I still vividly remember the night Don Jazzy launched his new label back in 2012. I was sitting in my small workspace in Uyo, trying to build my very first WordPress blog. I had just finished designing a promotional flyer for a local artist when the news broke online. Watching that massive transition from Mo Hits to a brand new empire completely changed my perspective on the music business.
Since that night, I have actively followed every single talent unveiled by this legendary Nigerian entertainment company. I have spent years analyzing their artist development bootcamps and writing digital marketing case studies on their promotional rollouts. Many upcoming singers constantly ask me about the current roster and how the academy operates today.
The landscape has changed significantly in 2026, especially after the massive Universal Music Group acquisition and the recent departures of some legacy talents. In this updated guide, I am going to walk you through the complete list of phenomenal musicians currently holding the flag for this powerhouse.
I will also share some exclusive insights into the newest prodigies added to the family. To truly grasp the full scope of this empire, understanding the complete history of Mavin Records is absolutely essential for any aspiring music executive.
Who is the new artist signed to Mavin Records?
The new artists signed to Mavin Records are Lovn and CupidSZN. Both incredibly talented musicians were officially unveiled by Don Jazzy in late 2025 as the latest additions leading the roster into 2026. Lovn was introduced alongside his debut single titled Sorry I am Busy, while CupidSZN, a twenty one year old singer and songwriter, debuted with a heavily streamed Afropop project called the Myth Era EP.
Which artists are currently signed to Mavin?
The artists currently signed to Mavin Records in 2026 include Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, Lifesize Teddy, CupidSZN, and Lovn. The roster recently underwent some major changes when legacy artist Crayon exited the label to start his own independent imprint in early 2026.
A Closer Look at the Current Roster
Because the label houses so much generational talent under one roof, fans constantly debate over the best singer in Mavin Records. Every single artist brings a completely unique sonic identity and personal aesthetic to the table. Let us take a detailed look at the extraordinary musicians currently making global waves.
1. Rema
Rema was born Divine Ikubor in Benin City and he officially joined the family in 2019. Before stepping into the global spotlight, he was originally discovered by D Prince and signed to Jonzing World.
From a pure data analytics standpoint, Rema is an absolute phenomenon. I remember exactly when he dropped his breakout single Dumebi and the internet went absolutely crazy over his unique Indian infused melodies.
He has since become a global icon with record breaking hits like Soundgasm, Charm, and the monumental global anthem Calm Down. His strategic collaborations with international pop stars have completely rewritten the rules of global music distribution.
2. Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr was born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe and she was unveiled to the world in early 2021. Don Jazzy discovered her immense talent after watching her post incredible original songs and covers on her Instagram page.
When I was auditing streaming traffic sources for emerging female artists, her metrics were absolutely off the charts. Her introductory single Away immediately established her as a vocal powerhouse.
She quickly followed up with massive anthems like Bloody Samaritan and Rush, cementing her status as the leading female voice of her generation. Her ability to effortlessly connect with the Gen Z demographic through short form video content is a true marketing masterclass.
3. Magixx
Alexander Adelabu is professionally known as Magixx and he was introduced to the public in 2021. He studied Mass Communication at the prestigious University of Lagos where he actively honed his vocal skills.
He instantly captured our hearts with his smooth debut single Love Don’t Cost A Dime. His incredible vocal range and emotive delivery make him a standout performer on the current roster.
As someone who builds websites for creative agencies, I always admire how flawlessly his brand aesthetic translates across digital platforms. His recent projects continue to showcase his immense growth as an elite songwriter.
4. Johnny Drille
John Ighodaro is musically known as Johnny Drille and he officially joined the powerhouse in 2017. When I was analyzing audience retention metrics for different Nigerian genres, Johnny Drille stood out completely.
He brought a completely different alternative folk flavor to a label previously known only for mainstream pop. He has built a fiercely loyal community of fans through his brilliant songwriting.
I often use his intimate live show strategies as a perfect case study for independent artists looking to build offline communities. His catalog boasts timeless classics like Romeo and Juliet, Halleluyah, and the massively successful pop crossover hit How Are You My Friend.
5. Ladipoe
Ladipo Eso is universally known as Ladipoe and he made history as the very first rap artist signed to the company back in 2017. He perfectly bridges the gap between intricate lyricism and commercial appeal.
I absolutely loved his strategic approach to the rap game. When I was tracking keyword performance for top Nigerian rap songs in 2021, Ladipoe completely dominated the search engines.
He dominated the charts with massive collaborative hits like Know You and the infectious summer anthem Feeling. His consistency continues to earn him massive respect across the African hip hop landscape.
6. Boy Spyce
Ugbekile David Osemeke goes by the stage name Boy Spyce and he was officially unveiled in 2022. He started his musical journey by posting brilliant freestyle covers on various social media platforms.
His viral cover of a popular Kizz Daniel track caught the direct attention of the label executives. They immediately signed him and put him through their famous development academy to refine his raw talent.
7. Bayanni
Abimbola Oladokun is professionally known as Bayanni and he was also unveiled as a major signee in 2022. He grew up in Lagos State where he meticulously developed his signature street pop sound.
His breakout single Ta Ta Ta became an absolute viral sensation across the internet. The massive success of the song eventually earned him a huge international remix featuring American pop star Jason Derulo.
8. Lifesize Teddy
Treasure Apiafi Banigo goes by the unique moniker Lifesize Teddy and she was signed in 2023. Hailing from Bonny Island in Rivers State, she brings a fierce multi dimensional rap and singing ability to the group.
I have closely monitored her digital footprint since her unveiling, and her engagement rates are incredibly impressive. She began rapping at a very tender age and proved her lyrical depth on her self titled debut project.
Her introductory body of work features exceptional tracks like Butterflies, Hypnotic, and Prophecy. She is definitely proving that she is here for the long haul.
9. CupidSZN
CupidSZN is a brilliant twenty one year old singer and songwriter who was unveiled in late 2025. He represents the absolute cutting edge of the new generation of African creatives.
His impressive debut project, the Myth Era EP, showcases his incredible ability to blend catchy melodies with clever wordplay. I am actively watching his streaming numbers grow rapidly as he builds his core fanbase.
10. Lovn
Lovn is another phenomenal talent who joined the family in late 2025. After years of consistently building a dedicated underground following in Lagos, he finally secured his spot on the prestigious roster.
He was officially introduced to the mainstream market with his captivating debut single Sorry I am Busy. His unique vocal texture and songwriting skills make him a massive prospect for the future.
Major Changes and Legacy Exits in 2026
The entertainment business is incredibly dynamic, and 2026 brought some significant structural changes to the famous roster. We recently witnessed the exit of Crayon, who officially departed the label in early 2026 to launch his own independent imprint with his new single Baami.
We also look back at legacy acts like Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and Wande Coal who helped build the initial foundation. Recently in May 2026, Don Jazzy openly admitted that letting former signee Di Ja go was one of the absolute toughest decisions of his entire career.
He explained that everyone in the company becomes like family, making corporate exits highly emotional. This deep family bond is exactly why so many people desperately search online for the Mavin Records WhatsApp number, hoping to magically connect with the boss.
However, if you are truly serious about your craft, I wrote a comprehensive guide on exactly how to get signed to Mavin Records through the proper professional channels. You need to understand what is the meaning of Mavin to fully grasp the extreme level of expertise they require from all applicants.
The Universal Music Group Acquisition
We absolutely cannot discuss the current state of this empire without mentioning the historic corporate buyout. This massive financial injection proves that African intellectual property is incredibly valuable.
When the news finally broke, the entire industry closely analyzed how much did Don Jazzy sell Mavin Records for during the massive acquisition. The valuation was estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, fundamentally changing how we perceive local creative agencies.
Fans constantly ask who is the current owner of Mavin Records the full truth behind the new ownership structure. The simple truth is that while Universal Music Group acquired the financial majority, Don Jazzy and Tega Oghenejobo strictly maintained their executive leadership and complete creative control.
3 Actionable Takeaways for Upcoming Artists
I have spent countless hours running promotional campaigns for independent musicians, and I always point them directly to this label as the ultimate blueprint. Here are three highly actionable tips you can apply to your own music career today.
First, you must ruthlessly prioritize building a highly engaged organic audience before seeking any major record deal. The label executives discovered talents like Ayra Starr and Boy Spyce because they were already actively posting brilliant content online and building their own leverage.
Do not wait for a massive record deal before you shoot your very first music video or build a website. Start exactly where you are today with the free digital tools available to you.
Second, perfect your unique visual and sonic aesthetic. Do not try to sound exactly like Rema or Johnny Drille. The company signs new artists specifically because they bring a completely fresh, untapped flavor to the existing musical catalog.
Spend your early years strictly refining your craft in the studio. Find a unique visual brand that makes you instantly recognizable in a crowded social media feed.
Third, treat your creative talent exactly like a scalable technology startup business. You must deeply understand social media algorithms, data analytics, and community management.
Major investors are looking for highly organized business partners, not just people with beautiful singing voices. Read your contracts carefully, register your intellectual property properly, and understand how mechanical royalties work in the modern streaming era.
Final Thoughts and Join the Conversation
The landscape of African music is evolving at a breathtaking speed, and this legendary record label remains firmly at the absolute forefront of global culture. Seeing them constantly introduce spectacular new talents like Lovn and CupidSZN proves that their famous development academy is highly effective.
They have successfully laid down a completely unbreakable blueprint for how creative businesses should be structured, scaled, and eventually monetized on a global level. We are incredibly lucky to witness this golden era of Nigerian entertainment unfold live.
I would absolutely love to hear your personal perspective on the current artist roster. Which specific artist do you currently listen to the most, and who do you genuinely believe will be the next massive global superstar to emerge from the academy?
Please drop your honest thoughts, specific questions, or personal insights in the comments section below so we can keep this fascinating conversation going. Also, kindly share this comprehensive breakdown with your fellow music entrepreneurs, artists, and business enthusiasts on your favorite social media platforms!
