Nigeria-based Mavin Records, one of the country’s best-known independent record labels, is launching a new executive talent program called the Mavin Future Five.
With the Mavin Future Five, the label says that it will develop and equip five 18-23 year olds with training, mentoring and internships in Digital, Artist Relations, New Business, PR & Promotions and Creative Marketing.
The talent leadership program is “one of the first of its kind in the Africa entertainment industry,” says Mavin.
Founded by producer and music executive Don Jazzy in 2012, Lagos-based Mavin delivers 360 label services, as well as management, publishing, sync, production, strategic partnerships, and collaborates with fashion, sport, design, live events and cross platform digital content.
Today’s news comes two years after Mavin secured a multi-million dollar investment from Kupanda Holdings.
Mavin, whose roster includes Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper Rema, has also reported today that its music is streamed in 120 countries and that it has gained over 2.3 billion streams.
The label says that Rema’s tracks Dumebi, Corny , 44, featuring Bad Gyal, and the Skepta-featuring Dimension have accrued over 80 million global streams alone. In 2019, the artist’s song Iron Man was chosen by Barack Obama for his 2019 summer playlist.
Other Mavin artists include Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, Korede Bello and Crayon.
For the remainder of 2021, Don Jazzy, with the support of Mavin Global COO Tega Oghenejobo and its label team, plans for a UK and global album release for Rema, as well as global album launches for Ladipoe and Johnny Drille and a new EP from afro-pop artist Ayra Starr.
Mavin also says that, post-pandemic, it plans to make a “major return” with tours, live shows and merchandising.
“we are birthing the Afrobeat superstars of the future.”
Don Jazzy, Mavin Records
Don Jazzy said: “What we have done in nine years is establish beyond doubt that the music business can thrive here in Africa and globally as a business and industry.
“With Mavin Global, we have replicated and surpassed past successes. From Mavin’s genesis from the respected Mo’ Hits era, we are birthing the Afrobeat superstars of the future. I’ve been here for a while and by growing Mavin Global over these nearly ten years, I have seen the industry in all its phases.
“One thing remains consistent though; the value placed on talent. At Mavin, our roaster boasts an abundance of this. We have young artists coming through and they are bringing with them, a fresher voice and newer dynamics. Yet the music business is more than just the sound of its artists.
“Our new talent development model, Mavin Future Five will be occupying the salient positions that make the music industry tick. I’m honoured and proud to launch the Mavin Future Five now to show our deep commitment to nurture next generation music industry talent.
“This is what our 9th Anniversary celebrates – the limitless potential of the future of Afrobeat.’’
“Just look around. The world is changing.”
REMA
Rema said: “Just look around. The world is changing.
“Young people everywhere are doing amazing things and finding inspiration in one another and in those that came before them.
“I want to be a voice for my generation and inspire them through my sound to believe that we have a say in shaping the future.
“Mavin Records and Don Jazzy helped me amplify this desire – this dream. This label is a platform that keeps propelling me and my sound forward.’’
“Mavin Records changed my life.”
Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr said: ‘’Mavin Records changed my life. Don Jazzy believed in my sound, even when I was not yet completely confident in it.
“The label choosing to believe in me despite having never made any previous record shows their commitment towards investing in and building the future of African music.”
“we are building structures for career progression where there is a gap in the market.”
Tega Oghenejobo, Mavin Global
Tega Oghenejobo added: “No matter how genius your potential is, everyone has to do their 10,000 hours.
“You need practice. There are young people everywhere in need of someone to believe in them.
“Here at Mavin, we are building structures for career progression where there is a gap in the market, and betting on the future of the scene, by bringing through those who will be in charge of it.”’
In July, Mavin Records partnered with Seattle-based music licensing startup SyncFloor to bring the label’s catalog to more potential sync buyers via the newly launched Mavin Records SyncSite.
In January 2019, MBW revealed that Mavin Records secured a multi-million dollar investment from Kupanda Holdings, a joint venture between pan-Africa investment company Kupanda Capital and TPG Growth.Music Business Worldwide
