Mavin @ 13: Celebrating generational talent

In May 2012, one of the biggest music moguls in Africa, Don Jazzy, launched Mavin Records, ushering in a new era for Nigerian music following the dissolution of MO’ Hits Records, a legendary partnership between Don Jazzy and D’Banj. Thirteen years later, Mavin still stands as a powerhouse in Afrobeats, known for developing raw talent and shaping the sound of African music.

As Mavin Records celebrates its 13th anniversary, its journey can be seen through the different generations of artists it has introduced over the years. Each group of stars—from Wande Coal and Tiwa Savage to Rema and Ayra Starr—has brought its own unique sound and style, contributing to the growth of Afrobeats both at home and abroad. Through the years, Mavin has remained a steady influence in the music scene, helping to shape pop culture and keep African music in the spotlight.

Mavin Records started strong with artists like Wande Coal, Dr. Sid, D’Prince, and Tiwa Savage. At the time, Tiwa was known as the “First Lady” of the label, bringing a smooth mix of R&B and Afropop that quickly won people over. Songs like “Wanted” and “Ma Lo” showed her range and helped her stand out. Dr. Sid’s “Surulere” became a popular song about patience and hard work, while Wande Coal’s unique voice kept fans coming back. Together, these early stars helped put Mavin on the map and set the stage for what the label would become, and let’s not forget D’Prince’s “Take Banana” which was a club sensation, dominating airwaves and dance floors across Nigeria.

In 2014, Mavin Records welcomed a new wave of talent with Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, and Di’Ja. They made their first big hit together on the catchy group song “Dorobucci,” which quickly became a fan favourite and showed off their chemistry. Korede Bello went on to release “Godwin,” a feel-good track that mixed gospel vibes with pop and became a nationwide anthem that had our mothers and grandmothers vibing. Reekado Banks dropped hits like “Katapot” and “Sugar Baby,” while Di’Ja impressed with her singles like “Awww,” which highlighted her soft vocals and playful style. This group helped keep Mavin in the spotlight and introduced a fun, youthful energy to the label.

In 2019, Mavin entered a fresh chapter with the introduction of young stars like Rema and Crayon, along with a revamped structure and a global outlook. Rema made an instant impact with his self-titled debut EP, which featured breakout tracks like “Dumebi” and “Iron Man.” His unique blend of trap, Afrobeats, and Indian influences set him apart from anything else on the scene at the time.

Crayon brought a vibrant, street-pop vibe with songs like “So Fine” and “Too Correct,” appealing to a younger crowd with his catchy hooks and upbeat energy. This generation marked Mavin’s shift toward a more international sound, with global platforms like Apple Music and YouTube taking notice. Rema especially stood out, becoming one of the first Gen Z Afrobeats artists to gain serious international recognition, paving the way for what came next.

Mavin kept the momentum going by introducing a fresh set of artists who quickly won over fans with their sound and style. Ayra Starr led the charge in 2021 with her breakout single “Away,” followed by her debut album 19 & Dangerous. Tracks like “Bloody Samaritan” and “Rush” made her a standout in Afropop, showing she had both the voice and confidence to go far. Her music connects deeply with young listeners, especially Gen Z, thanks to her honest lyrics and bold personality.

Magixx came through with the smooth vocals and romantic vibes with songs like “Love Don’t Cost a Dime” and “All Over.” Bayanni joined with a calm, melodic sound, making waves with his viral track “Ta Ta Ta.” Boy Spyce followed closely with a mix of Afrobeats and R&B, earning attention for his self-titled EP and catchy tunes like “Folake.”

This group reflects the future of Mavin, young, relatable, and ready to take African music even further. They’re helping the label stay relevant in today’s fast-moving music scene, while also building on the legacy left by those who came before them.