10. Crayon

Crayon carved a vital niche in Mavin’s modern roster during his tenure, delivering consistent commercial output and collaborative synergy that bolstered the label’s depth in the streaming era, with a catalogue that approached and surpassed 375 million streams. His versatility across melodic and street-edged sounds earned critical respect for artistic range, while his sustained presence and role in elevating the collective catalogue underscored strong longevity and label-specific value in keeping Mavin’s sound vibrant and competitive.

9. Ladipoe

Ladipoe has brought lyrical credibility and reliable consistency to Mavin’s lineup since 2017, bridging rap-sung hybrids with commercial and critical appeal. Standout releases like “Feeling” and frequent high-profile features have generated tens of millions in streams while earning respect for thoughtful songcraft, supporting the label’s group projects and expanding its sonic palette. His steady output and multi-year tenure reflect strong longevity on the roster and valuable label-specific contributions in maintaining Mavin’s reputation for quality and versatility amid the streaming era’s demands.

8. Johnny Drille

Johnny Drille exemplifies Mavin’s emphasis on artistic longevity and sonic diversity, his 2017 signing yielding the most consistent catalogue presence among current signees. Through multiple acclaimed albums, the enduring “Johnny’s Room Live” series, and loyal fan engagement that translates to sustained streams and touring, he has maintained relevance across shifting industry tides. While his numbers are more niche than the global stars, his distinctive alternative-R&B fusion earns critical admiration and adds essential label-specific depth, proving Mavin’s ability to nurture enduring talents beyond viral hits.

7. Dr. SID

Dr SID earns his place as a key architect of Mavin’s inaugural era, delivering standout individual hits like the anthemic “Surulere” (with Don Jazzy) and carrying forward melodic Afro-pop excellence from Mo’ Hits into the new label via Solar Plexus and features. His awards (Soundcity, NMVA), production-savvy style, and enduring catalogue resonance (millions of streams on classics like “Over The Moon”) reflect a personal hit-making legacy and cultural impact as one of the first faces of Mavin, even as later acts surpassed him in streaming volume.

6. Korede Bello

Korede Bello delivered some of Mavin’s most iconic early commercial moments, his 2014 signing producing hits like “Godwin”, the Headies Best Pop Single winner, and the RIAA Gold-certified “Do Like That” that became the label’s highest-certified digital single at the time. Those breakthroughs, alongside group anthems and Nigeria Teen Choice recognition, anchored Mavin’s formative wave and drove significant local sales and cultural resonance in the pre-streaming-to-digital transition. Though his later catalogue is smaller, the foundational impact and label-defining hits secure his place as an essential architect of the brand’s early success.

5. Reekado Banks

Reekado Banks defined Mavin’s breakthrough mid-2010s phase with explosive early commercial success and award-winning momentum that helped solidify the label’s reputation before the global streaming boom. His 2016 album Spotlight cracked the top 10 on Billboard’s World Albums chart, while signature hits and the Headies Next Rated crown (plus Rookie of the Year honours) drove massive local and regional dominance during his 2014–early-2020s tenure. That era-spanning impact, paired with his anchoring role in iconic group records like “Dorobucci”, reflects high cultural and label-specific value as one of the acts who put Mavin on Nigeria’s map, even as later artists eclipsed his raw streaming totals.

4. Wande Coal

Wande Coal earns a rightful top-tier spot for his individual vocal mastery and foundational influence on the “Mavin sound”, even with a shorter direct tenure (2012–2014). His Mo’ Hits-to-Mavin transition carried iconic artistry forward—hits like those from Mushin 2 Mo’ Hits remain revered benchmarks for Afrobeats crooning and production—while his overall career (650+ million Spotify streams, enduring monthly listeners in the millions, and legend status affirmed by peers) reflects elite individual achievement. He embodies the label’s early prestige as a hitmaker and vocal benchmark, outweighing longer-but-less-iconic runs in pure artistic legacy.

3. Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr embodies Mavin’s evolution into a global critical and commercial powerhouse; her meteoric rise since her 2021 signing delivers the label’s most potent blend of streams, acclaim, and generational influence. Clocking more than 3.4 billion total Spotify streams in just a handful of years—with her album The Year I Turned 21 alone, surpassing one billion, and “Rush” becoming the most-streamed solo track by any Nigerian female artist—she earned a historic Grammy nomination in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category. Her international chart dominance, Latin Diamond RIAA certification for “Santa”, and role as the youngest African female to crack major global playlists underscore profound cultural impact, while her rapid yet sustained output affirms both longevity on the roster and the label-defining prestige of elevating Mavin’s female artistry to worldwide stages.

2. Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage is the irreplaceable foundation stone of Mavin Records, the artist whose longevity and cultural authority from the label’s 2012 inception bridged the pre-streaming and digital eras with unmatched authority. As the first major signee and self-crowned Queen of Afrobeats, she racked up over 800 million career Spotify streams while delivering era-defining albums like R.E.D and anchoring collective anthems such as “Dorobucci”; her trailblazing awards haul—including the first MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act by a woman—cemented Mavin’s early prestige and Nigerian dominance. Her enduring influence as a role model for African female pop stars and her pivotal role in establishing the label’s brand give her unmatched label-specific value, even as streaming metrics favour later signees.

1. Rema

Rema stands unchallenged at the pinnacle of Mavin Records’ legacy, his dominance forged in the streaming era, where pure commercial metrics reign supreme. With over 5.9 billion total Spotify streams—including lead streams exceeding 5 billion—and “Calm Down” (featuring Selena Gomez) becoming the first African-led track to surpass one billion streams while peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, he delivered the label’s single greatest global breakthrough. That record-shattering run, coupled with his RIAA Gold-certified album Rave & Roses, a sold-out O2 Arena headline, and recent AFRIMA sweeps, including Artiste of the Year, cements his unmatched cultural impact as the artist who propelled Afrobeats into mainstream American consciousness; his label-specific value is incalculable, as Mavin’s UMG majority investment and worldwide expansion were built on the foundation he laid since signing in 2019.

The post Mavin Records All-Time Top 10 Artists appeared first on Afromixx.

Many Girls — Thisizlondon & Brume

For a producer stepping further into artist territory, Thisizlondon has shown a clear instinct for vibe construction. Known for his behind-the-boards work with some of Afropop’s biggest voices, his sound often leans toward sleek, nightlife-ready grooves that prioritise mood as much as melody. ‘Many Girls’ fits squarely within that sensibility, arriving as a loose, high-energy record that thrives on rhythm, repetition, and the kind of playful swagger that drives party-leaning Afropop. 

From the opening seconds, the production announces its intent: bright percussion, a lively drum pocket, and a hook structured around chant-like repetition. Instead of chasing complexity, the record builds momentum through a hypnotic refrain — the recurring “many, many girls” chant — which quickly establishes the song’s central motif. The phrase functions as a rhythmic instrument, anchoring the track’s bounce and giving listeners something instantly memorable to latch onto.

Vocally, Brume leans into charisma over technical showmanship. His delivery feels conversational, almost teasing, gliding across the beat with an easy confidence that mirrors the song’s carefree premise. That personality-first approach has become a signature of his music, where braggadocio and humour often shape the storytelling. 

What stands out most on ‘Many Girls’ is the chemistry between production and vocal tone. BRUME brings a soulful edge that complements THISIZLONDON’s beats without overpowering them, creating a synergy that’s effortless. The result is a track designed for movement, the kind of record that thrives in social settings where the chant can bounce off a crowd and instantly become communal.

Structurally, the song doesn’t stretch itself far beyond its central groove. Instead, it doubles down on repetition and rhythmic consistency, a strategy that works well within Afropop’s dance-driven tradition. The approach may not offer dramatic shifts or narrative depth, but it serves the record’s purpose: immediate replay value. By the time the hook cycles through again, it’s already lodged firmly in memory.

On a broader level, ‘Many Girls’ feels like a continuation of London’s gradual transition from producer to curator of his own sonic universe. His recent work has shown an ability to assemble voices and textures that revolve around atmosphere as much as songwriting, an approach that helped earlier collaborations stand out across Afropop releases.

‘Many Girls’ is a lightweight but effective groove that understands the power of a simple, sticky hook. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most durable Afropop records aren’t the ones trying to say the most but the ones that know exactly how to make a room move.

AIMOYE — Kayode

Nigerian rising star Kayode delivers a bold cultural fusion with his new single “AIMOYE”. Fresh off his earlier breakout “Live Forever” and a string of Yoruba-infused drops, Kayode leans hard into “Yoruba Trap” territory here, sampling Fuji legend King Dr. Saheed Osupa’s classic “Reliable Pt. 5”, nodding to the original “Aimoye” phrasing to create something that bridges heritage Fuji rhythms with modern trap energy. The Fuji icon himself gave the green light, adding legitimacy to this ambitious remake that feels both nostalgic and forward-leaning.

From the opening seconds, the track hooks with layered Fuji chants and percussion, Kayode and Osupa’s voices intertwine in the intro: “Aimoye awọn eniyan, toti lo nile aye”, setting a reflective yet street-coded tone. Then the beat drops: heavy 808s, crisp hi-hats, and trap snares that give it that menacing low-end bounce while retaining the unmistakable talking-drum flair and call-and-response essence of Fuji. It’s a seamless hybrid of indigenous Yoruba delivery over contemporary production that could slide right into an international trap set. The production, self-produced is tight and immersive, balancing the sample’s warmth with sharp, modern edges. 

Kayode rides the wave of abundance and life’s hustle, echoing the sample’s theme of “aimoye” (plenty/people overwhelming the world) with his own spin. Street wisdom, resilience, and a touch of boastful introspection. The flow is melodic yet rhythmic, switching cadences effortlessly between sing-rap verses and punchy hooks that make the chorus sticky. It’s not overly complex, but the quotables land hard, especially in how he weaves Yoruba phrasing with English flexes. 

Kayode sounds confident and versatile, smooth on the melodic parts, gritty when he leans into the trap pocket—proving versatility in delivery.

“AIMOYE” stands out as one of the week’s most innovative Afro-fusion drops. It captures that sweet spot where tradition meets the streets, much like recent hybrids pushing Fuji/Apala into new spaces.

HUSTLE KPA $$$ — Blaqbonez, ARTSALGHUL

Blaqbonez kicks off his year with a gritty, unfiltered record: “HUSTLE KPA $$$” featuring emerging talent ARTSALGHUL. This single arrives as Blaq’s first official release of 2026, following teases and his recent collabs (including the prior ARTSALGHUL joint “2 Sl1ck”). Produced by Black Culture, the track is a raw street anthem that channels the relentless Lagos grind with Blaqbonez’s signature witty, self-aware bars and a fresh voice in ARTSALGHUL adding complementary energy.

The track opens with a signature Blaqbonez ad-lib—”Huh (Culture) Yeah”—setting a fitting tone before diving into production that’s hard-hitting and minimalistic: booming 808s, sharp snares, and a menacing trap-infused beat that keeps the momentum relentless. There’s a deliberate low-end focus that makes it feel like it’s built for car speakers and late-night drives through traffic, with subtle melodic elements in the background to prevent it from feeling one-note. Black Culture’s engineering shines—crisp, punchy, and balanced, letting the vocals cut through without clutter.

Blaqbonez blends humorous, introspective, and brutally honest lines about the come-up, making for a delivery that demands multiple relistens. The pre-chorus sets the scene with lines like “I been start this p gospel rapper / Now, I don turn to secular / Hope I go still make heaven sha”, a cheeky nod to his evolution from church kid to secular rap star, delivered with that classic Blaq self-deprecation. The hook drives home the theme: “Make them know say I dey hustle kpa,” referencing the relentless grind and name-dropping real-life markers like “Face-me-I-face-you for Ijesha,” “Nepo’ baby for where?,” and “5 K show for Abeokuta.” 

It’s a boast somewhat wrapped in relatability, celebrating the bottom-to-top journey without sugar-coating the struggle. ARTSALGHUL jumps in on the chorus and verses, bringing a smoother, almost melodic flow that contrasts Blaqbonez’s rapid-fire delivery, adding layers and making the track feel truly collaborative. 

“HUSTLE KPA $$$” is an instant mood-lifter for anyone in grind mode, with its high energy, quotable bars, and replay value that comes from Blaqbonez’s signature humour and authenticity.

JEMBE — Famous Pluto, Mavo

Famous Pluto links up with Mavo on “JEMBE”, a fresh single that’s part of a double-pack release also featuring “14DR” with Zlatan, solely built for the streets and the speakers—raw energy, no frills.

The beat kicks in straight with percussive drive: log drum patterns and shaker rhythms that scream classic Afrobeats bounce, layered with modern street-hop synths and a steady 808 kick that keeps it moving at a club-ready tempo. Production feels grounded in that Warri/Benin sound of infectious, short, punchy head-nodding grooves without over-the-top polish. 

Mavo opens strong on his sections, with a smooth and melodic contrast. His voice glides over the percussion, bringing that cultural Edo flavour while introducing high energy on the record, a chemistry once experienced on their prior “Kilogram” link-up; it’s collaborative without one overshadowing the other, creating a balanced back-and-forth that feels natural.

Famous Pluto handles the other half of the record with his signature delivery, with a melodic, gritty flow over the rhythm with pidgin-heavy bars that hit on hustle, vibes, and that unapologetic street flex. He rides the hook hard with a verse that is straightforward and street anthemic, made up of quotable lines wrapped in catchy repetition that make it stick after one spin. 

Structurally, ‘Jembe’ is straightforward and groove-orientated. The hook is designed as a rhythmic chant that blends seamlessly with the beat. It’s the type of refrain that feels built for communal listening, something that can echo easily across a crowd or a dance floor.

Baami — Crayon

Over the past few years, Crayon has built his reputation on bright, melody-forward Afropop — records that lean toward playful romance and colourful hooks. ‘Baami’ takes a noticeably different emotional route. Instead of the breezy flirtation that often defines his catalogue, the song turns inward, arriving as a reflective tribute shaped by gratitude, memory, and the quiet weight of family legacy.

“Baami,” a Yoruba phrase meaning my father, frames the record as a personal acknowledgement of his heavenly father. Within the song’s narrative, Crayon revisits the journey from modest beginnings to musical success, grounding the story in the figure of a father whose guidance and struggles shaped that path. It’s a perspective that shifts the focus away from celebration and toward appreciation, giving the record a deeper emotional center.

Production-wise, the song sits comfortably between soulful highlife textures and contemporary Afropop polish. The instrumental moves with a gentle groove, layering soft guitars, warm percussion, and understated melodic accents. That sonic choice mirrors the tone of the lyrics: reflective rather than exuberant. The beat leaves space for Crayon’s voice to carry the emotional weight of the song. Instead of the animated delivery heard on some of his more upbeat singles, Crayon sings with a softened tone that emphasizes sincerity. The melodies glide calmly across the instrumentals, allowing the lyrics to feel conversational, almost like a personal letter set to music.

Crayon balances recollections of hardship with moments of triumph, positioning the song as both gratitude and testimony. The message resonates beyond personal biography; it becomes an anthem for listeners navigating similar journeys, where success is often tied to the sacrifices of those who came before.

LISTEN TO THE NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST BELOW

The post Thisizlondon, Kayode, Blaqbonez, Crayon and More on New Music Friday appeared first on Afromixx.

Young Jonn ft. Asake – Che Che

Young Jonn links up with Asake for “Che Che,” an uptempo, high-energy banger that’s already shaping up to be a contender for song of the summer. The track radiates unbothered confidence and playful bravado, with both artists bringing their A-game to a bass-heavy, percussive beat laced with subtle Amapiano textures.

Asake brings his magnetic vocal stylings, sliding in effortlessly with a hypnotic flow that blends Yoruba lyricism with streetwise charm. His cadence—part chant, part melody—acts like an addictive hook in itself, while Young Jonn delivers slick lines like “I look fly, I dey smell nice, everything JeJe,” summing up the vibe in one self-assured bar.

Produced by Young Jonn himself alongside Jaytunes, “Che Che” is a certified party anthem positioned to be a cultural moment. It follows the success of his February single, “Only Fans” and keeps the momentum going after ‘Jiggy Forever‘, the singer’s 16-track debut album, which has racked up over 600 million streams globally. With lyrics like “deliver me from my frenemies,” “Che Che” taps into both playful swagger and subtle commentary, offering a street-leaning record that feels both fresh and familiar.

Crayon – Roju

Crayon steps into lover-boy mode with “Roju”, a sweet, rhythm-laced serenade that showcases his continued growth as a melody-first hitmaker. Over upbeat percussion and vibrant synth arrangements, he crafts a track that’s as perfect for late-night drives as it is for spinning on repeat at a house party.

Produced by John P, the track finds Crayon yearning for emotional depth and connection: “I will never ever ever roju roju / For you soul, imma sinner man.” It’s a bold promise, wrapped in lush harmonies and that signature Crayon bounce. The production keeps things light and infectious, but the heart of the song is in the vulnerability he wears so confidently on his sleeve, leaning into his strengths.

“Roju” builds off the momentum of ‘Bodycon’, a sultry Afropop record released just weeks prior, and sets the tone for Crayon’s upcoming project. Having carved out his lane since ‘Cray Cray‘ in 2019, the Mavin/Blowtime artist now sits confidently among Afropop’s new wave, balancing romantic themes with mass appeal. And with “Roju”, he offers listeners just a taste of that.

BNXN ft. FOLA – Very Soon

BNXN continues his romantically melancholic run with “Very Soon”, a heart-tugging collaboration with rising star FOLA. Produced by Beatz Vampire Craze, the track weaves soulful R&B textures into a fluid Afrobeats groove, setting the stage for a vulnerable reflection on love, growth, and delayed promises.

Opening with BNXN’s signature emotional drawl, the song finds him expressing devotion despite imperfections: “Ero bi mase para o je kin sun / Very very soon I’ll do it better and I promise you.” It’s an ode to patience, the kind needed to love someone who’s still finding their way. FOLA complements the sentiment with a silky, expressive verse that adds emotional depth without overcomplicating the vibe.

“Very Soon” marks the fourth single from BNXN’s forthcoming 16-track ‘CAPTAIN’ album, following “Cutesy”, “Phenomena”, and “Fi Kan We Kan” with Rema. The track also builds on BNXN and FOLA’s growing musical chemistry, first teased on the Alone remix. Together, they strike a balance of raw emotion and sonic finesse, making “Very Soon” one of the most soulfully potent releases this cycle.

Simi & Kizz Daniel – Day By Day

Two of Nigeria’s most consistent vocalists join forces for “Day By Day,” a heartfelt ballad that’s as soulful as it is soothing. Produced by AYK Beats, the track finds Simi and Kizz Daniel trading verses on love, patience, and emotional rhythm.

Simi’s voice floats with her usual clarity, tender but assertive, as she sings about growth and vulnerability in relationships. Kizz Daniel complements her beautifully, his honeyed tone wrapping around words like “every little step wey we dey take na divine.”

What makes “Day By Day” stand out is the vocal synergy wrapped around subtle honesty. Simi and Kizz Daniel are artistes that have largely built careers on love songs, yet on “Day By Day” they sound more introspective than romantic, like two people doing the hard, necessary work required to build something real and, of course, lasting.

Wizard Chan – OLIVER

There’s a primal power in Wizard Chan’s voice, and “OLIVER” uses it to full effect. Opening with tribal drums and a folk-meets-afrobeats arrangement, the song is both a spiritual plea and a philosophical musing.

Chan’s lyrics come from a place of searching: “Oliver twist, I’m asking for more / But life no be beans, e dey test your core.” It’s the language of a man who’s walked the rough road and now pauses to ask, what next? The production, helmed by Pumba Mix, is sweeping, cinematic even, with vocal chants that swell like an inner storm. With Wizard Chan riding it with sharp delivery, painting his struggles and ambition in vibrant detail. “OLIVER” by Wizard Chan is street poetry, distilled and recharged.

Sarkodie ft. Jay Bahd & Kwaku DMC – HUSTLERS DREAM

Veteran Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie taps into Ghana’s drill-powered youth for Hustlers Dream, roping in Jay Bahd and Kwaku DMC for a no-holds-barred rap cypher. Produced by MOG Beatz, the track crackles with urgency and intent. It’s an anthem purposed for those grinding against the odds, weaving lyrical dexterity with lived experience.
Sarkodie’s verse is expectedly crisp and commanding, but it’s the newer voices, Bahd and DMC, who bring street-edge flair and a refreshing take. Their hunger is palpable, and their delivery is razor-sharp.

LISTEN TO THE FULL NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST BELOW

The post Young Jonn, Simi, Bnxn and Others on New Music Friday appeared first on Afromixx.

This week, the music world has a lot to celebrate with exciting releases from some of Africa’s biggest stars. Davido is back with a new track with his unmatched style and energy. Shallipopi and Olamide also joins the lineup, delivering a track that with an exciting street vibe with innovative sounds. We also have the Queen of Afrobeats, Tiwa Savage who got featured on Fido’s hit track Awolowo.

Let’s dive into these new tracks and know a bit more about them.

Davido x YG Marley – Awuke

OBO is back with another hit track and he enlists YG Marley on this one titled Awuke. There has been so much buzz around the track way before it was even released. Fans have been anticipating it such a collaboration as it was not a collab anyone saw coming. Mainly a fusion of both Afrobeats & Amapiano genres, Awuke touches on the matters of love, and desire, which was evident right from Davido‘s first verse at the begnining of the song. YG Marley came in strong in the second verse with his vibes and different flows, giving the song a different rhythm and angle of love.

Shallipopi x Olamide – Order

Pluto presido drops another one for the streets, and who knows the street better and gives them what they want better than YBNL boss, Olamide?

Shallipopi teams up with Baddo to give us Order, a high-intensity street vibe that brings the energy right from the start of the song. Shallipopi starts this tun with strong lyrics on his hustle, how far he has come and basically how he is “The Man” now. Trust Olamide to come with the memorable lyrics, catchy rhythms and bars that he is known to dish out. Definitely a party anthem, the internet would really love this jam as they can create a unique choreography to go with it.

Fido x Tiwa Savage – Awolowo Remix

Following the huge success of his single Awolowo, Fido comes with the remix of the single, and this time, he brings the Queen of Afrobeat, Tiwa Savage to grace the song with her soothing voice and style.

Still a banger no matter how many times you listen, Awolowo brings so much relatable issues especially on living on your terms, getting the money, and living life on an easy mode by prioritizing peace.

Mr. Eazi x Mugeez x D Jay – For My Head

Mr. Eazi enlists Mugeez of R2Bees and D Jay for this one, and they title it For My Head. A tune that infuses the sounds of Ghana highlife with Afrobeats, For My Head perfectly blends these genres into one high-energy love ballad. Speaking on how far they all would go for the woman they love, the trio bring in their personal style and flow into the song which also doubles as a potential party tune.

Crayon x Young Jonn – You

Crayon x Young Jonn – You

When it comes to matters of love, Crayon, and Young Jonn are already known to be two of the biggest lover boys in the music scene, and they both go hard for love on this one they call “You” as they speak on matters of heartbreak and other aspects of love. Romantics are going to enjoy this tune as it is relatable and can be used for their special persons.

The post Davido, Olamide, Tiwa Savage, and More on Our New Music Friday List. appeared first on Afromixx.