Sunday, August 2, 2026

Don Jazzy sells Mavin Records to Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group said the agreement was still awaiting approval from regulatory authorities, and it is anticipated to be finalised by the third quarter of 2024.

• February 26, 2024
Don Jazzy
A photo of Don Jazzy used to illustrate the story

Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the world’s largest music companies, has announced its acquisition of the majority stake in Mavin Records, founded by renowned music producer Michael Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy.

In a press statement on Monday, UMG said the agreement was still awaiting approval from regulatory authorities, and it is anticipated to be finalised by the third quarter of 2024. However, the company did not disclose the value of the acquisition.

“Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a majority investment in one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting independent record labels, Mavin Global (Mavin). The deal remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of Q3 2024,” it stated.

Last year, Billboard reported that Don Jazzy sought to explore options for a sale or potential investment in the record label founded in 2012.

According to UMG’s statement, Mavin will retain independence in shaping its strategies and nurturing future talents without external interference.

It added, “As part of the agreement, founder and CEO Don Jazzy and COO Tega Oghenejobo will continue leading the company.”

Mavin Records is a talent hub with stars like Rema, Ayra Starr, Crayon, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, Magixx, Bayanni, Boyspyce, DJ Big N, and Lifesize Teddy. 

In an interview, Don Jazzy said he was “proud of the artistes, careers and the brand they have built that have made Mavin the force it is today.” 

“In this historic partnership with UMG, we will continue that mission in Africa and across the globe,” he added.

Reacting to the development, Lucian Grainge, the chairman and CEO of UMG, said, “With Don Jazzy, Tega, the Mavin Global team and their artist roster, we’ve found ideal partners with whom to grow together.”

Should this agreement be finalised, artistes signed to Mavin Records would be restricted from using their songs on TikTok due to the existing agreement between UMG and TikTok.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Nigeria’s men 4x100m team, Ruth Usoro

Heading 5

Commonwealth Games: Nigeria wins silver in men’s 4x100m, Usoro claims long jump silver

Team Nigeria concluded day nine of the 2026 Commonwealth Games with one gold, two silver medals and one bronze medal.

Nonye Soludo

States

Soludo’s wife advocates healthy lifestyles to reduce lung cancer

The governor’s wife called on Nigerians to prioritise early detection of lung cancer and adopt healthy lifestyles.

Abubakar Atiku, Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi

Heading 1

2027: INEC publishes Tinubu, Atiku, Obi’s credentials

The documents, displayed in Form EC9 at INEC offices nationwide, contained the candidates’ educational qualifications, work history, and affidavits, among others.

Buba Marwa

NationWide

Afrobeats can drive campaigns against drug abuse, human trafficking, says Marwa

Mr Marwa said Afrobeats, as a globally recognised music genre embraced by young people, possesses enormous potential to influence positive behaviour.

Morocco flag

Africa

U.S. reaffirms recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara

Mr Trump said Washington remained firm in its position on the disputed territory.

Africa

WHO reports largest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo

The WHO said the outbreak had spread to five provinces, affecting 49 health zones, with sustained transmission, rising infections and increasing deaths reported nationwide.