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TOP 13 RECORD LABELS IN NIGERIA
Nigeria’s music industry is arguably one of the best in the world. Our music stars are now releasing record breaking music, selling out world famous arenas and just being generally successful.
If you’re searching for the best record label in Nigeria or browsing top 20 record labels in Nigeria, you’ve come to the right place! Nigeria’s music industry is booming in 2026, with Afrobeats dominating global charts. Record labels play a huge role in discovering and promoting talents like Fireboy DML, Asake, Rema, and more.
What is a Record Label?
A record label is a company responsible for producing, distributing, marketing, and promoting music. A record label also scouts and develops artistes. It maintains contracts with recording artists, songwriters, producers, and their managers. The industry has evolved from what it used to be in the past.
This list highlights the Top 13 record labels in Nigeria for 2026, based on current rosters, streaming numbers, global impact, and artist success. Whether you’re an upcoming artist hunting for a label or a fan curious about YBNL artists 2026, here’s the breakdown.
1) MAVIN RECORDS
Founded by Don Jazzy, Mavin remains the best record label in Nigeria for many in 2026. Home to superstars like Rema, Ayra Starr, and Ladipoe. They’re known for polished production and international deals. Mavin Records is owned by music producer and businessman Don Jazzy.
Don Jazzy formed Mavin Records on May 8, 2012, after leaving the now defunct Mo’s Hit Records. He signed Tiwa Savage immediately before adding producers Altims and Baby Fresh. Since making its debut in 2012, Mavin Records has ruled the African music scene.
There is no other reason for this other than their great attention to detail in hiring personnel behind the cameras. Mavin employs some of the most talented and hardworking artists, repertoires, songwriters, producers, and performers. It’s basically a music hive. Mavin also has a music academy that scouts upcoming talent, recruits them, and trains them to become international superstars.
Some of the notable talents signed to Mavin Records are artists Rema, Ayra Starr, Crayon, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, and recently Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, and Lifesize Teddy. Also, Producer Andre Vibez is responsible for worldwide hits such as Feeling, Calm Down, Rush, Overdose, etc.
Lifesize Teddy Biography: Meet Mavin’s Latest Signee
2) YBNL NATION
YBNL’s Full name is Yahoo Boy No Laptop. It was founded in 2012 by legendary Indigenous rapper Olamide Adedeji, who goes simply as Olamide. The label was named after his sophomore album.
Back in the day, YBNL was affiliated and known for signing major street artists and producers like Lil Kesh and Young John. However, the label has since evolved, and it is now more diverse in the kind of artistes it signs, evident with the signings of Adekunle Gold and Fireboy DML.
It is, therefore, not surprising that YBNL is number 2 among the top 10 record labels in Nigeria.
Olamide’s YBNL is a powerhouse! YBNL artists 2026 include Fireboy DML (consistent hitmaker) and Asake (with rumors of big returns and new projects). YBNL excels at street-to-global transitions and raw talent scouting.
3) DAVIDO MUSIC WORLDWIDE (DMW/30BG)
Founded in 2016 by David Adedeji Adeleke, Afrobeats superstar Davido after leaving his previous record label, HKN Music. He started the label with two artists, Holy Father crooner Mayorkun and rapper Dremo. Between 2016 and 2021, DMW was responsible for many hit songs in the Nigerian music scene. During that time, Mayorkun won 3 Headies awards, including the next-rated award in 2018.
Davido Music Worldwide is a top record label in Nigeria. Things seem to have cooled down now that Davido has taken a step back, but it’s only a matter of time before this label returns to the top 10 record labels in Nigeria.
Davido and Liya are the artists currently signed under DMW.
4) STARBOY ENTERTAINMENT
It was founded by Ayodeji Balogun, another Afrobeats giant, Wizkid, in 2013 after leaving Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment. His first signings were Maleek Berry, Legendary Beatz, and himself. Maleek Berry was a force to be reckoned with before his hiatus from the industry, and Legendary Beatz is the music duo responsible for producing Wizkid hits like Carob and Ginger.
In 2018, he signed Starboy Terri, with whom he collaborated to produce the international smash hit Soco. In the label’s early years, it was alleged that he had signed Mr. Eazi and Ghanaian artists Efya and R2bees. These artists have since come out to debunk this fact and say they were never signed but only affiliated with the label. Signed or not, it did great things for their careers.
Wizkid’s Starboy continues global domination. Known for quality over quantity, with Wizkid leading and nurturing selective talents. Starboy Entertainment is managed by Wizkid’s manager, Jada Pollock.
Most streamed Nigerian Artists on Apple Music 2022
5) CHOCOLATE CITY MUSIC
Chocolate City is one of the oldest record labels on the list. Founded in 2005 by Audu Maikori along with Paul Okeugo and Yahaya Maikori. In 2015, Audu stepped down, and M.I. became the CEO.
A huge chunk of artists have been affiliated with Chocolate City in one way or another.
Many record labels have come and gone over the years, but Chocolate City has remained standing for almost two decades due to its impeccable structure.
This is why Chocolate City is one of the best record labels in Nigeria. Chocolate City has been home to Ckay, Victoria Kimani, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, etc. The biggest African song ever, Nwantiti, was released under this label.
A veteran label with a strong legacy. Artists like Blaqbonez and Young Jonn keep it fresh, blending hip-hop and Afrobeats.
6) JONZING WORLD
Founded on March 22nd, 2019, by Charles Enebeli, aka D’prince. Unknown to many, D’prince was the one who discovered Rema not Mavin Records.
Jonzing world was just starting out then and D’prince felt Mavin was more equipped to accelerate the progress of Rema, so he introduced Rema to his big brother Don Jazzy. Rema then signed a distribution and publishing deal with Mavin, although he’s still affiliated with Jonzing World.
Jonzing World easily takes a spot as one of the top record labels in Nigeria. Ruger and other energetic acts make this label a go-to for dancehall-infused vibes.
It’s safe to say that in a short time, Jonzing World has established itself as a top-ten record label in Nigeria.
Most Streamed Nigerian Artists on YouTube 2022
7) BULLION RECORDS
Bullion Records is a Nigerian company that operates in the entertainment and sports. It was registered as Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited, under Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2011 and also certified as Bullion Records, Sports, and Industries Limited in November 2024. The UK certification allows the company to legally operate in the UK and expand internationally.
Bullion Records is a Nigerian label home to versatile artists like GyC (Fortune Kingsley), known for Afrobeats/Afrofusion and collaborations with legends like Eedrin Abdulkareem and rising Afrobeat star Harcher (Yusuf Abdul Rahman) who signed with the label in late 2024. The label, led by CEO Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, focuses on nurturing new talent and has worked with established figures, aiming to promote Nigerian music globally.
Rising fast—industry insiders now rank it in Nigeria’s top 3 alongside Mavin and YBNL. Focused on redefining Afrobeats dominance.
8) Eezee Concepts
Eezee concept is definitely one of the top 10 record labels in Nigeria, and the reason for this is not far-fetched.
They have the top hottest Nigerian gospel singers. There is Mercy Chinwo, Minister GUC, Judikay, and recently, Chidinma Ekile.
9) LOVEWORLD RECORDS
Loveworld Records is a Gospel music-centered record label founded by Chris Oyakhilome in 2009.
Loveworld Records is the first record label dedicated solely to the publishing, production, promotion, marketing, and distribution of gospel music and gospel artists in Nigeria.
The industry is populated with Afrobeats artists. One would think there is no space for gospel artists, but that couldn’t be far from the truth.
Loveworld Records is definitely one of the top ten record labels in Nigeria.
Some top Gospel artists pose numbers that many Afrobeat artists can only dream of; from Sinach’s Waymaker to Mercy Chinwo’s Chinedum, these are just a few record-breaking Gospel smash hits from Nigeria.
Loveworld Records has been home to artists like Sinach, Ada Ehi, Frank Edwards, Joe Praize, etc.
10) MARLIAN RECORDS
Founded in 2019 by Azeez Adeshina Fashola and Naira Marley. He announced the launch of the label during the Marlian Fest in December 2019, where he unveiled Zinoleesky, Mohbad, Cblvck, and Fabian Blu as new signings.
Marlian Records is one of the top ten record labels in Nigeria. Marlian Records has been involved in various controversies recently, but that doesn’t diminish their capabilities as a record label, as some of their artists have risen to the top quickly.
Naira Marley’s label still influences the street scene with Zinoleesky and others.
11. PLUTOMANIA RECORDS
Plutomania Records is the record label of Nigerian singer Shallipopi. It will serve as the home recording for Shallipopi and his newly signed artists Zerry Dl and Tega Boi DC.
Shallipopi took to social media to announce the launch of his record label, which surprised many people, considering that Shallipopi himself is still an upcoming singer.
Although the defense lies in the fact that Shallipopi has been dominating the music scene since he released his chart-topping song “Elon Musk” which later earned a remix with Fireboy. The success of his song also led to the release of his debut EP.
In turn, the EP featured hit songs like “Obapluto” and his recently released song “Oscrah (pepperline)”
Shallipopi’s rise to fame in the Nigerian music industry propelled him to launch his own record label, Plutomania Records. Plutomaina Records is certainly one of the emerging top record labels in Nigeria.
12. Vibez Inc.
Vibez Inc. is the new record label established by the Nigerian artist Seyi Vibez, marking a significant milestone in his career. Announced on November 30, 2023, the label reflects Seyi Vibez’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to nurturing emerging talent within Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.
After a successful 2023, Seyi Vibez leveraged his influence and expertise to support other artists. The label’s first signee, TML Vibez, was introduced with a captivating introductory video, signaling the label’s promise of quality and innovation. Seyi Vibez’s vision for Vibez Inc. is about producing music and creating a platform that propels artists to new heights.
Vibez Inc. quickly expanded, signing three more artists: Muyeez, who recently released his debut single, “Instagram,” Billion Solar, and NerryCkole. These artists showcase the label’s dedication to diversity and richness in musical talent.
The label’s collaborative project, “Vibez Incorporation Mixtape Vol.1,” features these artists and highlights the synergistic potential of Vibez Inc.’s roster. It’s also an emerging Nigerian record label.
13. Flyboy Inc.
Flyboy Inc. is a prominent Nigerian record label founded by the acclaimed artist Kizz Daniel in November 2017. The label was established after Kizz Daniel departed from his previous label, G-Worldwide, due to a contract dispute and court case.
Flyboy Inc. represents Kizz Daniel’s vision of creating a platform that produces hit music and nurtures and promotes emerging talents in the Nigerian music industry. Flyboy Inc. has been associated with the release of Kizz Daniel’s album, ‘No Bad Songz,’ further strengthening the label’s reputation for quality music production.
Which is the Best Record Label in Nigeria 2026?
It’s subjective—Mavin for global polish, YBNL for raw energy and hits (watch those YBNL artists 2026!). Many fans searching top 20 record labels in Nigeria agree these dominate.
What’s your favorite label or artist? Drop a comment below! If you’re an upcoming act, research these for inspiration. Stay tuned for more Nigerian music updates. 🎶
Top 10 Record Labels in Nigeria
- Mavin Records
- YBNL
- Davido Music Worldwide (DMW/30BG)
- Starboy Entertainment
- Chocolate City Music
- Jonzing World
- Bullion Records
- Eezee Concepts
- Loveworld Records
- Marlian Records
Gabriel Odewale 
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