YBNL Vs Mavins

This year, we have had two record labels come up against each other. The Don Jazzy-led Mavins ruffled the feathers of the YBNL rap boys, with leader Olamide making the fight his own.

This is not a permanent fixture, but the war still rages on other fronts, with music being the core weapon of competing. We bring you the state of the union in record label positions in 2016.

Who’s on the rise? Who’s taking a beating? Will Five Star Music give us another trick show or will Kcee continue his dry spell of no hits? Who’s the big hitter at Chocolate City these days? And why are the other YBNL boys taking a chill for Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold to shine.

In 2015, Mavin Records consolidated their grip on pop culture with Korede Bello hitting dizzying heights with ‘Godwin’, a single who made history as the biggest pop song of the year according to Pulse Music…which pretty much accounts for everyone else.

Without the presence of their Queen, who was chasing the bright lights of motherhood, the label still found a way to keep everything ticking as D’Prince awoke from his slumber, and Dr Sid gave a good song in ‘Kabiyesi’. Reekado Banks is still one song away from true greatness, and Di’Ja still seeks to recreate the magic of ‘Awww’.

This year, Tiwa’s album is being promoted with vigour, giving the entire house a good injection of firepower. Korede Bello needs to prove that he is not just a one-trick Jheri-curled pony. ‘Godwin’ might have made him dine out multiple times last year, but 2016 needs another shot in the arm. A follow-up song is what’s needed. Reekado Banks is a pop machine, and he needs to keep his work rate up. You get a feeling he is just on the cusp of greatness, and the next song might be his blockbuster. Dr SID needs more ammo. He can’t win the game when he isn’t playing. D’Prince had a decent personal year but needs to up the ante.

The main obstacle for the Mavins are their diversity in talent which takes a whole lot of work to bring together and make shine, but they have Don Jazzy, Altims, and the increasingly artistic Baby Fresh taking them through the paces.

All the shine on this record label previously was enjoyed by the CEO, Olamide, who singlehandedly via music, smart business decisions, and a good heart, built this crew. But in the past two years he has given Lil Kesh a life, saw potential in Adekunle Gold, and signed up a bunch of others. (Just in case you honestly forgot, Xino, Viktoh, and Chinko Ekun also share the YBNL roster).

‘Eyan Mayweather’ album was an artistic flop, with Olamide outdoing himself with another album that sounds more like a mixtape. Thankfully, the hit singles and concerts have been a huge blessing to the man, making him arguably Nigeria’s biggest act in 2015.

Lil Kesh needs a body of work to stake his claim as the rightful heir to the throne. He has huffed, puffed, and lost out on the Next Rated crown, but that should inspire him, not break him, (seeing that he makes enough money for a new SUV every two weeks). He needs his album out. Adekunle Gold gets enough golden love from the South West, but outside the region, he doesn’t exist. And yes, I confirmed that with investigative journalism which I have failed to publish. He needs to diversify his work to appeal to more people, and that generosity will pay off.

Viktoh is still a work in progress as he is unsure of his true musical direction and depth. Chinko Ekun is still industry news, and Xino has never been seen.

A good way to get ahead for this house is a compilation album to get things rocking. Lil Kesh needs that album badly. Olamide will rinse and repeat his yearly process, but more music from Chinko Ekun, who is extremely talented will give a fresh dimension to this label.

They’re in good shape. For now.