Chocolate City is a Nigerian record label founded in 2005 by lawyer Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo and Yahaya Maikori. Generally regarded as one of the most successful indigenous urban record labels in Africa, Chocolate City operates as a subsidiary of Chocolate City Group. Other arms of the group include Chocolate City Distribution, Chocolate City Events, CCX, and Chocolate City Media. On 28 March 2019, Warner Music Group announced a partnership with the label. Under the partnership, Chocolate City artists will join WMG's repertoire and receive the support of the company's distribution and artist services via its independent label services division, ADA.
Jude Lemfani Abaga, commonly known by his stage name M.I Abaga, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He gained recognition in 2006 with the popularization of his track "Crowd Mentality" in his home city of Jos. His debut studio album, Talk About It, was introduced in 2008, followed by MI 2: The Movie in 2010. Subsequently, he unveiled his third studio album, The Chairman, four years later. Additionally, Abaga released the playlist Rendezvous in February 2018, followed by A Study On Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl, in August of the same year. He released "The Guy" album in 2022.
Jesse Garba Abaga, known professionally as Jesse Jagz, is a Nigerian rapper, record producer, singer and songwriter. He signed a record deal with Chocolate City in 2010 and released his debut studio album Jag of All Tradez that same year. He voluntarily exited the Chocolate City deal in 2013 and announced the launch of his independent label, Jagz Nation. Jagz released his second studio album Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come in 2013; it included singles such as "Redemption", "Bad Girl", "Sex & Scotch" and "God on the Mic". His third studio album, Jagz Nation, Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company, was released in 2014. He returned to Chocolate City in 2015 but left the label again prior to releasing his fourth studio album Odysseus in 2017. In May 2020, he released a 5-track EP titled Garba.
Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ, who is better known as Brymo, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, sonic artist, actor and author who was born and raised in Okokomaiko. Brymo started recording music in 1999 while in secondary school. He signed a recording contract with music label Chocolate City in 2010 but was accused of breaching his contract in 2013. Brymo released his debut studio album Brymstone in 2007. His second studio album The Son of a Kapenta was released in 2012, and was supported by the singles "Ara", "Good Morning" and "Go Hard". His third studio album Merchants, Dealers & Slaves, which was released on 20 October 2013, received positive reviews from music critics and was supported by the singles "Down" and "Eko".
Everybody Loves Ice Prince is the debut studio album by Nigerian rapper Ice Prince. It was released by Chocolate City on October 9, 2011. The album's production was primarily handled by Jesse Jagz, along with additional production from M.I Abaga, Wizboyy, E Kelly, Samklef and Chopstix. It features collaborations with Brymo, Wizkid, 2 Face Idibia, Jesse Jagz, M.I, Yung L, J-Milla, Samklef, Wizboyy, Morell and Sean Tero. The album was supported by the singles "Oleku", "Superstar" and "Juju". E.L.I is a mixture of hip hop, R&B, dancehall, raga, Afrobeats, reggae, highlife and soul.
R&BW is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Banky W. It was released by Empire Mates Entertainment on 14 February 2013, coinciding with Valentine's Day. The album was supported by the singles "Yes/No", which peaked at number 1 on the BBC Radio 1Xtra Afrobeat chart, and "Good Good Loving". R&BW features guest appearances from Camp Mulla, eLDee, Sarkodie, Sammy, Shaydee, Skales, Lynxxx, Niyola, M.I, 2Face Idibia, Rotimi and Vector. Its production was handled by Banky W, Cobhams Asuquo, Masterkraft, M.I, Spellz, Sarz and Samklef.
Fire of Zamani is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper Ice Prince. It was released by Chocolate City on October 28, 2013, and was mastered by Sean Stan of Vintage Sounds Production. The album features guest appearances from Sunny Neji, Wale, M.I, Chip, Ruby Gyang, Wizkid, French Montana, Jesse Jagz, Olamide, Sound Sultan, Burna Boy, Yung L, Jeremiah Gyang, Shaydee, and Morell. Its production was primarily handled by Chopstix, a member of Grip Boiz City, along with additional production from Don Jazzy, Jay Sleek, Sammy Gyang, and E-Kelly.
L.I.F.E is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Burna Boy. It was released on August 12, 2013, by Aristokrat Records. The album serves as the follow-up to his second mixtape, Burn Identity (2011). L.I.F.E sold 40,000 copies on the first day of its release. Aristokrat Records later sold the album's marketing rights to Uba Pacific for ₦10 million. L.I.F.E was supported by the singles "Like to Party", "Tonight", "Always Love You", "Run My Race" and "Yawa Dey". The album was produced entirely by Leriq and features guest appearances from 2face Idibia, M.I, Timaya, Olamide, Reminisce and Wizkid.
No Guts No Glory is the debut studio album by Nigerian rapper Phyno. It was released by Sputnet Records and Penthauze Music on March 20, 2014. The album features guest appearances from P-Square, Omawumi, Olamide, Stormrex, Efa, Flavour N'abania, Runtown, Ice Prince, M.I, Mr Raw, Timaya and Illbliss. Phyno enlisted Major Bangz, WizzyPro, Chopstix and JStunt to assist with production. No Guts No Glory was supported by the singles "Ghost Mode", "Man of the Year", "Parcel" and "O Set", and was primarily recorded in Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin. The album received generally positive reviews from music critics, who commended its indigenous sound and lyrical depth.
The Chairman is the third studio album by Nigerian rapper and record producer M.I. It was released on October 30, 2014, by Chocolate City and Loopy Music. The album features collaborations with producers and guest artists such as 2face Idibia, Wizkid, Reinhard, Sarz, and Ice Prince, among others. The Chairman was supported by the singles "Bad Belle", "Monkey" and "Bullion Van". It won Best Rap Album and was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies 2015.
Tabula Rasa is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo, released independently on October 30, 2014. It is the follow-up to his third studio album, Merchants, Dealers & Slaves (2013), and the second album released since the Federal High Court of Lagos lifted Chocolate City's injunction against him. The album's lyrical content explores the recurring theme of freedom. Tabula Rasa was supported the singles "Fe Mi", "1 Pound", and "Ję Lé O Sinmi". Critical reception to the album was overwhelmingly positive, with several critics characterizing it as a "must have for music lovers".
The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation is a compilation album by recording artists of Nigerian record label Chocolate City. It was released exclusively on the Star Music platform for free digital streaming on April 30, 2015. The album features appearances from Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, M.I Abaga, Nosa, Ruby Gyang, Victoria Kimani, Pryse, DJ Lambo, DJ Caise, Loose Kaynon, Dice Ailes, Milli and Koker. Its production was handled by Jesse Jagz, Reinhard, L37, Tunday, Teck Zilla, Nosa, DJ Caise, Ckay, and TMXO. The album's release celebrated the merger of Loopy Music and Chocolate City, as well as the return of Jesse Jagz. TICBN was released to the general public two weeks following its exclusive release on Star Music, and was supported by the singles "Summer Time" and "Suite 99".
Lindsey Chukwufumnanya Abudei, known professionally as Lindsey Abudei, is a Nigerian neo-soul singer and songwriter. She started recording music and having jam sessions with M.I Abaga and Jesse Jagz while still an undergraduate law student in 2014. Abudei has released three solo projects; Brown: The EP (2013), ...And the Bass Is Queen (2016), and Kaleidoscope (2023).
Triumph Grandeur is a Nigerian record producer.
Rendezvous is a playlist by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released by Chocolate City on February 9, 2018. The playlist features guest appearances from Cassper Nyovest, AKA, Wande Coal, Falz, Yung L, Dice Ailes, CKay, Nonso Amadi, Santi, Odunsi the Engine, Chillz, Tomi Thomas, Joules Da Kid, Ajebutter22, Terry Apala, Strafitti, Trigga Madtonic, Blaqbonez and UA.x. It also features skits from a number of radio personalities, including Vic-O, Charles Okocha, Douglas Jekan, Kemi Smallz and Do2tun. Rendezvous was supported by the singles "Your Father" and "Lekki".
Oṣó is the sixth studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo. It was released independently on 27 March 2018. The album was produced entirely by Mikky Me Joses and consists of 11 tracks, including three recorded in the Yoruba language. Oṣó is a mixture of Alternative folk and Yoruba music and has elements of mysticism; it sheds light on Brymo's folk and traditional roots. Oṣó was supported by the singles "Heya!" and "Bá’núsọ". It received critical acclaim from music critics, who complimented its production and Brymo's songwriting. The website Pulse Nigeria and Nigerian Entertainment Today ranked Oṣó second on their list of the best Nigerian albums of 2018.
The Son of a Kapenta is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo. It was released by Chocolate City on November 15, 2012. Recorded in English and Yoruba, the album combines elements of fuji music with contemporary pop and techno. It features guest appearances from Jesse Jagz, Pryse, M.I, Ice Prince and Efya. The album was produced by E Kelly, Mikky Me Joses, Legendury Beatz, Jesse Jagz, Blaze, DMM Oluremi and Kid Konnect. The Son of a Kapenta was supported by the singles "Ara", "Good Morning" and "Go Hard". It received positive reviews from music critics, who commended its production and Brymo's voice.
A.A.A is the eponymous debut extended play by Nigerian alternative rock band A.A.A. It was recorded at Blackstar Studios in Ikoyi and released independently on August 5, 2019. The band is composed of singer Brymo, guitarist Jad Moukarim, drummer Adey Omotade, and bassist Laughter. A.A.A comprises five tracks and is a fusion of folk music, psychedelic rock and African rhythms; it was mixed and mastered by Mikky Me Joses.
Yellow is the seventh studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo. It was released independently on April 1, 2020 and serves as the follow-up to his live album, Live! at Terra Kulture Arena (2019). Yellow explores hedonistic viewpoints and is a departure from the dark themes deployed on Oṣó. Described by Brymo as an album about "love and survival", Yellow is an alternative pop and electronic record that incorporates elements of sentimental ballad, trap, sophisti-pop, shoegaze, rock, synth-pop and folk. Nigerian singer Lindsey Abudei is the only artist featured on the album. Yellow was initially meant to comprise 17 songs but due to technical issues, two songs were omitted from the project. The album was supported by the single "Strippers + White Lines", and was nominated for Best Alternative Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2020.
King Bawa, better known by his stage name as Kheengz, is a Nigerian rapper and actor, born in the Northern part of Nigeria. He currently works under his own independent record label called YFK Entertainment. His debut album Voice of Arewa was released 25 December 2019 was a huge success up north. His single I Am North made wave in the music scene as it is about stereotyping arewa.
