Rema is one of the biggest names in Afrobeats — a young artist signed under Mavin Records, whose global hits have catapulted him into the international spotlight. But behind every successful artist is a business deal. Fans often ask: How much does Mavin pay Rema?
This article explores what is known about Rema’s contract, how he may earn, and how his deal reflects the structure and investment strategy of a major African record label. We’ll break down the finances, the risk, and what this means for Rema’s long-term career.
What Is Rema’s Deal Worth? What the Public Knows
- The Reported Contract Length and Value
According to several media reports, Rema’s deal with Mavin Records (under Don Jazzy’s structure) is very long term — some claim it’s a 15-year agreement.
That contract, according to TikTalkMedia, is valued at around ₦2 billion. If accurate, this reflects a serious long-term investment by Mavin in Rema as a cornerstone artist.
- Mavin’s Cost to Develop New Artists
Don Jazzy himself has revealed that it costs between $100,000 and $300,000 to “activate” or launch an artist under Mavin Records.
These figures are not trivial — they cover production, marketing, and promotional activation. For Rema, who has become one of Mavin’s strongest investments, this money would have gone into his early development, music production, and positioning.
- Earnings Share / Royalty Rate Reports
According to a report on TikTalkMedia, Rema’s share was at some point reportedly increased by 5%.
The report claims that before the increase, Rema earned 30% of “everything” (which would likely mean his earnings from streams or other revenue sources), and the raise brought that to over 35%.
It’s important to note that “salary” in that report likely means his cut from earnings or royalty share, not a fixed monthly salary — given the context and how record deals typically work.
- Mavin’s Investment per Track
Media reports (e.g., YabaLeftOnline) show that Mavin Records spent $225,000 in one quarter alone (first three months of 2023) to release songs from five of its artists, including Rema.
This kind of budget indicates that Mavin is willing to spend significantly on production, marketing, and promotion to ensure its top talents (like Rema) succeed.
Why Mavin Would Pay That Much for Rema
From a business standpoint, here’s why Mavin would invest heavily in Rema:
High Potential Return: Rema’s catalog has massive streaming potential. As his songs go global, Mavin stands to earn far more from royalties, sync deals, and performance revenue.
Long-Term Artist Value: A 15-year deal suggests Mavin sees Rema not just as a hitmaker, but as a long-term asset — someone they will support throughout his career.
Strategic Investment: By fronting a substantial activation budget, Mavin helps Rema produce high-quality music, which improves the chances of international success and higher earnings.
What This Means for Rema — Artist Perspective
From Rema’s point of view:
He has access to top-tier resources because Mavin believes in his long-term potential.
With a rising royalty share (reportedly 35%), he stands to benefit directly from streaming, radio, and sales.
The contract length (if 15 years) may seem long, but it gives him stability and a guaranteed partnership with a powerful label.
Because Mavin invests heavily in his music, he’s less likely to bear upfront costs alone — meaning he can focus on creativity.
Risks and Counterpoints
Recoupment Pressure: For Rema to fully benefit, Mavin likely needs to recoup its investment (the $100K–$300K activation plus production costs). That means Rema’s early earnings might go toward paying back those costs.
Contract Length: A 15-year deal is long, and while it offers security, it could limit Rema’s flexibility to renegotiate or sign elsewhere in the future.
Transparency: The exact figures (2 billion naira, 35% share) come from media sources, not confirmed public documents, so there is some uncertainty.
Market Risk: If his global breakout slows, Mavin’s heavy investment could become less profitable for both sides.
Final Thought
Putting it all together, Rema’s deal with Mavin appears to be very generous but also very strategic. With a reported 15-year contract and a share of earnings that has reportedly increased to around 35%, it’s clear Mavin sees him as more than just another artist — they see him as a pillar of their roster.
For Rema, this arrangement offers stability, access to resources, and a path to sustained global influence. For Mavin, it’s a long-term bet with potentially huge returns. Whether you’re a fan or an artist watching from the outside, this deal is a perfect example of how serious record labels can build careers, not just create hit songs.
