Celebrating A Decade of Mavin Records With 10 Standout Songs
a decade-long victory lap
Mavin Records is a towering dynasty in the making. Birthed in 2012 by Don Jazzy, the label’s formation followed the closure of Mo’hits records in the aftermath of the split between Don Jazzy and D’banj. Recently hitting the 10-year mark, Mavin has nurtured dozens artists, producers, songwriters and music creators, elevating more than a handful into global superstardom. It’s quite the fulfilment, considering the word Mavin refers to someone who is an expertise in whatever field they find themselves.
In a glitzy introduction, Mavin Records opened shop with its ‘Solar Plexus’, a compilation album featuring its first set of artists—Dr Sid, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince and Wande Coal—under the guidance of executive producer and label boss, Don Jazzy. Largely created and produced within the space of three days, the 13-track project was moderately received, setting the ball rolling for an abundant run that continues till date. Over the years, Mavin has been the home to more superstars and acclaimed producers beyond its inaugural class, with an enviable list that includes Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Di’Ja, Iyanya, BabyFresh, Altims, Ladipoe, Rema, Crayon, Ayra Starr, Johnny Drille, and more.
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Mavin recently shared the all-star single “Overdose,” which was first previewed at their celebration party last weekend and was released earlier today. The single is the precursor to an upcoming compilation album, which doesn’t have a specified release date just yet. While looking forward to that project, it also feels pertinent and apt to take a trip down memory lane. Below, we look at each calendar year in the Mavin canon, highlighting a standout song from each year.
2012: D’Prince – “Take Banana”
Now label boss of Jonzing world Records, D’Prince delivered the record “Take Banana” in 2012 as part of Solar Plexus. The raunchy songs, with thinly-veiled quips about unbridled horniness, had the lyrics “take banana till you go yo” on the lips of listeners and fans for a long time. The song emphasised D’Prince’s pop bonafides, and it quckly became the standout single off the compilation project ‘Solar Plexus.’
Honourable Mentions: “Oma Ga” – Tiwa Savage and “Forever” – Wande Coal
2013: Tiwa Savage – “Eminado” (feat. Don Jazzy)
Everything about this record “Eminado” is special. From the meaning of the title “Eminado” which means “good luck charm” to the delivery on the track, Tiwa Savage and Don Jazzy created a special record and the synergy on the record is what draws listeners to this particular tune. On the pre-hook of the track, Tiwa chants “Oh my baby, carry me like your baby/I don’t know what you did to me but I’ll never leave, I’ll be your Eminado”, stating her importance and relevance if she’s welcomed in the life of her lover. Don Jazzy also holds down the song with his stellar verse and his bass voice, fusing a different energy and life into the record.
Honourable Mentions: “Rotate” – Wande Coal
2014: Mavin All Stars – “Dorobucci”
In terms of impact, “Dorobucci” has to be the most impactful song out of the Mavins’ catalogue. The record was used to break out three different stars at the same time and undoubtedly did just that. The record featured verses from Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Di’ja & D’Prince and the word “Doro” became the go to word for any music and non music lover. The heavy impact of the record cannot be overstated. On the Don Jazzy-produced record, each artist delivered a stellar verse that tied their respective personalities to their verses. On the track Tiwa Savage chants lyrics such as “Doro na diva, doro na Tiwa, doro na leader”, stating she’s a female boss and won’t be stopped by anyone. Korede Bello on his verse also shared lyrics such as “Doro mega, doro super, doro star, doro mega superstar”, introducing listeners to himself, his music as well as his persona.
Honourable Mentions: “Adaobi” ft. Don Jazzy, Reekado Banks, D’ija
2015: Korede Bello – “Godwin”
Korede Bello had listeners and fans at his feet with a stellar verse on “Dorobucci”. In a bid to show more star power, the artist released the single “Godwin” in January 2017, a record that rose to the top of the charts as soon as it was released. The record which was also produced by Don Jazzy sees the artist speaking on his recent achievements and thanking God for his success story. On the track he chants lyrics such as “I don get alert, Godwin and I don buy motor Godwin/Everything I do na Godwin”, expressing his most sincere appreciation.
Honourable Mentions: “Kabiyesi” – DR SID
2016: Reekado Banks – “Problem”
Reekado Banks released his first body of work ‘Spotlight’ in 2016 and the album featured records such as “Ladies and Gentlemen”, “Move” and more. On standout record “Problem”, Reekado Banks opens the track as he chants “This gbedu is a problem”, assuring listeners that they’re in for a ride on the track. Produced by Baby Fresh, the record sees the artist praising his love interest based on her physique. He sings on the track, “Your problem dey for your back/your problem is our problem, this problem is a problem”, over the heavy kicks of the production of the track.
Honourable Mentions: “Standing Ovation” and “BAD” – Tiwa Savage
2017: Tiwa Savage – “Ma Lo” ft Wizkid
Shortly after its release, “Ma Lo” instantly became a hit song and only became bigger as the days went by. Off her ‘Sugarcane’ EP, Tiwa Savage teamed up with Wizkid for the romantic number. The mid tempo tune sees both artists delivering romantic verses to their love interests. On the chorus, Tiwa Savage quips “Ma lo, jo o, you give me love I never see oh”, pleading with her love interest in the most romantic way possible to remain by her side. Wizkid taps into the message of the record and delivers a stellar verse.
Honourable Mentions:“All Over”– Tiwa Savage
2019: Rema – “Dumebi”
After a fallow 2018, Mavin, in collaboration with D’Prince’s then-new imprint Jonzing World, introduced the world to wunderkind Rema, unfolding a new era early in 2019. Rema arrived with the release of his debut self-titled EP, which had introduced listeners to a world of different sounds and themes all merged into 4 tracks. The standout track “Dumebi” instantly piqued the attention of listeners and in no time became a fans favourite, topping charts in and out of Africa. On the track, his search for love directs him to an Afropop dance party bop with piano-led beats Ozedikus produces as he showcases melodies and delivers a stellar performance.
Honourable Mentions: “All I Do Is In Order” ft. Don Jazzy, Rema, Korede Bello, DNA Twins
2020: Ladipoe – “Know You” (feat. Simi)
At the peak of the pandemic, Ladipoe released the Simi-assistsed “Know You” as his first official single of the year, blending his heavy bars with Simi’s magical voice and sensual melodies. On the track, they both sing to their respective love interests on how they’d want to be more than just friends and they’d like to know them deeply. On his verse, Ladipoe quips standout lyrics such as “You got something in your teeth but would you try to stop me if I want to take it out/Girl I think you love me, but you turn this bad boy into a busy boy.”
Honourable Mentions: “Woman”- Rema
2021: Ladipoe – “Feeling” (feat. BNXN Fka Buju)
Ladipoe teamed up with BNXN to deliver the longest number 1 Hip-Hop/Rap song on the Turntable charts in 2021. The record “Feeling” is an uptempo rhythmic number which captures the beauty of focusing on the good things of life and taking life one at a time. Produced by Andre Vibez, BNXN sings on the chorus “I like the way I’m feeling now, no come use your reggae spoil my blues and rhythm now”, Ladipoe on the track delivers two rap verses which sees him contributing to the message of the track with his rap bars. He quips lyrics such as “All I wanna do is jaiye, 220 on the highway/I’m about the energy, baby if it’s good bring it my way, if it’s bad keep it private”, making it clear to listeners that he’s focusing on the positive and good vibes.
Honourable Mentions: “Bloody Samaritan” – Ayra Starr
2022 (so far): Rema – “Calm Down”
Off the highly anticipated debut album ‘Rave & Roses’, Rema arrived at the start of the year with the lead single off the tape “Calm Down”, an infectious Afropop romantic number which finds the artist singing about his love interest inviting her to give him a chance. On the track he sings “Baby calm down, this your body dey put my heart for lockdown” over the rhythmic and melodious production of the Andre Vibez-produced track. He delivers a special romantic number as he fuses a bit of pidgin into the lyrics of the record, giving listeners an enjoyable listening experience through his inviting melodies.
Honourable Mentions:
“Are You There” off Rema’s debut album ‘Rave & Roses’ is a fierce, bold and honest statement by a young Nigerian artist who has a lot to say and uses music as a weapon of expression. This record which arrived less than two months ago has become one of the songs which have resonated with fans and listeners as it addresses the matters we as young Nigerians have faced and are still currently facing.
Featured Image Credits/NATIVE
Shekhinah Returns With Surprise Album, ‘Less Trouble’
The South African R&B star is at her most assertive on her first album in four years.
South African R&B and Pop singer Shekhinah has released a new surprise album titled ‘Less Trouble.’ The Durban star, who had been quiet for most of the year, took to social media shortly before midnight to share the new album’s cover, synopsis, and tracklist, simply stating, ‘If you’re seeing this my album LESS TROUBLE is out now at Midnight,’ in an Instagram caption.
The soulful singer first began teasing ‘Less Trouble,’ her first album in over four years, about a year ago when she released its lead single “Risk,” a bouncy Afropop-inspired collab with Ghanaian star MOLIY. A few months after the release of “Risk,” she put out “Steady,” a dreamy pop number that suggested that something bigger was on the horizon. But then it was largely radio silence about a project until its surprise arrival at midnight.
If 2021’s ‘Trouble In Paradise’ represented a coming-of-age for Shekhinah, subsisting some of the dreamy, youthful exuberance of her debut album for more measured musings on themes like heartbreak and grief, ‘Less Trouble’ finds her at her most assertive, writing and singing with the acuity of someone who is grown, decisive and discerning. The delicate opener “Break Up Season” sets the tone for the rest of the album as she shows little tolerance for shady behaviour and toxic patterns.
Other standout cuts on the album like “Bare Minimum,” a sombre collab with fellow South African award-winning singer lordkez, the ethereal, in-your-face interlude “New Casanova,” and the percussive “What Are We,” where Shekhinah contemplates the nature of a relationship but ultimately demands all or nothing, all drive home a part of the album’s synopsis, which reads ‘A BOOK ON MORE HEARTBREAK BUT LESS HEARTACHE.’
Shekhinah invites a couple of new collaborators on ‘Less Trouble,’ featuring the aforementioned MOLIY and lordkez as well as multi-instrumentalist Mars Baby and Young Stunna across the album’s 11 tracks. Mpilo Shabangu handled the majority of the album’s production, while other producers like Michael Morare, her longtime collaborator, Mthintheki Mzizi, and Vuyo also contributed to the album.
Listen to ‘Less Trouble’ here.
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The NATIVE’s First Impressions Of Amaarae’s ‘Black Star’
‘Black Star’ marks another evolutionary arc for Amaarae, and The NATIVE team offer our thoughts after a...
Change has always been a constant theme in any discussion about the career of Ghanaian-American star, Amaarae. Since she emerged as a singular voice in the late 2010s, she has evolved from a sirenic Afropop-adjacent singer into a Punk-Pop firestarter with minimal fuss. ‘Fountain Baby,’ her 2023 sophomore album, was a sweeping departure from the lilting melodies and shapeshifing cadences of the hypnotic ‘The Angel You Don’t Know,’ emphasizing her commitment to charting new courses with her music.
In the lead-up to her new album, ‘Black Star,’ she has wholly embraced a Pop aesthetic and sheen that was reflected on the album’s promotional singles, “S.M.O.” and “Girlie-Pop!.” Now that the album has arrived, the singer has advised listeners not to go in expecting a continuation of the soundscape on ‘Fountain Baby.’ As keen followers of Amaarae’s career from its start, we are sure that ‘Black Star’ marks another evolutionary arc for her, and we offer our thoughts after a few listens.
WHAT WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF AMAARAE GOING INTO THIS ALBUM?
Kemnachi: I had zero doubts that she would impress me again. Amaarae always comes correct. She is audacious with her choices, taking creative risks most artists would not dare to imagine, and somehow rendering them seamless, deliberate, and effortless. Her music has a way of enveloping me: it’s fluid, slightly dangerous, and yet irresistibly sensual. Every project feels like an immersive world she has curated down to the finest detail. With ‘Black Star,’ I knew it was not going to be a mere collection of songs but another meticulously constructed realm.
Bamise: I expected something fun, genre-bending, and sonically diverse in the fashion that Amaarae’s music typically is. I may have taken the album title a bit too literally, though, because listening made me realise I had an eye out for some Pan-African statements or something to spark discourse on African identity, but I didn’t quite catch any of that.
Boluwatife: Amaarae has largely delivered throughout her career, so I knew she was going to come correct again. She’s one of those forward-thinking artists who take the kind of risks most others wouldn’t, but she always manages to make it work. She’s proven to be a musical omnivore who constantly meshes her wide-ranging influences into something new, fluid, icy, and more often than not, sensual. I knew ‘Black Star’ wasn’t going to be any different.
WHAT SONGS STOOD OUT ON THE FIRST LISTEN?
Wale: I liked “Girlie-Pop!.” I feel like it captures Amaarae’s vision of pushing Afropop into the future. She’s also really grown comfortable with music and lyricism and will not dumb down her message for anybody. The instrumental for “Girlie-Pop!” is also a wonder; it’s so dense, but there are pockets for Amaarae to be emotive about her feelings. Top song!
Daniel Akins: I need to hear “B2B” at the next rave I’m at. Amaarae is in her Dance era, and I’m here for it. Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt 2” with PinkPantheress is the collaboration I knew I needed, and I’m glad they finally linked up. It’s a clear standout on the project; their ethereal style complements each other.
Shina: “B2B” was the one that did it for me. That is my favourite track on the project. The number of times I ran it back was unhealthy for a first listen. It was also really fun to catch the Don Toliver “Best You Had” sample. I need to hear this outside!
HOW WELL YOU THINK THE GUEST APPEARANCES ENHANCED THE LISTENING EXPERIENCE?
Israel: The guest features on Black Star aren’t mere flexes. They’re strategic, theatrical, and sometimes emotionally resonant. They enhance, yes, but they do so on Amaarae’s terms. A standout for me was PinkPantheress on “Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt 2.” The tradeoff is that a few songs feel like dazzling cameos rather than an integrated conversation, yet overall they enhance the album’s drama, texture, and bravado with precision.
Daniel Banjoko: Everyone showed up and delivered, no weak links here. Instead of just guest spots, they felt like vital pieces of a bigger puzzle. Charlie Wilson on “Dream Scenario” nailed his part especially, making the track sound exactly like its name promises.
Moore: The guest appearances on ‘Black Star’ feel very intentional; each one enhances the album’s world without overshadowing Amaarae’s vision. PinkPantheress’s signature airy delivery meshes with Amaarae’s experimental pop sound. Naomi Campbell’s commanding voice on “ms60” is an unexpected but powerful addition, adding drama to the track. Each feature feels carefully chosen.
WHAT SONG IS THE BIGGEST SKIP?
Bamise: Not to be a party pooper, but I don’t get the PinkPantheress collab, “Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt 2.” It feels like a PinkPantheress song with less pop in it, and just borrows the title of the iconic Soulja Boy song but has no other similarities. It’s between that and “ms60.” For me, the chorus of that sounds like something I’ve heard from Amaarae before, and I doubt its absence would have diminished the album.
Shina: I feel like biggest skip is a strong word for a solid project, but if I have to pick a song to skip, it’ll be “ms60.” I think it’s easily forgettable.
Wale: It’s hard to single out a song that stuck out to me, but hearing Naomi Campbell on “ms60” threw me off. It’s just too contrived to bear for me.
WHAT SONG HAS THE BIGGEST HIT POTENTIAL?
Boluwatife: My gut answer would probably be “She Is My Drug,” just because of how she beautifully reworks the melodies from Cher’s “Believe.” DJ remixes of this song could go crazy. But if I were to think a bit more logically, TikTok would probably lap up “Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt 2.”
Daniel Banjoko: “Kiss Me Thru the Phone pt 2” goes crazy. Amaarae and PinkPantheress are the perfect match. This collab feels like it was destined to happen, and it delivers in full. Honestly, I can’t believe it took this long, and now I just need more tracks from these two, ASAP.
Moore: “Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt 2” has the biggest hit potential on the album. The song has a nostalgic, sad party girl vibe that makes it appealing, and it’s also catchy and well-produced. PinkPantheress consistently performs well on platforms like TikTok, and her fanbase overlaps in a really interesting way with Amaarae’s. The collaboration feels organic and exciting, and will likely create a lot of buzz.
OVERALL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Wale: There is a very visceral quality to how Amaarae expresses desire that I don’t hear very often in a lot of music. It’s abstracted and warped in futuristic textures, but it’s very profoundly human, and it’s always great to hear that even as she advances the sonics of her delivery. I do, however, have an issue with the thematic scope of ‘Black Star.’ I thought there would be overt references to her experiences of navigating her Ghanaian identity, but those references are limited to samples and interpolations. It’s still an incisive listen and a triumph for finding ways to advance music from Africa.
Bamise: It’s Amaarae; she can never go wrong. But for me, this is the album that excites me the least from her catalogue. Other than how bass-heavy some songs on the album are, like “S.M.O.” and “She Is My Drug” among others, it feels similar to other projects I’ve heard from her in a way that’s not exactly refreshing or mind-bending. I may have gotten spoiled by how diverse and eclectic Amaarae’s music tends to be, but I wanted more from her. I expected more gangster, Hip-Hop Amaarae. Thematically, I didn’t get anything that gives the Black Star of Ghana, or black stars are ruling the world. Will I listen again and enjoy every bit of it still, though? Yes, I will.
Shina: So first off, this is a solid body of work. I love the fact that Amaarae stuck with the Dance, Electro-Pop route she was going with throughout the album. The features also played their part, adding their unique touches to each record. I would say, though, a feature I would’ve loved to hear on this project is 070Shake. I think she would have been perfect on “100DRUM,” but we don’t always get what we want, do we? Thematically, I think Amaarae could’ve leaned heavily on her Ghanaian heritage, seeing as the title and cover of the album are a nod to that. Maybe Amaarae just wants us to dance, and that’s what I’m just gonna do, and you should too.
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Tems Partners With Hennessy For Leading Vibe Initiative
Launching in Lagos, Nigeria, this event pioneered by Tems marks the beginning of a continent-wide movement to...
In July, Tems announced the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI) to support women in music and the creative space on their journey to make a mark in their fields and create space for other women in those industries. Born from Tems’ journey as a self-taught artist with a focus on driving change, the initiative offers training, mentorship, industry access, and community for women in music in Africa.
After a rigorous selection process for its inaugural cohort, Hennessy will join the two-time Grammy Award-winning star to celebrate the launch of the Leading Vibe (LVI) Initiative in Lagos, Nigeria. Held from August 8 to 9, 2025, the two-day event is the beginning of a bold new chapter in Hennessy’s long-standing commitment to music and culture in Africa.
“I’m excited to partner with Hennessy in bringing this initiative to life, supporting talented young women in music as they find their voices, embrace their power, and shape the future of the industry across Africa and beyond,” Tems said about the partnership.
The Leading Vibe Initiative aims to champion the next generation of female artists, producers, songwriters, and music professionals, increasing representation within all areas of music across the continent and beyond.
With Hennessy as lead partner, this ambitious program kicks off with an immersive event in Lagos featuring curated workshops, networking moments, and panel discussions led by top-tier talent from across the global and African music industries.
“Her vision, talent, and purpose align deeply with Hennessy’s legacy of championing those who push boundaries and redefine the world around them. We’re honored to support the Leading Vibe Initiative and to continue empowering African communities and cultures,” said Vincent Montalescot, Hennessy Global Chief Marketing Officer.
Hennessy’s partnership with Tems builds on the brand’s decades-long history of supporting music and artistic expression globally and on the continent. From Hip-Hop to Afrobeats, Hennessy continues to stand beside the artists and communities that shape culture.
In Africa, the Maison has deepened its commitment through meaningful initiatives like In the Paint and now, with the Leading Vibe Initiative, is taking a focused step toward amplifying women’s voices in music. With the Lagos launch as a powerful first step, the Leading Vibe Initiative will expand across Africa and globally, creating a cross-continental network of empowered women ready to shape the future of African music.
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