Afrobeats singer Reekado Banks has revealed that he left Mavin Records prematurely.
The singer rose to fame under the label, winning the Rookie of the Year award at The Headies 2014 and receiving the Next Rated award at The Headies 2015.
Speaking in an interview on the Echo Room podcast, Banks said he departed from Mavin Records in 2018 to launch his own record label, Banks Music.
Banks explained that he realised his exit was premature after handling his music business independently.
He clarified that his departure wasn’t due to a disagreement with the label, but rather a personal decision to leave after his contract had already ended two years prior.
Banks added that he signed a three-year contract, which he allowed to ride for another two years, totalling five years without reviewing the contract.
According to him, he was young and fixated on his goals, leading him to embark on the journey prematurely and upon reflection, he realised the challenges of running his own label and the haste of his decision.
“It (my exit from Mavin Records) wasn’t a conflict situation. I was pretty young and pretty fixated on what I wanted to do -I wanted to leave. Anyways, my contract ended two years prior. I signed a three-year contract, and I allowed it to ride for another two years. So, I was there for five years without reviewing the contract.
“So, when it was time, I thought I wanted to do this [leave] now. I thought I could do it now. I just embarked on the journey, as many people would view it, prematurely. As soon as I jumped into the sea as well, I realised how premature it was,” he said.
Afrobeats singer Reekado Banks has spoken about the valuable lessons he’s learned since departing from Mavin Records in 2018.
According to him, in an interview on The Esther Show, he said leaving the label was a crucial step in his personal growth, teaching him accountability and responsibility.
He said he believes that staying longer with Mavin Records might have made him feel entitled, and he would have been less likely to take the blame for his mistakes.
Banks reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude towards Don Jazzy and Mavin Records for the opportunities he received.
He added that being independent has given him a new perspective, allowing him to gain a deeper understanding of the music industry and his craft.
He said, “I do not think I would have gathered as much knowledge as I have now. Yeah, because I would be absolutely catered to and, you know, I would feel entitled,” he said.
“You know, I would feel entitled to certain successes, certain. I feel like I would not take the blame for my failures. I would blame it on the label.
“So now I have absolute knowledge of what it takes. I have absolute knowledge of what they did for me. I do appreciate the label. But back then, you feel like maybe you probably wouldn’t have.
“If I stayed much longer, it would be like, I’m under the biggest label, so whatever little thing I do should count. But now I know what I am, I know exactly what I am doing.”
After leaving the label, Reekado Banks explored various business ventures, including partnerships that unfortunately didn’t work out.
However, he’s now focused on his own label, which he established in 2024.
“And then I had to get into a different partnership. Had an issue with the partner. And then I am standing on my own. Yeah. But that did not work out,” he added.
“It did not work out as well as I wanted it. Now, I’m in partnership with God”, he added.
In commemoration of this year’s International Men’s Day, Mavin Records recently took a significant step in promoting positive change through a series of impactful activities centered on mentorship and the creation of worthy role models.
With the theme: ‘Positive Role Models,’ it was a call to action for men to step up and be agents of change in their communities.
President/Chief Operating Officer of the organisation, Tega Oghenejobo, stated that “By creating avenues for men to connect, share experiences and learn from one another, we hope to foster a culture of growth, responsibility, and empowerment.
“As we celebrate Men’s Day, we want to emphasise the importance of mentorship and the impact that positive role models can have on shaping the next generation of leaders. We hope the conversations do not end here,” he added.
According to the management of the company, the rationale behind this effort was to provide avenues for personal growth, meaningful connections, and promote good role models across various sectors.
Kicking off the series of activities lined up for the months with a visit to Ikoyi Correctional Centre, the team, in collaboration with talented artist- Magixx and legal NGO, Gavel, gave provisions to the inmates and engaged with the Public Relations Officer to learn about the challenges within Nigeria’s justice system.
On May 8, 2012, Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, announced the creation of a new record label called ‘Mavin.’
This followed his separation from his longtime partner, D’banj, after the dissolution of their eight-year-old jointly owned record label, Mo-Hits.
D’banj and Don Jazzy had founded Mo-Hits together and introduced the label to the Nigerian music scene in 2004, with Don Jazzy as the label executive and in-house producer, while D’banj was the artist and president of the record label. They had irreconcilable differences and went separate ways.
When Don Jazzy announced Mavin in 2012, there was scepticism in the air as many wondered how the label would survive without its front man and other label signees.
“I see Mavin Records being the powerhouse of Music in Africa in the shortest possible time,” Don Jazzy was quoted saying. “I know Rome wasn’t built in a day, but with a lot of hard work, a good and God-fearing team, our friends and fans, TV houses, radio stations, press, bloggers, and most of all with God on our side, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”
Artist Roster
Central to Mavin Records’ success is its impressive roster of artists. Jazzy’s Mavin introduced Tiwa Savage, Dr Sid, D’Prince, and Wande Coal as its inaugural artists and has since signed over 13 other acts, including Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Di’ja, DNA, and Iyanya, who have all gone on to become household names in the industry. The label currently plays home to Magixx, Ladipoe, Crayon, Bayanni, Lifesize Teddy, Boy Spice, Rema, Ayra Starr, Johnny Drille and in house Disc Jockey, DJ Big N.
Mavin Records also houses producers like Don Jazzy, Altims, Babyfresh, London and Andre Vibez.
Achievements
Over the past 12 years, Mavin Records has kept to its mission to discover talents, nurture talents, and transform the talents into global superstars. This is evident in the careers of the signees who have performed on global stages and garnered over 40 billion streams cumulatively.
Mavin Records has amassed an impressive array of achievements. From producing chart-topping singles to winning numerous awards, the label has consistently pushed the boundaries of Nigerian music. Hits from the label’s all-star artists’ collaborations like “Dorobucci,” “Adaobi,” “All is in Order,” “Jantamanta,” “Looku Looku,” “Overdose,” and “Wondamo” to solo hits like “Calm Down,” “Rush,” “My Darling,” and “All Over,” to mention a few have not only dominated the airwaves but also showcased the label’s knack for creating timeless music.
CAPTION •From left, Wande Coal, D’Primce, Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savagem, Dr Sid and other members of Mavin Records. •Korede Bello, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince, Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Reekado Banks, D’ija and other members of Mavin Records. •Don Jazzy, Ayra Starr, Rema, Dj Big N and other members of Mavin Records. •Rema, Ayra Starr, Magixx, Crayon, Johnny Drill and other members of Mavin Records.
In 2014, the label won the best record label of the year at the City People Entertainment Awards with eleven artists and sixteen albums.
Rema’s hit single “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez rose to #3 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Calm Down” has become arguably the biggest Afrobeats song of all time, the most viewed video of all time by an African artist on YouTube, and the first African artist-led track to surpass 1 Billion Spotify streams.
Ayra Starr’s track “Rush” was nominated for the inaugural Best African Music Performance Grammy, and its music video is the most viewed music video by a female Nigerian artist on YouTube.
Controversies and Challenges
Like any successful venture, Mavin Records has faced its fair share of controversies and challenges. One that will not go unmentioned is the confrontation between Don Jazzy and Olamide, owner of YBNL records, on stage at the Headies Award in 2015 where the latter accused the organisers of the Headies of favouritism. Olamide made a case on stage saying his signee, Lil Kesh, was cheated out of the Next Rated award category, which was won by Don Jazzy’s Reekado Banks at the time.
Contract disputes and artist departures from the label also had its share in the 12-year run of the label when Wande Coal exited the label in 2013. Don Jazzy recalled how hurt he was by the move.
“Every separation hurts, whether amicable or not. Wande’s exit was like when you train a child and then he has to go when he’s an adult. It hurts because I had to start building again, friendship, and all of that. You’ll know Wande’s exit hurt me because I had to tweet about it,” Don Jazzy said in a recent podcast discussing some of the challenges faced as a label owner.
Through it all, Don Jazzy has navigated turbulent waters with resilience. His leadership and commitment to his vision has remained unwavering.
Business Strategy
Mavin Records’ success is not just a result of its musical talent but also its astute business strategy. The label has forged strategic partnerships with brands and sponsors, ensuring its artists have the platform and resources needed to thrive.
Additionally, Mavin’s focus on artist development and branding has set it apart in an increasingly competitive industry.
In February 2024, Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, announced a major partnership in Mavin.
According to Mavin’s website, “The partnership will accelerate Mavin’s strategic advancement and create more opportunities to break more talent globally, expand the reach of its existing roster, and continue building its business into a super-serving, pan-African entertainment company. The investment provides UMG an opportunity to increase its presence in Afrobeats and greater exposure to the fast-growing African market.”
Speaking on the partnership, CEO of Mavin Records, Michael Ajereh, said: “I’m proud of the artists, careers, and brand we’ve built that have made Mavin the force it is today. In this historic partnership with UMG, we will continue that mission in Africa and across the globe.”
The chief operating officer, Tega Oghenejobo, said: “With our proven history of collaborations within the UMG family, we have a strong belief that they are the ideal partner for the next phase of our growth, given the diversity and potential of our business. UMG is home to some of the world’s foremost music entrepreneurs and artists, making them a perfect match for our aspirations. By collaborating with UMG, we are dedicated to cultivating a vibrant creative environment that propels African music to new heights on the global stage.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman, and CEO of Universal Music Group, said, “Our criteria for identifying partners is straightforward: great artists, great entrepreneurs, great people. With Don Jazzy, Tega, the Mavin Global team, and their artist roster, we’ve found ideal partners with whom to grow together. Mavin’s brilliant artists have been catalysts in the transformation of Afrobeats into a global phenomenon, and we’re thrilled to welcome them into the Universal Music Group family.”
Mavin has grown to become not just a record label but also offers services in brand partnership, music licensing, performance and appearance, and content production.
Impact on the Industry
Perhaps Mavin Records’ greatest legacy is its impact on the Nigerian music industry. The label’s innovative approach to music production and promotion has raised the bar for excellence. By consistently delivering hit songs and nurturing top-tier talent, Mavin has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and direction of Nigerian music.
The label leader, Don Jazzy has been able to shape the industry’s mindset towards understanding the need for songwriters. He has often drummed support for artists who feel the need to hire songwriters, and this has helped shape the industry by creating financial avenues for songwriters while artists also get value for their money.
“I think what our industry needs now is more songwriters. We have too many artists as it is. Maybe you aren’t successful because you think you’ve what it takes to be an artist when you could be a mega songwriter. Not all of us will be successful artists,” he said.
“I am working on something, and when I’m done, I can guarantee some of you will make more money than most artists just by being a talented songwriter. I have some songwriters, and my artists are not stingy to share and not too proud to want to attempt to do it all alone. No man is an island. Artists need to understand that we respect their craft as artists and performers, and we don’t care if they wrote their songs or not.”
Jazzy’s stance on the use of songwriters has over time redirected the mindset of the Nigerian music industry.
On May 8, 2012, Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, announced the creation of a new record label called ‘Mavin.’
This followed his separation from his longtime partner, D’banj, after the dissolution of their eight-year-old jointly owned record label, Mo-Hits.
D’banj and Don Jazzy had founded Mo-Hits together and introduced the label to the Nigerian music scene in 2004, with Don Jazzy as the label executive and in-house producer, while D’banj was the artist and president of the record label. They had irreconcilable differences and went separate ways.
When Don Jazzy announced Mavin in 2012, there was scepticism in the air as many wondered how the label would survive without its front man and other label signees.
“I see Mavin Records being the powerhouse of Music in Africa in the shortest possible time,” Don Jazzy was quoted saying. “I know Rome wasn’t built in a day, but with a lot of hard work, a good and God-fearing team, our friends and fans, TV houses, radio stations, press, bloggers, and most of all with God on our side, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”
Artist roster
Central to Mavin Records’ success is its impressive roster of artists. Jazzy’s Mavin introduced Tiwa Savage, Dr Sid, D’Prince, and Wande Coal as its inaugural artists and has since signed over 13 other acts, including Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Di’ja, DNA, and Iyanya, who have all gone on to become household names in the industry. The label currently plays home to Magixx, Ladipoe, Crayon, Bayanni, Lifesize Teddy, Boy Spice, Rema, Ayra Starr, Johnny Drille and in house Disc Jockey, DJ Big N.
Mavin Records also houses producers like Don Jazzy, Altims, Babyfresh, London and Andre Vibez.
Achievements
Over the past 12 years, Mavin Records has kept to its mission to discover talents, nurture talents, and transform the talents into global superstars. This is evident in the careers of the signees who have performed on global stages and garnered over 40 billion streams cumulatively.
Mavin Records has amassed an impressive array of achievements. From producing chart-topping singles to winning numerous awards, the label has consistently pushed the boundaries of Nigerian music. Hits from the label’s all-star artists’ collaborations like “Dorobucci,” “Adaobi,” “All is in Order,” “Jantamanta,” “Looku Looku,” “Overdose,” and “Wondamo” to solo hits like “Calm Down,” “Rush,” “My Darling,” and “All Over,” to mention a few have not only dominated the airwaves but also showcased the label’s knack for creating timeless music.
In 2014, the label won the best record label of the year at the City People Entertainment Awards with eleven artists and sixteen albums.
Rema’s hit single “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez rose to #3 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Calm Down” has become arguably the biggest Afrobeats song of all time, the most viewed video of all time by an African artist on YouTube, and the first African artist-led track to surpass 1 Billion Spotify streams.
Ayra Starr’s track “Rush” was nominated for the inaugural Best African Music Performance Grammy, and its music video is the most viewed music video by a female Nigerian artist on YouTube.
Controversies and challenges
Like any successful venture, Mavin Records has faced its fair share of controversies and challenges. One that will not go unmentioned is the confrontation between Don Jazzy and Olamide, owner of YBNL records, on stage at the Headies Award in 2015 where the latter accused the organisers of the Headies of favouritism. Olamide made a case on stage saying his signee, Lil Kesh, was cheated out of the Next Rated award category, which was won by Don Jazzy’s Reekado Banks at the time.
Contract disputes and artist departures from the label also had its share in the 12-year run of the label when Wande Coal exited the label in 2013. Don Jazzy recalled how hurt he was by the move.
“Every separation hurts, whether amicable or not. Wande’s exit was like when you train a child and then he has to go when he’s an adult. It hurts because I had to start building again, friendship, and all of that. You’ll know Wande’s exit hurt me because I had to tweet about it,” Don Jazzy said in a recent podcast discussing some of the challenges faced as a label owner.
Through it all, Don Jazzy has navigated turbulent waters with resilience. His leadership and commitment to his vision has remained unwavering.
Business strategy
Mavin Records’ success is not just a result of its musical talent but also its astute business strategy. The label has forged strategic partnerships with brands and sponsors, ensuring its artists have the platform and resources needed to thrive.
Additionally, Mavin’s focus on artist development and branding has set it apart in an increasingly competitive industry.
In February 2024, Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, announced a major partnership in Mavin.
According to Mavin’s website, “The partnership will accelerate Mavin’s strategic advancement and create more opportunities to break more talent globally, expand the reach of its existing roster, and continue building its business into a super-serving, pan-African entertainment company. The investment provides UMG an opportunity to increase its presence in Afrobeats and greater exposure to the fast-growing African market.”
Speaking on the partnership, CEO of Mavin Records, Michael Ajereh, said: “I’m proud of the artists, careers, and brand we’ve built that have made Mavin the force it is today. In this historic partnership with UMG, we will continue that mission in Africa and across the globe.”
The chief operating officer, Tega Oghenejobo, said: “With our proven history of collaborations within the UMG family, we have a strong belief that they are the ideal partner for the next phase of our growth, given the diversity and potential of our business. UMG is home to some of the world’s foremost music entrepreneurs and artists, making them a perfect match for our aspirations. By collaborating with UMG, we are dedicated to cultivating a vibrant creative environment that propels African music to new heights on the global stage.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman, and CEO of Universal Music Group, said, “Our criteria for identifying partners is straightforward: great artists, great entrepreneurs, great people. With Don Jazzy, Tega, the Mavin Global team, and their artist roster, we’ve found ideal partners with whom to grow together. Mavin’s brilliant artists have been catalysts in the transformation of Afrobeats into a global phenomenon, and we’re thrilled to welcome them into the Universal Music Group family.”
Mavin has grown to become not just a record label but also offers services in brand partnership, music licensing, performance and appearance, and content production.
Impact on the industry
Perhaps Mavin Records’ greatest legacy is its impact on the Nigerian music industry. The label’s innovative approach to music production and promotion has raised the bar for excellence. By consistently delivering hit songs and nurturing top-tier talent, Mavin has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and direction of Nigerian music.
The label leader, Don Jazzy has been able to shape the industry’s mindset towards understanding the need for songwriters. He has often drummed support for artists who feel the need to hire songwriters, and this has helped shape the industry by creating financial avenues for songwriters while artists also get value for their money.
“I think what our industry needs now is more songwriters. We have too many artists as it is. Maybe you aren’t successful because you think you’ve what it takes to be an artist when you could be a mega songwriter. Not all of us will be successful artists,” he said.
“I am working on something, and when I’m done, I can guarantee some of you will make more money than most artists just by being a talented songwriter. I have some songwriters, and my artists are not stingy to share and not too proud to want to attempt to do it all alone. No man is an island. Artists need to understand that we respect their craft as artists and performers, and we don’t care if they wrote their songs or not.”
Jazzy’s stance on the use of songwriters has over time redirected the mindset of the Nigerian music industry.
As Mavin Records celebrates its 12th anniversary, the future looks brighter than ever. As the Nigerian music industry continues to evolve with a new generation of artists and an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, the label is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and impact.
One of the foremost record labels in the Nigerian entertainment scene, Mavin Records, has dropped a banging video titled ”All is in order.”
Reports say that the video features stars on the record label, which include Don Jazzy, Rema, Korede Bello, DNA & Crayon.
Crayon is Mavin’s latest signee. Don Jazzy shares a little story on how Crayon was discovered by a good friend and producer, Babyfresh.
In the latest video, the Mavins stars assured Nigerians to be calm as the record label is still active, stressing that “All is in order” in their chorus
It is no longer news that the Tiwa Savage has exited Mavin Records after signing a new deal with Universal Music Group, an American music company.
However, Don Jazzy, her former boss and business partner has come out to clear the air on his relationship with the former Mavin First Lady.
On the last episode of ‘Loose talk’ podcast titled, ‘The Blueprint’ featuring Nigerian music legend, Don Jazzy, he said he is still business partners with Tiwa Savage.
The interview came on the same day Tiwa Savage’s exit from Mavin Records was announced and a few days after Simi’s exit from X3M music.
Don Jazzy revealed that their business together was good and that she was one of his favourite business partners of all time.
“It’s obvious to everybody, it was an epic journey and I don’t necessarily even feel like now because you’ve signed to universal, to everybody it just looks like she’s gone to the land beyond.
“I don’t understand, we’re still business partners, there’s still catalogues that we share that she’s still going to be receiving royalties from for the rest of her life or whatever.
“I and D’banj worked together for eight years and Tiwa would have been eight years too as well but it was beautiful and she understood from the get-go till now”.
Renowned music producer, Michael Collins-Ajereh a.k.a. Don Jazzy says his record label, ‘Mavin Records’ very relevant and doing fine in the Nigerian music industry.
He made the assertion while responding to a tweet on Tuesday by a fan with twitter handle @AmbroseOkwoli asking if Mavin Records now belongs to the past.
Okwoli wrote:
“Mr Jazzy is Mavin dead or change has hit your label? This one your top artistes are leaving, leaving behind learner’s and the upcoming?’’
Don Jazzy replied thus, “Naaa we never die. We just faint small. E dey happen. Pray for us to recover if you can’’.
In late 2018, Solomon Ayoleyi aka Reekado Banks, a top artiste with Jazzy’s record label announced his departure to go set up his own label.
The six year and four months-old record label (Mavin Records) came on board, after the dissolution of Mo Hits Record which he co-owned with Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo a.k.a. D’banj.
Mavin Records at the time of formation was home to talented artists like Wande Coal, D Prince and Dr Sid with the addition of Tiwa Savage.
In 2013, Don Jazzy brought in Banks, Korede Bello and Di’ja with the later addition of Johnny Drille, rapper LadiPoe and DNA twins in 2017.
However, with the departure of Banks, Mavin Records still houses a number of A-List musicians in the country’s music industry.
Nigerian pop singer Tiwa Savage, has featured American artiste, Omarion in remix of her song “Get it Now”, taken off her recent “Sugar Cane” Extended Play (EP).
Omarion is a Grammy Award nominee and BET award recipient best known as lead singer of the American RnB boy band “B2K”.
The rapper, singer, songwriter, actress and dancer’s 2015 hit song “Post To Be” was certified three times platinum and reached number 13 on the Hot 100 chart.
The Mavin Records first lady announced the release of the song on Friday through her Instagram handle @tiwasavage.
Sharing the art cover of the song and eulogising Omarion, Savage wrote: “Distance is constant on my playlist. Now, I got my own joint with the INCREDIBLE @1omarion.
“If you like ‘Get It Now’, you will love the remix featuring Omarion. It is out now, link in my bio. Let’s get the world ‘savage soldiers.”
The ‘Eminado’ crooner who recently released the video of the original ‘Get it Now’ song had dropped hints about the collaboration in January.
She took to her Instagram page to write: “Hmm, should I let them know the next and final video from the Sugarcane EP?.
“@1omarion, what do you think? Tiwa Savage x Omarion???”.
The mother of one was featured by International Fashion Magazine ‘Vogue’ in February as one of the 10 Instagram accounts that fed fashion creativity in recognition of her fashion sense.
She signed a major management and distribution deal with Jay Z’s label — Roc Nation — in the United States.
Savage recently won “Best Female Artist” in West Africa for her hit song “All Over” at the 2017 All Africa Music Awards
Mavin Records ‘first lady’, Tiwa Savage has debut her international campaign with a ‘single’ collaboration with Grammy-nominated American rapper Remy Ma of Fat Joe’s rap crew, Terror Squad.
Tiwa Savage collaboration would be on the Remy Ma and Fat Joe joint album entitled “Plata o Plomo”, currently on the works.
“She is huge, she is like the African Rihanna type, you know,” Fat Joe said referring to Tiwa Savage.
The Nigerian singer in 2016 signed a major management and distribution deal with Jay Z’s label Roc Nation in the USA.
A move that made her joined the likes of Rihanna, J. Cole, Big Sean, Emeli Sande, Shakira and other American top singers who are currently signed to the entertainment company.
The “African Rihanna”, as she was popularly called by her American fans, was then tipped by industry watchers to begin the international phase of her career.
She recently attended the annual Roc Nation Brunch, and was pictured with Diddy, Jay Z, DJ Khaled, Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Kelly Rowland and others in the U.S.
The “Eminado” crooner released her sophomore album in December 2015, and a deluxe version went live in 2017.
She was nominated for the Best Video award at the 2016 Headies for ‘Bad’, her song with Wizkid.
