Top 10 Biggest Record Labels In Africa 2025

Over the past ten years, the African music industry has grown at an incredible rate, because to the worldwide popularity of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other styles. Record labels have been very important in helping artists grow, getting them partnerships with companies around the world, and making African voices heard around the world. In 2025, Nigeria is still the hub of this lively business, with Mavin Records and YBNL Nation at the top of the list. Based on their artist rosters, global reach, and impact on the music business, here is a full list of the top 10 biggest record labels in Africa for 2025.

List Of Top 10 Biggest Record Labels In Africa 2025

1. Mavin Records

Mavin Records, also known as the Supreme Mavin Dynasty, was founded in 2012 by legendary producer Don Jazzy following the dissolution of Mo’Hits Records. With its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, and a stellar roster that includes Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, Crayon, Magixx, Boy Spyce, and Bayanni, Mavin is Africa’s most influential record label. Its ability to find and nurture global stars is unrivaled; Rema’s “Calm Down” and Ayra Starr’s “Rush” are top of international charts. Mavin’s strategic partnerships, including a majority investment from Universal Music Group in 2024 and a holding company structure with Jonzing World, have broadened its reach, and its creative approach to brand activation, music licensing, and artist development has cemented its position at the top.

2. YBNL Nation

YBNL (Yahoo Boy No Laptop), founded in 2012 by native rapper Olamide Adedeji, has revolutionized Nigerian music by promoting Afrobeats and street-hop. Olamide, Fireboy DML, Asake, DJ Enimoney, and up-and-coming artists Jayboi and Senth are all signed to the Lagos-based label. Olamide’s early wagers on Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, and Pheelz are prime examples of YBNL’s talent-spotting prowess, which has made it a dominant force. Its worldwide reach was increased by a 2020 distribution agreement with EMPIRE Distribution, which helped Fireboy DML’s “Peru” and Asake’s “Sungba” achieve widespread praise. Olamide’s guidance and YBNL’s emphasis on a variety of sounds guarantee the network’s supremacy in 2025.

3. Chocolate City

One of Africa’s oldest and most enduring labels is Chocolate City, which was founded in 2005 by Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori. With its headquarters in Lagos, it has produced legends like M.I. Abaga, Ice Prince, and Jesse Jagz. Today, it is home to artists like Tar1q, Blaqbonez, Young Jonn, and Candy Bleakz. Its global prominence has been reinforced by its collaboration with Warner Music Group and the establishment of sub-labels such as 100 Crowns. Chocolate City’s ability to create hits is demonstrated by the release of Ckay’s “Love Nwantiti,” the most popular African song on streaming services. The label, which has been around for almost 20 years, is still a mainstay of African music.

4. Spaceship Entertainment

Founded in 2015 by Grammy-winning musician Burna Boy, Spaceship Entertainment is a small but powerful label with its headquarters in Lagos. With Burna Boy, Nissi, and producer Telz on its small roster, it has a huge impact. Spaceship’s popularity has increased as a result of Burna Boy’s international success with albums like Twice as Tall and African Giant, which have led to collaborations with Atlantic Records and Bad Habit. The label is a dominant force in 2025 because of its emphasis on quality over quantity and its capacity to capitalize on Burna Boy’s global tours and advertising. Spaceship’s distinctive sound and genuine culture are well-received all across the world.

5. EMPIRE Africa

Since entering the Nigerian market, EMPIRE Africa, the African division of San Francisco-based EMPIRE Distribution, has changed the game. Acting as a distributor and label, EMPIRE has signed artists like Olamide, Fireboy DML, Asake, and Kizz Daniel, and has partnered with labels like YBNL. Its creative distribution strategy and access to international streaming platforms have helped Nigerian music reach new heights, and its ability to land high-profile collaborations, like Fireboy DML’s “Peru” remix with Ed Sheeran, demonstrates its impact. In 2025, EMPIRE Africa’s data-driven approach and wide-ranging network position it as a top-tier label.

6. DMW

Established in 2016 by Afrobeats icon Davido following his departure from HKN Music, DMW is a Lagos-based record label recognized for its illustrious roster, which includes Peruzzi, Dremo, Mayorkun, Morravey, and Logos Olori. Davido’s international acclaim and leadership have propelled DMW’s success, with tracks such as Mayorkun’s “Certified Loner” and Peruzzi’s “Rum & Boogie” gaining significant popularity. The label’s achievements, including the Record Label of the Year award at The Beatz Awards 2019, underscore its influence. DMW’s capacity to fuse Afrobeats with global sounds and capitalize on Davido’s World Cup performance ensures its continued relevance in 2025.

7. Jonzing World

Jonzing World, established in 2019 by D’Prince (Charles Enebeli), the sibling of Mavin’s Don Jazzy, is an imprint label with shared ownership by Mavin Records. Located in Lagos, it has introduced two of Nigeria’s most prominent talents, Rema and Ruger. Rema’s initial recognition by D’Prince and subsequent transition to Mavin underscores Jonzing World’s talent identification capabilities, while Ruger’s “Bounce” and “Dior” have solidified his reputation. The label’s concentrated lineup and strategic partnership with Mavin guarantee its swift ascent, establishing it as a pivotal entity in the 2025 Afrobeats landscape.

8. Starboy Entertainment

Starboy Entertainment, a Lagos-based label that has influenced the global rise of Afrobeats, was established in 2013 by Wizkid following his departure from Empire Mates Entertainment. Wizkid, Terri, L.A.X, and producers Legendury Beatz and Maleek Berry are on its roster. With the support of an agreement with RCA Records, Starboy has achieved worldwide recognition for songs like “Soco” and Wizkid’s Made in Lagos. Even though Wizkid isn’t as active in signing new artists, his worldwide impact—which includes his partnerships with Drake and Beyoncé—keeps Starboy relevant in 2025. The innovative legacy of the label lives on.

9. Kennis Music

Kennis Music, a Nigerian label based in Lagos, was started by radio DJ Kenny Ogungbe in the late 1990s. It was called “Africa’s No. 1 Record Label” and helped 2Baba, Eedris Abdulkareem, Sound Sultan, and Eldee get their start. Kennis Music is still important because of its historical effect and ability to adapt, even though it isn’t as popular as it used to be. The label concentrates on legacy artists and selective signings in 2025, keeping its power through nostalgia and respect from the industry.

10. DB Records

D’banj started DB Records in 2012 after Mo’Hits Records split up. The label is situated in Lagos and has faced struggles but is still a major participant. The label is known for D’banj’s singles like “Oliver Twist” and has signed singers including Kayswitch and J.Sol. DB Records may not have as many artists as its competitors, but its focus on D’banj’s international brand and infrequent releases keep it in the spotlight. The label’s long history and D’banj’s continued popularity will keep it among Africa’s best labels in 2025.