labels today mainly interested in music video shoots and distribution and are also looking for talented upcoming artistes to sign.

Clarence Peters has worked with superstars like Chidinma Ekile, Phyno, Olamide, Don Jazzy, Davido, Burna Boy, Davido, Flavour, Wizkid, Fireboy and many music stars.

Getting signed into this record label holds a bright future for you.

18. Penthauze Music

Penthauze Music is another Nigerian Record Label that is looking for talented musicians to sign this year.

This label is owned by rapper Phyno and houses talented artist, Superboi Cheque.

If you are also talented, send your song to PentHauze Music using their contact.

17. Bahd Guys Records

Bahd Guys is another record label that you can join if you can rap, sing, or trap.

This record label is owned and controlled by Folarin Falana also known as Falz the Bad Guy.

If you feel you are good and would like to join this record label, then send Falz a shout out using the label’s official contact.

16. Loveworld Records

Loveworld Records is the first record label dedicated and licensed solely to the publishing, production, promotion, marketing and distribution of gospel music and gospel artistes alike in Nigeria.

Her corporate office is in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

Loveworld Records discovers, develops, markets and distributes recorded music through a network of subsidiaries, joint ventures and licenses in countries such as Nigeria, UK, Canada, America, South Africa, Ghana and several other nations.

Loveworld Records is the official record label of Believers Loveworld Incorporated also known as Christ Embassy, the fastest growing church globally with branches in the 5 continents of the world and with a firm presence in university campuses worldwide.

Founded in 2009, the label since its entrance into prominence, promoted aspiring and top gospel acts in Nigeria.

The likes of Frank Edward, Buchi, Ehi, Sinach, Joe Praise, Chris Shalom, Eben, Ada, all of which are household names with gospel music in Nigeria owe a heartfelt homage to LoveWorld records.

The management team of Loveworld Records is headed by Ehi Moses, an accountant turned musician and producer with over 15years cognate experience in music and the entertainment industry.

15. Spaceship Entertainment

Spaceship Records (also known as Spaceship Entertainment or Spaceship), is a Nigerian-based record label founded on 18th February 2015 by Grammy-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter, Burna Boy.

Spaceship was established following Burna Boy’s departure from Aristokrat Records, a record label owned by Piriye Isokrari.

In 2020, Burna Boy signed LeriQ, Nissi, and Telz to Spaceship.

On 16th April 2020, Burna Boy unveiled the signing of Buju.

Buju’s departure surfaced after his one-year deal with Spaceship expired in April 2021, during his stay with the label, he released and promoted, various singles with Spaceship including “Lenu (remix)” with Burna Boy, and “So Lonely”.

14. KeyQaad

KeyQaad is one of Nigeria’s fastest rising recording companies and boasts of one of the hottest voices in Afrobeats.

Omah Lay, who is currently signed to the Keyqaad, is the first African artiste to be highlighted by the Africa Rising Initiative launched by Apple Music, a music and video streaming platform.

KeyQaad is also looking for artists to sign this year.

Office Address: Ground Floor, 44 Jay Jay Oladimeji Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos

Email: [email protected]

13. Dr. Dolor Entertainment

Nigerian entrepreneur Osadolor Nate Asemot (Dr. Dolor) established this record label in December 2016 in order to give upcoming artists in Nigeria the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world.

Artistes Signed:

  • Teni
  • Afin Osha
  • Hotkid
  • Nikita
  • Ryan Omo

Dr. Dolor Entertainment HQ

PO Box 12825, Lekki Penninsula II, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria

General Inquiries

12. Grafton Entertainment

Grafton Entertainment (sometimes referred to as Grafton Records) is an artist management company and record label, with dual-headquarters in both United Kingdom and Nigeria.

This label is into hip hop, upbeat, high tempo, afro-pop, rap, trap, and pop music and is currently looking for talented musicians and promising upcoming artists to promote.

Signed Artists:

  • Romel
  • Idahams
  • Jesus Boy
  • Prince Hezekiah

Contact Website: www.graftonrecords.net

11. G-WorldWide Entertainment

G-WorldWide Entertainment was founded by Festus Ehimare popularly known as Emperor Geezy in 2007.

The label once signed top act Kiss Daniel who was up at his prime with hit singles “Woju” and “Laye”.

G-worldwide is currently looking to sign talented artists and producers.

Label Members

  • Festus Ehimare (Emperor Geezy) – CEO and Founder
  • Ajura (Artist)
  • Easy Jay (Artist)
  • Sugarboy (Artist)
  • Hollar (Producer)
  • Brickz (Producer)

Address: 18, Kayode Oni Animashaun Street, Golden Pearls Estate, Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

10. Zanku Records

Zlatan Ibile who was previously signed to Alleluia Boys Entertainment announced the establishment of his record label, ‘Zanku Records’ on January 1st 2020 and it can be authoritatively confirmed that the label currently has three artistes namely, Papisnoop, JamoPyper and Oberz.

Despite having three artistes, Zanku Records seem to be on the lookout for music artistes to sign.

How To Join Zanku Records

  • Make excellent songs
  • Promote your songs
  • Feature Zanku Records Artistes to get the attention of Zlatan. You may not get signed immediately, but eventually you will get signed if Zlatan likes your sound or if there’s an available slot in the label for you to fit in.
  • Contact Zlatan’s management team by mail or telephone, talk your way into telling him how talented you are and why you want to be on Zanku Records.
  • If you are considered, they may invite you to their studio to sign a recording contract or make music together.

9. Universal Music Group Nigeria

Universal Music Group Nigeria, established in 2017 has grown to become one of the biggest record labels in Nigeria and has its corporate headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Universal Music Group Nigeria is home to Idahams, Larry Gaaga, Nonso Bassey, Tomi Owó, Tekno (co-sign [Distribution deal]), WurlD, Cina Soul (Ghanaian), Irene Ntale (Ugandan), Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania).

8. Now Muzik

Now Muzik is one of Nigeria’s premiere 360 degrees entertainment solutions company with a primary focus on music.

Since 2002, the company’s management division has played a lead role in the revitalization and re-positioning of the music industry by introducing innovations and upholding the highest professional standards in its service to the industry and corporate Nigeria.

This label is owned by Efe Omorogbe and has at different times, played an active role in the success stories of artistes like Sunny Neji, 2face Idibia, Ruggedman, Paul Play, Felix Duke, Nigga Raw, Obiwon, Freestyle, 2-Shotz, Tunde & Wunmi Obe, and African China to mention a few.

Credited with invaluable contribution to the runway success of the internationally acclaimed 2face Idibia, the company’s strongest asset is its commitment to seeking innovative ways of surmounting the myriad of challenges facing artistes in Nigeria and the building of alliances with local and international institutions towards the advancement of the cause of the artiste.

Address: No. 744a, Babatunde Atere, Omole Phase 2, Lagos – Nigeria

E-mail: [email protected]

7. Tinny Entertainment

Tinny Entertainment is one of the leading record labels in Africa with a core competence in nurturing talents into legends.

Tinny Entertainment was founded in Lagos in 2012, by its founder and C.E.O Arokodare “Tinny” Timilehin with the signing of its very first talent YCEE.

The brand’s corporate synergy and professionalism wheeled his music career into limelight and fame with singles that broke through the shores of the continent which include; “Juice”, “Jagaban”, “Omo Alhaji” and “Link up”.

YCEE had many prestigious award nominations and wins under his belt during his time with the label.

As a record label with a passion to create a positive impact on society, opportunities are harness for talents with high potential to exhibit their prowess.

This led to the signing of 3 other artistes: Bella, Dapo Tuburna and Damilare who have all departed the label.

The label value-driven policies and focus on youth empowerment through music, gave room to our recent signing MYLES, a young talented and versatile artiste with obvious potential.

The label will continue to look for talented upcoming artistes to sign and create music that will stand the test of time.

6. X3M Music

The Nigerian music scene is definitely witnessing a renaissance.

X3M Music (founded by Steve Babaeko) is one of the frontline record labels fanning the embers of the quiet revolution sweeping through Africa’s most populous nation.

Currently, the label has four artists: Simi, Praiz, Sammy and D’Truce who will take over the music industry.

5. Chocolate City

Generally regarded one of the biggest and most successful indigenous urban record labels in Africa, the label is home to recording artists such as M.I Abaga, Femi Kuti, Blaqbonez, Candy Bleakz.

Artists formerly signed to the label include Ckay, Dice Ailes, Victoria Kimani, Ice Prince, DJ Caise, DJ Lambo, Jeremiah Gyang, Ruby Gyang, Pryse, Brymo, Koker and Jesse Jagz.

Chocolate City was the first Nigerian music company to attain a global music award and recognition by the British Council and working closely with the federal government of Nigeria in promoting the creative industries and capacity-building projects in and around Nigeria.

Chocolate City has set up partnerships with many international and regional creative industry organizations, with affiliates in South Africa, U.K and the US, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the British Council toward promoting and celebrating creativity in Nigeria.

Address: 12, Olumoroti Jaiyesimi Street, Gbagada Phase 2, Lagos

Email: [email protected]

4. StarBoy Entertainment

StarBoy Entertainment was founded in March 2013 by one of Africa’s biggest and most talented singers, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (Wizkid) to give upcoming musicians a chance at success.

Some of the associated music acts in his label include Maleek Berry, Legendary Beatz, L.A.X, Efya, R2Bees, and Mr. Eazi.

Starboy Entertainment is home to fast-rising Nigerian singer, Terri.

This is the best record label of any upcoming artiste using the Afropop genre.

The Starboy Music is always on alert for talented and promising artists.

You can be a part of the team if you contact them today.

How to Get Signed To StarBoy Entertainment Record Label

  • Write and record excellent Afro-pop songs.
  • Email, with a file attachment (and links) of your song(s) to Star Boy Entertainment.
  • There is a fair probability that your song(s) would be reviewed and if it is dope enough, they’ll reach out to you.

StarBoy Entertainment Members

  • Wizkid (Chief Executive Officer)
  • Jada Pollock (Talent Manager)
  • DJ Tunez
  • Sunday Are (Management Team Leader)

3. YBNL Nation

Yahoo Boy No Laptop Nation styled as YBNL Nation was founded in 2012 by Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper, Olamide after his exit from ID Cabasa’s record label, Coded Tunes.

The record label was named after Olamide’s sophomore album ‘YBNL’ which was released in 2012.

Under the umbrella of YBNL Nation, Olamide has nurtured and monetized the talent of young talented Nigerian artists who initially had no opportunity to showcase their craft.

On the 18th of February, 2020, YBNL Nation signed a joint venture deal with Empire, an international distribution company, which will oversee the global distribution of YBNL Nation artists contents and help in reaching a wider audience.

How To Get Signed By YBNL

If you believe in yourself and you have confidence in your music, try your luck by following the simple steps outlined below, to take your first shot at becoming a YBNL Nation’s artiste.

  • From your collection of songs, select the best. If you have no song pre-recorded, simply enter a recording studio and create one.
  • Once you are confident in the standard of your selected or newly recorded song, send the MP3 file to any member of YBNL Nation’s management team for review via Instagram or Twitter.
  • If it is a banger, it would be brought to the attention of YBNL Nation’s CEO, Olamide.
  • If Olamide is impressed with your work, the management team would reach out to you.

Names of YBNL Members

The record label has produced many artistes, who are now making waves in the Nigerian music scene.

Some of these artistes have moved on from the label. They include Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Chinko Ekun and Viktoh.

There are, however, a new crop of musicians under the record label.

The current members of YBNL Nation include:

  • Fireboy DML
  • DJ Enimoney – Eniola Adedeji
  • Young John (Music Producer)
  • Pheelz (Music Producer) – Philips Kayode Moses
  • B.Banks
  • Olamide Baddo (Founder) – Olamide Adedeji

YBNL Nation Studio Albums

Below outline the albums, from the most recent to the oldest.

  • Gold (Adekunle Gold)
  • Y.A.G.I (Lil Kesh)
  • Eyan Mayweather Olamide
  • 2 Kings (Olamide & Phyno)
  • Street OT (Olamide)
  • Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (Olamide)
  • YBNL (Olamide)

Your EP or album could be the next! Contact YBNL Nation now and try your luck.

2. Davido Music Worldwide (DMW)

DMW stands as one of the biggest and hottest record labels in the country at the moment that is looking for artists to sign.

DMW was founded by Adeleke David and has housed some of the most talented artists in Nigeria.

Joining DMW, depends on your ability to gain the attention of the record label’s CEO – David Adeleke, popularly called Davido.

If you are talented and you can get Davido’s attention, you are already one leg in DMW.

How To Get Signed To DMW Record Label

If you are confident in your music talent, follow these steps to join Davido DMW:

  • Hit the studio and record a song (if you don’t have one already).
  • Follow Davido on Instagram and/or Twitter.
  • Like his posts (every single one of them) and ensure to leave catchy comments that will attract his attention.
  • Send him a direct message (with links to your songs), emphasizing your ambition to join DMW record label.
  • Wait and hope for the best.
  • If, after a while, you didn’t hear from him, keep calm and reach out again: Remember, persistence is key!
  • If and when Davido decides to check out your song and it’s EXCEPTIONALLY good, he would probably reach out to you (a good talent is a good investment; he wouldn’t want to miss it).

How To Contact Davido DMW Record Label Talent Manager

Davido’s manager, Asa Asika, handles every managerial/administrative duty including talent discovery/recruitment.

Hence, Asa Asika surely has a significant impact on who gets signed to DMW and who doesn’t get signed.

Follow Asa Asika on Instagram, and/or on Twitter, and send him a catchy message, with a link to your song.

If you are good enough, there is no way he won’t recommend you to his boss, Davido.

List of DMW Artistes

Below is a list of DMW artistes, in the order of recognition and prominence:

  • Davido
  • Mayorkun
  • Peruzzi
  • Dremo
  • May D
  • Liya
  • B.Red
  • Sina Rambo
  • Idowest
  • Ichaba
  • Yonda

DMW Crew Members

Prominent crew members of DMW in charge of management, production and promotion include:

  • Asa Asika (DMW’s Talent Manager/Davido Manager)
  • Fresh (Music Producer)
  • Kiddominant (Music Producer)
  • DJ Ecool (DMW Disk Jockey)
  • Special Spesh (Davido’s Hypeman)
  • Umar Kayode (Director)
  • Sam Frank (Mayorkun’s Manager)
  • Sir Banko (President)
  • Israel DMW

If you believe in yourself and you shoot your shots well; with a bit of luck on your side, you might just be the next DMW signee.

1. Mavin Records

Mavin Global is an African leading entertainment company.

Mavin Records was founded on the 8th of May, 2012 by legendary Nigerian singer, songwriter, music producer, music executive, and entrepreneur, Michael Collins Ajereh (Don Jazzy).

After flagging off a new imprint in 2012, Don Jazzy penned down a multi-million-dollar investment deal with Kupanda Holdings making Mavin Records the biggest record label in Nigeria in terms of financial backing.

Between 2014-2021, the record label has since grown to be a huge force in the Nigerian music scene producing prominent names like Tiwa Savage, D Prince, Dr. Sid, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Dija, Rema, DNA Twins, Crayon, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, Magixx.

Mavin’s taste for delivering the utmost value, has inspired the company’s expansion into innovative services such as partnerships, content production, publishing and marketing.

How To Get Signed By Mavin Records (Don Jazzy)

Here are simple steps to follow that could land you a recording contract with Mavin Records.

  • Be talented.
  • Follow all Mavin records staff on social media. Make friends with other people working with Mavin records on social media.
  • Post freestyle videos on your social media page, get people to appreciate your craft.
  • Tag Don jazzy and all Mavin records team members to your videos. Keep tagging them!

Address: 285A, Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, Lagos

Email: [email protected]

How to Join a Record Label

If you want to send your song to a record label and get a record deal fast, follow these steps.

  • Find a Good Studio and Record a Demo
  • Share and Promote your Music
  • Contact a record label or an agent via email or directly on their website
  • Follow up the agent [Become friends with the agent]
  • Get him/her to squeeze out time to listen to your music.
  • Sign the record contract and go with the flow

How to Start a Record Label

If you’re not interested in joining a record label, you can start one and run it on your own.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start a record label.

  • Choose a good name, logo, and brand look
  • Set up a good-looking official website
  • Register the record label
  • Set up contracts and legal details
  • Open social media accounts
  • Sign artistes

Conclusion

In today’s world music is created and distributed through many avenues, but especially through the hands of record labels.

Artistes heavily rely on them to get the exposure necessary to make it big so choosing a good one is essential.

Getting a record deal is no easy feat.

It is even harder in a country like Nigeria, where most record labels are only out to exploit upcoming music artistes.

There are still some result-oriented record labels out there that have stood out and have continued to churn out talented singers to the entertainment industry, and signing with these labels is almost a surety for success.

While other record labels are also great, these top 20 are all excellent music labels and have perfected the art of music sharing and have worked with excellent artistes to reach fans over the years.

Ensure you make correct inquiries on your chosen record labels before applying and signing deals.

Visit the official website of these record labels to make enquiries and get latest news and updates.

Beware of scammers that will parade as managers.

Finally, if you know any music record label in Nigeria or Africa that is equally a good option or shouldn’t be in this list, please let us know in the comment section.

Tell us the record label and why it is excellent or bad for upcoming musicians.

I wish you success.

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