Genre Various Headquarters Lagos, Nigeria Founded 8 May 2012, Nigeria | Official website www.mavinrecords.com Country of origin Nigeria | |
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Mavin Records (also known as the Supreme Mavin Dynasty) is a revamped Nigerian-based record label founded by recording artist and record producer Don Jazzy on May 8, 2012. The label's inception came to fruition following the closure of Mo' Hits Records, a record label owned by the aforementioned producer and D'banj. The label is home to recording artists such as Tiwa Savage, Iyanya, Dr SID, D'Prince, Di'Ja, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Poe, and the DNA Twins. The label also houses a roster of producers such as Jazzy himself, Altims and Baby Fresh. In 2014, DJ Big N became the label's official disc jockey. Wande Coal was formerly signed to the label. On May 8, 2012, the label released a compilation album titled Solar Plexus.
Contents
Mavin's genesis, signings, website launch, endorsements, and musical releases
Mavin Records started as a result of D'banj's departure from Mo Hits. Prior to commenting on D'banj's exit from Mo' Hits, there were allegations that D'banj signed over Mo' Hits to Don Jazzy. In an interview with Sunday Punch, Don Jazzy addressed D'banj's departure from Mo Hits, saying: "We were working together and all was going on well. It got to a point where ’I’ looked at the situation and we both decided that it was not working and we had to move on." Don Jazzy alluded to being hesitant of a name change. According to BellaNaija, the term "Mavin" describes someone who is gifted and skilled in any field. Upon establishing the rebranded record label, Don Jazzy said he sees Mavin Records being the power house of Music in Africa in the shortest possible time. After re-branding Mo' Hits to Mavin, Don Jazzy signed Nigerian recording artist Tiwa Savage. Pulse reported that Don Jazzy admires the singer's work ethic and drive. Pulse also reported that Mavin Records signed Aluko Altims Timothy and Sunday BabyFresh Enejere to the label.
On May 7, 2012, the record label launched its official website and introduced their fans to the Mavin league (a social networking site designed to cater to their fans worldwide). Don Jazzy signed endorsement deals with Samsung and Loya Milk after establishing the label. Tiwa Savage also signed an endorsement deal with Pepsi. On February 14, 2015, Don Jazzy announced the addition of Di'Ja to Mavin Records. On February 21, 2014, it was reported that Reekado Banks signed a record deal with Mavin Records. On February 28, 2014, Don Jazzy unveiled Korede Bello as another signee to Mavin Records. On February 25, 2015, Don Jazzy and Tiwa Savage both signed endorsement deals with Konga.com. On October 31, 2016, several media outlets in Nigeria reported that Iyanya signed a record deal with Mavin Records. Both Iyanya and Don Jazzy confirmed the report via Instagram. On February 28, 2017, Don Jazzy announced the signings of Johnny Drille, Poe and the DNA Twins to Mavin Records.
Within a year of becoming a revamped brand, The Mavins released "Take Banana" and "Oma Ga" as singles off their debut compilation album. On May 1, 2014, the collective released "Dorobucci" to critical acclaim. They've gone on to release other singles like "Adaobi", "Looku-Looku" and "Arise".
Wande Coal's departure, Twitter feud, and intellectual property
On July 29, 2013, Wande Coal released and promoted a single titled "Kilaju" without the support of Mavin Records. On July 31, 2013, Naij News reported that Wande Coal allegedly parted ways with Mavin Records and established his own record label, Black Diamond Entertainment. Sources close to Information Nigeria said that Wande Coal allegedly departed Mavin because he believes that the revamped label cannot further his career. Moreover, it was alleged that both Coal and Jazzy disagreed over finances.
On November 5, 2013, Wande Coal released a song titled "Baby Face" and credited Shizzi for producing it. Subsequently, Don Jazzy accused Wande Coal of intellectual property theft through his tweets. Moreover, the Mavin Boss uploaded a studio demo of the song that was allegedly recorded the previous year. Wande Coal tweeted several times, debunking Jazzy's allegations. In addition, Coal tweeted a link to an "original" studio version of the song. Demilade Olaosun, an entertainment lawyer, spoke to Premium Times about intellectual property (IP). He said that the song is a property of Mavin Records since it was produced, arranged and voice by an official of the label. The lawyer also stated that since Coal's recording contract was not made available to the public, speculations cannot be made about the IP of the recording sound.
On November 7, 2013, Mavin Records sent out a press release officially announcing the departure of Wande Coal. The press release came shortly after the Twitter feud between Don Jazzy and Wande Coal.
Accolades
Mavin Records was nominated for Best Record Label of the Year at the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards. The label won the aforementioned category at the 2014 City People Entertainment Awards.