The Nigerian music industry has come a long way, from the early times of Afrobeat patriarch, Fela Kuti, King Sunny Adé, Oliver De Coque, and William Onyeabor to the present-day stars like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Rema, it has continually evolved while consistently crossing the country’s borders into other parts of the world.
Nigeria’s music industry has been on a winning streak, for example, streaming giant Spotify revealed that revenues generated by Nigerian artists on its platform reached N11 billion ($14 million) in 2022. By 2023, that figure had surged to N25 billion, marking an over 100% year-on-year increase in streaming revenue.
Furthermore, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that motion pictures, sound recording, and music production constituted a significant portion of the arts and entertainment industry’s contribution to the country’s GDP. Specifically, these sectors represented 82.16%, equating to N1.62 trillion, of the N1.97 trillion generated by the arts and entertainment industry. At an exchange rate of N896 as of December 31, 2023 this equates to an industry worth of about $1.81 billion.
While these numbers may seem modest compared to more developed markets, the potential for exponential growth has drawn the attention of major international music conglomerates. These global players have made significant inroads into Nigeria’s music industry by partnering with local record labels and signing recording contracts with popular local artists.
This influx has significantly enhanced production values, benefiting consumers, but has also escalated production costs, challenging creatives. As a result, the role of effective record label management has become more critical than ever.
In the intricate ecosystem of the music industry, record labels and artists are indispensable partners who serve as incubators, supporting emerging artists by providing financial assistance for creation, distribution, and marketing.
As the industry moves towards contributing significantly to the entertainment sector’s projected $15 billion outlook by 2025, the influence of record label CEOs becomes increasingly pivotal. In no particular order here are 10 record label CEOs driving the Nigerian music industry forward by enabling talents and scouting diamonds in the rough.
Micheal Ajereh(Don Jazzy) CEO-Mavin Records
Michael Collins Ajereh, known professionally as Don Jazzy, is a prominent Nigerian record producer and music executive. He began his music career as a producer in the UK before returning to Nigeria to start Mo’ Hits Records, which eventually evolved into Mavin Records which he founded in 2012.
The label has seen three successful generations of artists. The first generation included stars like Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, and Reekado Banks. The second generation brought in talents such as Rema, Ayra Starr, Crayon, and Johnny Drille. The third generation continues the legacy with artists like Magixx, Boy Spyce, and Bayyanni.
Don Jazzy’s career includes working as an in-house producer for Kanye West’s GOOD Music from 2011 to 2015, contributing to major projects like “Lift Off” on Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Watch The Throne.” His distinctive introduction, “It’s Don Jazzy Again!” became widely recognized during this period.
Oluwaseun Lloyd- General Manager, Sony Music West Africa
Oluwaseun Lloyd, also known as “Mr. Banko,” is the General Manager at Sony Music West Africa. With a career spanning over a decade in the music industry, Lloyd embarked on his professional journey in 2009. Shortly after graduating from college, he collaborated with the renowned artist Davido, a partnership that launched them both to significant success.
The establishment of Sony Music West Africa in 2016 has paved the way for Sony Music to combine its international resources with the local expertise of the team led by Lloyd. Since assuming his role in 2019, Lloyd has had the opportunity to work with a plethora of exceptionally talented artists. His tenure has been marked by a fervent dedication to amplifying the influence of Afrobeats music and its artists, particularly focusing on their penetration into the American music market.
Sony Music West Africa has collaborated with various African artists signed to other repertoires within the Sony umbrella, including Mayorkun (Black Butter) and Wizkid (RCA USA). His strategic initiatives are aimed at showcasing the vibrant Afrobeats genre on a global stage, fostering cross-cultural collaborations, and promoting the unique sounds of West African artists.
Lloyd’s passion for Afrobeats is evident in his strategic initiatives aimed at showcasing this vibrant genre on a global stage, fostering cross-cultural collaborations, and promoting the unique sounds of West African artists.
Abuchi Peter- CEO Chocolate City
Abuchi Peter is the CEO of Chocolate City Music, a position he has held since April 2021. Previously, he served as Vice President at the same company from January 2016 to April 2021. Concurrently, he has been the Chief Operating Officer at Bean Creative Agency since October 2019, where he manages talent and provides advisory services. Abuchi holds a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Business Management from the National Open University of Nigeria (2015-2019) and a Diploma in Insurance from the University of Jos (2006-2008).
Chocolate City, founded in 2005 by lawyers Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori, is a renowned Nigerian record label and subsidiary of Chocolate City Group, which includes Chocolate City Distribution, Events, CCX, and Media. Recognized as one of Africa’s top urban record labels, it partnered with Warner Music Group in 2019, allowing its artists to join WMG’s repertoire with enhanced distribution and artist services. Notable artists include M.I Abaga, Femi Kuti, Nosa, Dice Ailes, and Blaqbonez. Former artists include Victoria Kimani, Ice Prince, Brymo, and Jesse Jagz. The label has also contributed to the careers of Djinee and Asa.
David Adeleke- CEO DMW(Nine+ Records)
David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido is an American-born, Nigerian-raised afrobeats icon whose music has been streamed over 2 billion times. He was handpicked by FIFA to lead their 2022 World Cup Soundtrack collaboration, “Hayya Hayya (Better Together).” In the past year, Davido sold out London’s O2 Arena for the second time and released his third studio album, “A Better Time,” following his 1.2 billion-streaming 2019 release, “A Good Time.”
DMW was founded by Davido in 2016 and it is one of Africa’s most prominent Record Labels. The roster of artists includes Davido, Morravey, and Logos Olori. While that of producers includes; Speroach and Fresh VDM. Recently, Davido joined the upper echelon of music executives to launch another record label. Nine+ in a collaborative deal with UnitedMaster’s Steve Stoute. Nine+ will continue to manage talents from DMW.
Olamide Adedeji- CEO YBNL
Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide, is a multi-award-winning Nigerian rapper, singer-songwriter, and CEO of YBNL Nation. He began his music career with the hit single “Eni Duro” in 2010 and released his debut album, “Rapsodi,” in 2011, establishing himself as a major figure in the Nigerian music scene. Known for his innovative use of Yoruba in his lyrics, Olamide has been a pioneer of “street hop” music in Nigeria.
Olamide has received numerous accolades, including multiple wins at the Headies Awards, BET Awards, and MTV Africa Music Awards. In 2024, he earned a Grammy nomination for his feature in “Amapiano” by Asake. On February 19, 2020, YBNL Nation signed a distribution and publishing deal with Empire Distribution, further expanding their reach.
Under his leadership, YBNL Nation has been home to many successful artists. Current acts include Fireboy DML and Asake, while former acts have included Lil Kesh, Viktoh, Chinko Ekun, Adekunle Gold, Xino, Davolee, Lyta, Picazo Rhap, Pelepele (deceased), Limerick, Yomi Blaze, and Temmie Ovwasa.
Charles Enebeli D’Prince- CEO Jonzing World
Charles Enebeli, better known by his stage name D’Prince, is a Nigerian Afropop singer, record executive, and entrepreneur born on October 23, 1986, in Lagos. He is the founder of the entertainment company and record label Jonzing World, which he established in 2019 and through which he first signed singer Rema, before joining Mavins.
D’Prince is the younger brother of Don Jazzy, the CEO of Mavin Records. He attended King’s College in Lagos and later pursued a career in music, inspired by mentors Fela Kuti and Bob Marley.
D’Prince’s career began in 2005 with Mo’ Hits Records, where he contributed to several hit songs and released his debut album, “Frenzy,” in 2012. After the dissolution of Mo’ Hits Records, he joined Mavin Records, releasing notable singles and albums, including “OYO (On Your Own)” and “Gucci Gang.”
In 2019, D’Prince launched Jonzing World, an imprint of Mavin Records, signing artists like Rema and Ruger. His record label released successful tracks like “One Shirt,” featuring Ruger and Rema, further solidifying his influence in the Nigerian music industry.
Sipho Dlamini – CEO Universal Music Group Sub Saharan Africa
Sipho Dlamini, the CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, has been passionate about music since childhood. He joined Universal Music Group (UMG) in 2016, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the reach of Afrobeats globally through streaming playlists.
Dlamini’s music career began in the late 1990s as a UK concert and club promoter for African artists. By 2006, he became Vice President of Operations at Dubai Events Co., coordinating events and strategies. In 2010, he founded International Artist & Asset Management but soon moved to the Southern African Music Rights Organization (SAMRO) as General Manager of Marketing, Communications, & Business Development.
Since joining UMG, Dlamini has led significant expansions, including the incorporation of Def Jam Africa and Blue Note Records Africa, along with numerous local labels and affiliates.
Universal Music Group established itself as an industry giant in 1998, with the merger of PolyGram and Universal. Both companies already owned numerous subsidiaries, and the merger of the two entertainment conglomerates created the largest music company in the world. Wholly owned by French international media firm Vivendi since 2006, the company has gone on to acquire BMG Music Publishing and Univision Music Group, among smaller labels.
Tunji Balogun- CEO DEF Jam
Tunji Balogun is widely acknowledged as one of the most successful and respected creative executives in the music industry today. Over his 17-year career, he has worked with artists such as Bryson Tiller, Childish Gambino, Goldlink, Khalid, and Wizkid. His career includes a significant tenure at Interscope Records as an A&R executive from 2007 to 2015.
Balogun has recently returned to Universal Music Group (UMG) and is now based in Los Angeles, reporting directly to UMG Chairman & CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge. In his new role, Balogun has been instrumental in reshaping the label’s roster by signing talents like Muni Long, Coco Jones (in partnership with High Standardz), and Armani White. He has also expanded UMG’s reach into dancehall with Masicka and Afrobeats with Adekunle Gold and Odumodublvck, in partnership with Native Records.
His efforts have borne fruit: Muni Long and Coco Jones were nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards in 2023 and 2024, respectively, with both winning Best R&B Performance in subsequent years—a first for any label in that category. Balogun’s strategic vision and commitment to artist development continue to make a significant impact in the music industry.
Valentine ‘Valo’ Ngaji – CEO KeyQAAD
Valentine ‘Valo’ Ngaji has been at the forefront of the Afrobeats movement as the Founder and CEO of KeyQaad since April 2021. His leadership has seen the company grow significantly, contributing to the rise of prominent Afrobeats artists.
Prior to founding KeyQaad, Valo served as Assistant Manager for Music & Programs at Soundcity Africa. In this role, he was instrumental in curating and managing music content, ensuring the station’s continued relevance and appeal.
As the Head of Music at Soundcity Radio from July 2016 to September 2020, Valo was responsible for overseeing music programming across multiple cities, shaping the station’s musical direction and enhancing its footprint in the Nigerian music industry.
Valo began his career in music programming and production at Cool FM, Wazobia FM, and Nigeria Info, where he worked from December 2011 to July 2016. Over nearly five years, he honed his skills in content creation and audience engagement.
Valo holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Port Harcourt (2007-2011), showcasing his diverse academic background.
One of Valo’s significant achievements is discovering and signing Omah Lay, one of the biggest names in Afrobeats, under KeyQaad in August 2019. His vision and dedication were pivotal in Omah Lay’s rise to stardom.
Oluwatosin Ajibade- CEO Empawa Africa
Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, known as Mr Eazi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record executive born on July 19, 1991. He pioneered Banku music, which fuses Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian musical elements. In 2008, Mr Eazi moved to Kumasi and attended KNUST, where he started booking artists for college events. His music career took off with a guest verse on “My Life,” a popular KNUST track. He released his debut mixtape, About to Blow, in 2013 and gained international recognition with the single “Skin Tight” featuring Efya. His second mixtape, Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra To Lagos, followed in 2017.
emPawa Africa, headquartered in Lagos, is an African talent incubation enterprise known for nurturing emerging artists. Founded by Mr Eazi in November 2018 and operational since 2019, emPawa supports 100 African artists annually with mentorship and a $3,000 grant. It also has a publishing and licensing division, along with a streaming service, emPawa Music. Mr Eazi serves as the Founder and CEO. In 2020, Billboard Magazine recognized emPawa as one of the Gatekeepers of the Nigerian music industry.
Note: The individuals featured in this compilation have been carefully selected by a distinguished panel of editors, experts, and analysts at Nairametrics.
It is important to note that none of the individuals listed have solicited their inclusion. While this list aims to be comprehensive, it is by no means exhaustive; numerous other contributors have played significant roles in advancing the Music and Entertainment industry in Nigeria.
This compilation is exclusive to Nairametrics and may be updated periodically to reflect changes and advancements in the field. Feedback will be appreciated.