Mavin Records has shaped modern Afrobeats more than most people realize. Since its launch in 2012, the label has delivered some of the biggest artists of this generation — Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, Crayon, Magixx, and more.
But over the past year, new corporate developments have raised a major question among fans and industry watchers:
Who really owns Mavin Records right now?
Because when major investment happens in a music company, ownership can shift even though the public face remains the same. So in this article, we’ll break down the true ownership structure clearly, directly, and in a people-first way that answers your curiosity without confusion.
Who Is the Current Owner of Mavin Records?
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the current majority owner of Mavin Records.
UMG now owns the largest share of Mavin Global — the parent company behind Mavin Records — after completing a major acquisition in 2024.
However:
Don Jazzy and
Tega Oghenejobo (Mavin’s COO)
still run the label, control its creative direction, and remain the public and operational leaders of the company.
In simple terms:
UMG owns it, but Don Jazzy still drives it.
The Present Structure Looks Like This:
UMG → Majority Owner
Don Jazzy + Tega → Executive Leadership and Creative Control
Kupanda Capital → Minority Investor
TPG Growth → Fully exited the company
This answer is what most people want to know — the rest of this article explains how and why this happened, what it means for the label, and why it matters to the everyday music lover.
How UMG Became the Majority Owner
In 2024, Universal Music Group — the biggest music company in the world — announced that it acquired a majority stake in Mavin Global.
The deal was not a hostile takeover. It was a strategic partnership designed to strengthen Mavin’s global presence in the same way UMG works with labels across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
An important part of the agreement was that:
Mavin would continue to operate independently under Don Jazzy and Tega.
So even though UMG owns the majority, the heartbeat of the company remains Nigerian, and the creative decisions still stay where they’ve always been.
Why UMG Bought Into Mavin
- Afrobeats Is Now a Global Force
UMG sees Mavin as one of the important gateways into the African music ecosystem. With artists like Rema and Ayra Starr charting worldwide, Mavin has become a core player in the global music conversation.
- Mavin Already Has the Structure
Unlike many African labels, Mavin has:
well-defined artist development systems
an in-house creative team
solid management structure
strong branding
international-ready sound
This is the type of environment global companies are more willing to invest in.
- Expansion Potential
UMG understands that with more investment, Mavin can become even bigger than it currently is. Tours, marketing rollout, global partnerships, soundtrack deals, and international collaborations all become easier under a global parent company.
What This Ownership Change Means for Artists
People often worry that when a big company buys into a label, artists will lose their identity. In this case, the structure protects Mavin’s culture.
Artists still work closely with Don Jazzy
He remains involved in A&R, decision-making, and quality control. That personal touch is still there.
Bigger international doors open
Imagine easier access to:
international press
UMG’s global distribution
global festival stages
bigger marketing budgets
high-level collaborations
This is why the Rema and Ayra Starr wave went global faster than many expected.
Artist development becomes more robust
The partnership means more funding for grooming, training, branding, and positioning artists for long-term careers.
Does Don Jazzy Still Own Mavin?
Don Jazzy no longer owns the majority.
But he still owns part of the company — and more importantly, he still runs it.
In the music business, the one who runs the label often shapes its destiny more than the investor who owns the shares. Don Jazzy still sits in that position.
The creative DNA of the label remains untouched, and that’s why the Mavin culture hasn’t changed.
How This Affects Afrobeats As a Whole
Mavin’s ownership shift signals something bigger happening across African music:
African labels are becoming global businesses
International companies are no longer ignoring the continent — they are investing heavily.
Afrobeats now has long-term institutional backing
Not just hit songs, but actual global systems and funding that can push the genre forward.
More African artists will break out globally
With labels like Mavin plugged directly into global networks, future artists may rise even faster than the current generation.
The industry becomes more competitive
This move forces other Nigerian labels to strengthen their structure, leadership, contracts, and artist development.
Final Thought
The simple answer is clear:
Universal Music Group is now the majority owner of Mavin Records.
But the deeper truth is more important:
Don Jazzy and his team still run Mavin, shape Mavin, and define the identity of Mavin.
Ownership may have shifted, but leadership remains firmly in Lagos — and that balance is what keeps the brand strong while positioning it for global dominance.
