To mark the tenth anniversary, the dynasty with all its musicians recorded music over a period of eight months, amidst different solo and touring schedules. The end product is the December-released ‘Chapter X’ album, which was preceded by the singles ‘Overloading (OVERDOSE)’ and ‘Won Da Mo’. The collaborative compilation is an impressive collections that showcases the individual talents of each of the label’s signees and their ability to join forces to deliver a varied sonic palette, from the alternative sensibilities of Johnny Drille and DJ Big N’s high-spirited talk at the end of ‘Jara’ to the raps of LADIPOE and everything in between. Throughout the EP, the artists including Don Jazzy trade vocals and allow each other to shine and complement one another. Rima confesses that the compilation was also a strategic move, from a business standpoint. “We really wanted to showcase our talents and spotlight the new ones by leveraging on the big ones. To be able to show not just our talent but also the family unit that Mavin is. Someone may not know who this new guy is but they want to click on the song because they see Rema and then discover that new guy. It was also a platform and an avenue to really accumulate and bring everything that we’ve worked on the last 10 years.”
As part of the celebration, the label hosted a concert featuring Mavin artists of the past, present and future. “That was really an amazing moment for me,” LADIPOE expresses, “to be part of something that has lasted this long in the country I am from and in the space that we are in, I think it was such a crowning moment. Also, I was at the first Mavin All-Star Concert in 2015 but I wasn’t on stage, I was in the audience, so for me to have this transition, I will never forget it.”
To date, Mavin’s primary plan remains true to its DNA of nurturing talent and seeing them through into becoming superstars. In addition, they would like to replicate their model and expand their footprint in other parts of the continent by signing artists from different countries. As we spoke, Don Jazzy’s undying passion for music shined through the screen and was evident with every answer. “I’m still as excited about the music as I was 20 years ago,” he confessed as he showed me the MIDI keyboard that he keeps in his bedroom just in case a melody visits him while he is asleep or watching TV. “I still feel as energized and gingered as I was the first day I decided to start making music because of the love that I have for music and artists. I still have some artists in the Academy, this year we’re going to be activating one or two and see how it goes now.”
‘Chapter X’ is out now via Mavin Records, check it here
Madzadza Miya is a freelance writer, follow him on Twitter