Top 10 Biggest Record Labels in Africa 2025

The African music industry has grown a lot in the last ten years, thanks to the advent of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and other native genres around the world. Record labels have been a big part of this change, as they provide the main support for artist development, music production, and global distribution. In 2025, a few record labels stand out for their impact, their talent pool, and their role in making African music more popular around the world. Below is a detailed look at the top 10 biggest record labels in Africa, with a focus on their history, accomplishments, and effects on the music scene.

List Of Top 10 Biggest Record Labels in Africa 2025:

1. Mavin Records:

Mavin Records, also known as the Supreme Mavin Dynasty, is situated in Lagos, Nigeria, and is probably the most important record label in Africa. Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, started Mavin Records in 2012 when Mo'Hits Records, which he co-owned with D'Banj, went out of business. The label has become a powerhouse, taking care of some of Africa's biggest talents, such Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Reekado Banks, and emerging stars like Rema and Ayra Starr. Mavin Records is still the best in 2025, because to its wide range of performers, which include Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, Crayon, Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, and Lifesize Teddy. The label's ability to mix Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop, along with smart collaborations like a multi-million-dollar investment from Kupanda Holdings in 2019 and Universal Music Group's purchase of a controlling share, has made it a global force. Mavin is a leader in the African music business because it is dedicated to making high-quality music and coming up with new ways to help artists grow. Rema's "Dumebi" and Ayra Starr's "Rush" are two of its biggest singles that have received international praise.

2. YBNL Nation:

Olamide Adedeji, an indigenous rapper and music magnate, started YBNL Nation, which stands for "Yahoo Boy No Laptop," in 2012. It is one of the most successful record labels in Nigeria. YBNL is based in Lagos and has played a big role in creating the Nigerian music scene, especially in the hip-hop and Afrobeats genres. The company has helped artists like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, and Asake get started. The last two became famous over the world in 2025. Olamide, Fireboy DML, Asake, DJ Enimoney, and up-and-coming artists like Jayboi and B.Banks are all on YBNL's roster right now. YBNL is a cultural force because Olamide has a penchant for finding talented people and mixing street-hop with modern sounds. The label's 2020 distribution contract with Empire Distribution has helped it reach more people across the world. Now, acts like Asake can sell out places like the O2 Arena in London. YBNL is a key part of Nigeria's music business since it is real and dedicated to developing new talent.

3. Chocolate City:

Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori started Chocolate City in 2005. It is one of Africa's oldest and most popular record labels. The label is based in Nigeria and has been a leader in promoting Afrobeats and hip-hop. Its roster has included big names in the business like M.I. Abaga, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, and Brymo. Chocolate City is still a force in 2025, with musicians like CKay, Blaqbonez, Candy Bleakz, and Young Jonn who keep pushing the limits of creativity. The label's collaboration with Warner Music Group has made it better at getting music out to people all over the world. Its sub-labels, such 100 Crowns and Up North Records, have also helped it reach more people. Chocolate City is able to make chart-topping hits, as seen by the release of CKay's "Love Nwantiti," which is one of the biggest African songs in the world. Chocolate City has been a major player in African music for almost 20 years. Its perfect structure and ability to adapt to changing musical styles have made it a leader in the field.

4. Spaceship Entertainment:

Burna Boy, a Grammy-winning performer, started Spaceship Entertainment in 2015. The Nigerian record company has made a name for itself with its unique sound and appeal around the world. The label's roster is modest, with only Burna Boy, Nissi, and producer Telz, yet it has had a big influence. Burna Boy's CDs African Giant and Twice as Tall have made Spaceship a major figure in the spread of Afrobeats over the world. The label's smart relationships with Atlantic Records and Bad Habit have helped it reach more people and compete on a worldwide scale. Spaceship Entertainment is still using Burna Boy's celebrity power in 2025. His performances at big events like the Grammy Awards and global tours help the company stay strong. Spaceship stands out in the African music industry because it cares more about quality than quantity and is always looking for new ways to make art.

5. EMPIRE Africa:

In 2025, EMPIRE Africa, the African branch of EMPIRE Distribution in San Francisco, has become a major player in the African music business. EMPIRE is not a typical record label. Instead, it is a distribution and publishing platform that gives artists creative control and access to markets all over the world. In Africa, EMPIRE has worked with musicians like Olamide, Fireboy DML, and Asake, as well as labels like YBNL Nation, to help them become successful around the world. The label's tech-savvy approach to marketing and distribution has made it a popular place for independent musicians to have their music heard throughout the world. EMPIRE Africa is a key player in the African music scene, especially in Nigeria, where it has had a big impact on the Afrobeats scene. It connects local talent with foreign audiences and uses creative techniques.

6. DMW (Davido Music Worldwide):

Afrobeats star Davido started Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) in 2016. It is a Nigerian musical company noted for its chart-topping hits and the close relationships between its artists. DMW is based in Lagos and has helped artists like Mayorkun, Peruzzi, Dremo, Liya, Morravey, and Logos Olori grow. Davido is the main artist. The label is a major player in Afrobeats since it focuses on high-quality production and bright visuals. DMW's performers often work together on songs, which has led to hits like "Fem" and "Jowo." DMW is still doing well in 2025, winning awards like Record Label of the Year at The Beatz Awards 2019 and getting more and more fans throughout the world. Davido's global reach and charitable work make the label even more appealing, making DMW a well-liked and important part of the African music scene.

7. Jonzing World:

Jonzing World is a Nigerian musical label that was started in 2019 by D'Prince (Charles Enebeli), who is the younger brother of Don Jazzy. It is partially owned by Mavin Records. Jonzing World has made a big impact in a short amount of time by finding and promoting artists like Rema and Ruger. D'Prince first found Rema and then introduced him to Mavin Records to give him more exposure. Ruger, on the other hand, has become one of Nigeria's most promising emerging performers and was nominated for the Headies' Next Rated award. In 2025, Jonzing World's roster, which includes GDZILLA, is getting bigger. The label's focus on new Afrobeats and dancehall sounds is popular with people all around the world. Jonzing World is becoming a star in the African music industry thanks to its connection to Mavin Records, which gives it money and knowledge.

8. Starboy Entertainment:

Afrobeats star Wizkid started Starboy Entertainment in 2013. It is a Nigerian record company that has had a big impact on the style of modern Afrobeats. L.A.X, Terri, Maleek Berry, and Legendury Beatz are just a few of the musicians and producers who have worked with the label in Lagos. Wizkid is still the major artist, but Starboy's album Ayo, which he worked on with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), and his relationships with RCA Records have helped the company reach more people around the world. Starboy Entertainment is still important in 2025 because Wizkid is doing well around the world, with hits like "Essence" topping charts all over the world. The company hasn't been signing as many new musicians lately, though; instead, they've been focusing on Wizkid's projects and a few other talented people. Starboy is still popular because of Wizkid's star power and the fact that it helped Afrobeats become popular around the world.

9. Kennis Music:

Kennis Music, which Nigerian radio DJ Kenny Ogungbe started in the late 1990s, is one of Nigeria's first record labels and is sometimes called "Africa's No. 1 Record Label." Kennis Music, which is based in Lagos, helped artists like 2Baba, Eedris Abdulkareem, Sound Sultan, and Goldie get their start. The label was quite popular in Nigeria's music industry in its early years, but it had trouble adapting to the rise of social media and digital platforms, which made it less popular. Kennis Music is still a well-known name in 2025 because of its past work, although it isn't as active as newer labels. Its legacy is that it was a pioneer, making way for modern Nigerian musical labels and helping Afrobeats and hip-hop become popular with the general public.

10. DB Records:

D'Banj started DB Records in Nigeria in 2012 after Mo'Hits Records went out of business. The company has been in the African music business since then. DB Records is based in Lagos and has been working to promote D'Banj's music while also helping new artists like Kayswitch and J.Sol grow. The label got a lot of notice for its early singles and D'Banj's work with other artists from around the world, like Snoop Dogg and Kanye West. In 2025, though, DB Records isn't as well-known as labels like Mavin or YBNL because it hasn't been able to keep a strong roster of current musicians. Even so, D'Banj's status as a pioneer of Afrobeats and DB Records' important role in the history of Nigerian music make it one of Africa's best record companies.