The Nigerian music industry despite it’s potentials and growth over the year remains one of the most unstructured music industries in the world. In 2021, we are still witnessing issues where creatives fail to sign split sheets, non payment of performance royalties to creatives, lack of proper structure in record labels and inadequate policies by the regulatory bodies in the charge of the music industry in Nigeria. Is this the Best Record Label in Nigeria in terms of A and R ?
This issues are ofcourse reflective of the quality of music obtainable these days in the Nigerian Music Industry and the almost non existence of the A and R department in most record labels and music outfits in Nigeria.
What is A and R ?
A and R simply means ” Artiste” (the musician or recording Artistes) and “Repertoire” (his catalogue of songs). The job of an A&R expert or the A&R department is to oversee and coordinate everything concerning the artiste development and the type of songs the Artistes record and submit to the record label or release independently. The A&R department is responsible for talent scouting and overseeing of the artistic development of recording artistes and songwriters in a record label or music publishing company.
The A&R department of a record label or A&R expert also oversees the music style and recording process of the recording Artistes. This includes sourcing the right beat makers for the Artistes, scheduling studio sessions, choosing the best songs to record, sourcing song writers for the artiste as well as being responsible for the general image and branding of the artistes.
The A&R major duty is to scout for talented artistes, groom and develop these talented artistes to create hits, create opportunities for them to get their music heard and ultimately generate revenue for the Artiste (if unsigned) and record label if signed.
Mavins Records
The “Don Jazzy” led Record Label remains one of the most structured Record label in Nigeria. Established in May 2012 by Don jazzy after the exit of Mo Hit Records, the label has gone ahead to produce some of the biggest music stars out of Nigeria and Africa as whole.
The Record label boasts of signing young talented Artistes and grooming them into some of the country’s Finest stars. The A&R department of the label especially deserves some accolades for turning all the signed Artistes in the label to superstars.
From Recording Artistes like Tiwa savage, Korede Bello, Dija, Reekado banks, LadiPoe, Johnny drille, Rema, Ruger official, Crayon and Ayra Starr to producers like Altima, Ozedikus and Babyfresh, it is clear that the A&R team in Mavins have eyes for talent.
The eyes for talent and commitment to developing these talent can be attested to in the level of growth and acceptance of most if not all of Mavins signed Artistes. From project roll out, to publicity, to videos and quality of songs, Mavins is undoubtedly the number one Nigerian Record label in terms of A and R in Nigeria.
Is there any record label you feel should have taken this position ? Feel free to state such in the comments.