The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mavin

  • Mavin, French Embassy, Sacem launch AFROCROISER 

    Mavin, French Embassy, Sacem launch AFROCROISER 

    Mavin Records, the French Embassy in Nigeria, and Sacem have jointly announced an unprecedented collaboration between French and Nigerian composers with the launch of AFROCROISER, an international initiative designed to grow music composition.

    Designed as a platform for collaboration and artistic experimentation, AFROCROISER brings together songwriters from both countries to create music collectively while fostering cultural dialogue between two influential global music scenes.

    The first edition, which kicked off on January 18 and will run till January 25, 2026, was held at Mavin Records Studios in Lagos, with the participation of renowned French and Nigerian composers.

    Funded by the Création Africa program of the French Embassy, AFROCROISER offers an intensive week of music creation, exchange, and collective work. Over seven days, participants will combine their creative worlds to explore new musical forms and new ways of working.

    On the French side, a rigorous selection of Sacem-affiliated composers from diverse musical backgrounds (pop, afro-pop, shatta, chanson, and more) who have collaborated with French and international artists such as Aya Nakamura, Gims, Booba, Vianney, Indochine, Jul, as well as Jason Derulo and Major Lazer, has been assembled: Dany Synthé, Julio Masidi, Ozhora, PSK, Renaud Rebillaud, Seysey, Shannon, and Voluptyk.

    On the Nigerian side, the camp will welcome composers behind some of the biggest global Afrobeats hits such as “Calm Down” and “Dumebi” by Rema, “Rush” by Ayra Starr, and “Unavailable” by Davido: Mbryo, Andre Vibez, Magixx, Bayanni, Kold AF, Elestee, Deeno, Milar, Ragee, and Ozedikus.

    For the first time, talents will collaborate to explore new artistic directions at the intersection of Nigerian Afrobeats and French pop. The works created during the songwriting camp may be pitched from the Mavin Records label, including Rema and Ayra Starr, and leading artists from the French music scene.

    Read Also: StoryMi Academy, French Embassy train young documentary filmmakers

    Looking to build a lasting bridge between two music industries, the Nigerian music scene is currently enjoying unprecedented international influence and plays a central role in redefining global pop music. At the same time, French artists benefit from strong international recognition and have maintained close musical ties with the African continent for several years.

    AFROCROISER brings together two key music ecosystems: one driving music in Africa, and the other that serves as a pillar of francophone markets. The objective is clear: to foster sustainable, organic, and artistically ambitious collaborations between France and Nigeria.

    Speaking, Senior Publishing and Licensing Manager, Mavin Records, Kizito Ahams, said, “Songwriting camps like AFROCROISER are critical to how global hits are shaped today. This initiative is as much about creative excellence as it is about knowledge exchange, how writers work, how they collaborate, and how value is fairly created and shared across borders. Bringing French Sacem-affiliated composers into the Mavin ecosystem creates a rare opportunity for cross-pollination that can lead to globally competitive works while strengthening professional standards on both sides.”

    Director of International Development, Sacem, Akotchayé Okio, said, “Musical creation thrives on encounters between different worlds, cultures, and perspectives. With AFROCROISER, Sacem aims to offer French and Nigerian composers a space for freedom and dialogue at the heart of one of the most dynamic music ecosystems in the world. Following initiatives in Europe, Asia, and the United States, it felt natural to develop this project in Lagos, the beating heart of African music, alongside Mavin Records, a key player in Afrobeats, and the French Embassy in Nigeria, which has long supported cultural stakeholders in the country.”

    Regional Music Attaché for Sub-Saharan Africa, Margaux Demeersseman, said, “Given the importance of our respective markets and the musical movements emerging from them, the connections between France and Nigeria have never been more obvious. Through AFROCROISER, our ambition is to build lasting relationships between composers and music publishing professionals from both countries. With Mavin and Sacem, we are bringing together committed partners to support this long-term vision.”

  • Don Jazzy appoints COO for Mavin label

    Don Jazzy appoints COO for Mavin label

    Renowned music executive Don Jazzy has appointed Tega Oghenejobo as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of his esteemed record label, Mavin.

    Don Jazzy took to Instagram to praise Tega’s exceptional qualities, stating how proud he is of his unique and incredible personality and resilient. 

    He highlighted Tega’s curiosity about the music business, team-building skills, executive development and commitment to sustainable artist careers

    Don Jazzy expressed confidence in Tega’s ability to lead Mavin to greater heights, breaking new ground and achieving bigger milestones for artists and the company.

    Read Also: Korede Bello reflects on journey after leaving Mavin Records

    He wrote on Instagram: “I’m proud to announce Tega’s expanded role as President and COO of Mavin. I am often praised for being able to spot and raise superstars, but I can proudly say the most genius thing I have done in my life was being able to spot the passion and resilience in Tega. From the early days, I’ve watched him be curious about the business, build teams, develop executives, and ensure our talents have sustainable careers from the start. His commitment to growing Mavin and shaping the future of African music has been relentless, and I’m confident that with him in this role, we’ll continue to break new ground and achieve even bigger milestones for our artists and company. Congratulations @tegamavin”.

    Since founding Mavin after leaving Mo’Hits Records, Don Jazzy has established himself as a respected music industry figure, earning numerous awards as a producer and label boss.

  • Mavin, YBNL, Chocolate city, others battle for Beatz Awards

    Mavin, YBNL, Chocolate city, others battle for Beatz Awards

    Organizers of the Beatz Awards have hinted that this year’s edition will be remarkable as all hands are on deck towards the successful execution of the event.
    In its second season, the award is targeted towards awarding creative professionals behind music production and business.
    Slated for December 17 at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, the event is expected to attract top players in t.
    In a keen contest at this year’s edition, DJ Coboulon, Cobhams, Pheelz, Mastercraft, Sarz and Selebobo will slug it out in the Best Producer of the Year category.
    Also, Don Jazzy-led Mavin Records will go head-to-head with YBNL, Starboy Music Worldwide, Fivestar, X3Music, G-world entertainment and Chocolate City for the Record Label of the Year category.
    The bloggers are not left out of the race as Linda Ikeji, Olorisuper Gal, Lazywrita, Bellanaija, Ynaija and The Bbbuzz wer also nominated in the Best Blog category.
    To be hosted by comedian Seyi law, The Beatz Awards, which is packaged by Lanre Makun, is an initiative of Eliworld international limited.

  • Mavin confirms Wande Coal no more with group

    Mavin confirms Wande Coal no more with group

    Mavin Records, the label created last by Michael Collins aka Don Jazzy, after he parted ways with former label mate, D’banj, is now short of one artiste. The company issued an official statement yesterday, announcing the exit of Wande Coal, two days after the latter had a row with their boss on Twitter.

    Don Jazzy, a celebrated music producer, accused the Afro pop star of stealing his song, Baby Face, released in the early hours of Tuesday. Coal, who felt slighted by the indictment, replied his boss in a manner suggesting he was envious of his (Coal) progress. Coal went on to post two versions of the song online for fans to decipher.

    Both parties had been silent afterwards, putting off curious friends and journalists, who expected Jazzy to give more proof that he actually owned the song. The statement by the label management cited irreconcilable differences as reason for the split.

    “It is with deep regret that we officially announce the departure of recording artist Wande Ojosipe, popularly known as Wande Coal, from Mavin Records due to irreconcilable differences,” the statement reads.

    The company said it found that the vision of the artiste does not align with its renewed philosophy of quality and professionalism to a world-class level, hence the decision to let him go.

    It said the decision was taken a few months ago, after legal parties on both sides spent six months trying to reach an amicable solution in terms of musical property rights. The statement says although both parties mutually agreed that a separation would be the best course of action, Coal’s release of Baby Face as his own material is a direct breach of intellectual property law, which compelled an immediate clarification on their part.

    “Both Mavin Records and Wande Coal have enjoyed a remarkable run in the their working relationship. It is unfortunate that conflicting priorities contributed to the premature curtailment of a once fruitful accord…We wish Wande Coal the best in all his future endeavours.”

    Fans began to suspect that all was not well between Coal and Mavin when few months ago, he released a new single, Kilaju, which was produced by Maleek Berry and released under his Black Diamond imprint.

    Things got awry after the release of the fun upbeat track, Baby Face, which got Jazzy taken to his twitter page to blow his boy’s cover.

    Coal was one of the reasons D’banj and Jazzy parted ways in 2012, thus the new tussle is a further break up of the group, Mavin, which had Don Jazzy, Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince and Dr SID. Jazzy cannot be said to have full autonomy over savage, as her label 323 Entertainment is merely in partnership with Mavin Records.

    With the exit of Coal, industry watchers believe that things might not be the same with the one-year-old Mavin Records.

    Don Jazzy and D’banj last year threw barbs in the same manner. Theirs started from a confidential email, which leaked, followed by an exchange of words on the social media platforms.

  • A Tiwa Savage’s party without Mavin

    A Tiwa Savage’s party without Mavin

    FIRST lady of the Mavin Records, Tiwa Savage, staged her bespoke Album Listening Party on Sunday May 26 at the swanky Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi. A list of select personalities were privileged to listen to her forthcoming 19-track album titled Once Upon A Time which is set for release on June 14.

    “I think the album is phenomenal. It has a bit of everything in it. I really loved most of the songs”, said a guest at the event.

    Some of her friends including Banky W, Lynxxx, Iceberg Slim, General Pype and Ill Rhymes, attended the and while members of the press were wondering about the whereabouts of Don Jazzy and the other members of Mavin crew, Tiwa explained that they were all unavoidably absent because of their engagement at the opening of the Big Brother Africa show, which was happening simultaneously in South Africa.

     

  • Mavin Records clocks one

    Mavin Records clocks one

    STAR-STUDDED Mavin Crew recently celebrated its one year anniversary. Fans and well wishers celebrated with the label after one year of continually stunning eager fans with doses of hit songs.

    It has been a busy year for the Mavin team, headed by production maestro, Don Jazzy who has hardly had time to draw breath. The fortunes of other label mates such as Tiwa Savage, D’Prince, Wande Coal and Dr. Sid has also grown from strength to strength in the last year.

    Months after its launch, the label also witnessed further additions to the family with two young and versatile producers , Altims Beats and Baby Fresh, in November last year. The numbers were further boosted in February this year with the addition of Nigeria’s foremost Disc Jockey, DJ Spinall.

    The Mavin Records label which was borne concurrently with the release of their signature album, Solar Plexus on the 8th of May, 2012 has witnessed re-energized outputs and singles from the various artists that make up the crew. In November came the long-awaited debut album, Frenzy, from D’Prince.

    In the past few months, the crew has had fans reeling from a flurry of hit singles being knocked out. Smoking hot from the stables of these musical firebrands have been radio bangers such as: “The Kick”, “Private Trips”, “Goody bag”, “Lady Don Dada”, “Without my Heart”, “Rotate” and “the Birthday song” by D’ Prince to be released just in time for the anniversary.

    The Mavin Crew are however promising to keep their beloved fans on their toes with upcoming albums from Wande Coal, Dr. Sid and the recently engaged Tiwa.