Rema is one of the biggest Afrobeats stars today. From his viral freestyles to global hits like “Calm Down”, his rise has been massive — and many fans wonder how his label deal supports that growth. Specifically: what is Rema’s contract with Mavin / Jonzing World?
This is more than just curiosity. Artists’ contracts show how labels invest, what risk they take, and how future earnings are structured. In Rema’s case, the details aren’t all clear — but enough is public to paint a picture.
What Is Rema’s Contract with Mavin?
Rema signed with Jonzing World — a label founded by D’Prince — which is closely linked to Mavin Records.
His deal is often described as a long-term agreement, and reports suggest he initially signed for 15 years.
However, the situation becomes complicated: according to BusinessDay, Rema has “yet to renew his contract” with Mavin / Jonzing, with his deal reportedly set to expire in 2024.
There are also rumors — still unconfirmed — that he may have terminated the contract early.
Key Components of the Deal (Based on Public Reports)
Here’s what is publicly known or reported about Rema’s contract structure:
- Joint Signing
Rema is signed to both Jonzing World and Mavin Records.
Jonzing World acts as his management or immediate label, while Mavin provides broader label support.
- Length of the Deal
Original reports suggest a 15-year contract, which is unusually long but not unheard of for major-label deals.
Some media claim the contract has ended or is being renegotiated, especially given Rema’s absence from label activities.
- Financial Investment
Don Jazzy has revealed that “activating” or launching a Mavin artist now costs between $100,000 and $300,000.
Other sources claim Don Jazzy invested over 2 billion naira into Rema’s career.
This suggests that Mavin (and its partners) made a serious long-term financial commitment to Rema.
- Distribution & Deal Reach
Rema’s music is distributed under Mavin / Jonzing World, and part of his output goes through Mavin’s global network.
The contract structure allowed Rema to benefit from Mavin’s A&R, production, and broader promotional capabilities.
Controversy, Rumors, and Reported Contract Termination
Because of several public reports, Rema’s contract with Mavin / Jonzing is not without controversy:
Contract Expiry or Non-Renewal: BusinessDay reports suggest his deal may expire in 2024, and that he has not renewed.
Alleged Termination: According to NGBuzz, Rema allegedly terminated a part of his deal before completing 15 years.
Accusations of Mis-treatment: Some media suggest Rema felt the deal was not fair once he began making significant income, prompting his decision to exit.
Don Jazzy’s Response: According to Iduwini Voice Newspaper, Don Jazzy did not enforce harsh penalties when Rema left, choosing instead to “take nothing” and still support him.
What This Contract Means for Rema’s Career
Resource Access: Through Mavin and Jonzing, Rema has access to high-quality production, marketing, and global distribution — resources that could take years to build independently.
Financial Risk / Reward: Given the large investment from Mavin, there’s likely a recoupment structure. That means Rema may need to earn a certain amount before keeping 100% of his earnings.
Long-Term Stability: A 15-year contract (if originally true) would have locked him in but also protected him with stable label backing.
Creative Leverage: If the reports of non-renewal or early exit are accurate, Rema might now have more freedom, but he also risks losing some support structure unless renegotiated carefully.
Why the Contract Details Are Unclear
It’s important to remember:
Neither Mavin Records nor Rema has publicly shared the full contract document.
Most of what is reported comes from media sources, industry insiders, and contract speculation.
In the music industry, especially in Africa, detailed contract terms are often private and not disclosed publicly — so some figures may be inaccurate or exaggerated.
The involvement of Jonzing World complicates things because it’s not just Mavin — it’s a hybrid deal.
Final Thought
Rema’s contract with Mavin / Jonzing is a complex one — marked by major financial investment, reports of long-term agreement, and recent uncertainty about its continuation. Whether his deal was fully honored or renegotiated remains unclear, but the public signals are strong: Mavin saw him as a key long-term asset, and Rema has leveraged that relationship to grow globally.
If you’re an artist or fan, understanding this kind of deal offers a lesson: success in music often comes with high stakes, but also with potentially transformative support — as long as both sides play real, not just for short-term gain.
