Native Records (Nigerian record label)

Last updated
Native Records
Industry Music
Genre Afrobeats, Trap, Hip-hop, Alté
Founded2022;2 years ago (2022)
Founder
HeadquartersUnited Kingdom
Area served
Africa
Key people
  • Chubbziano (co-president)
  • Teezee (co-president)
  • Sholz (co-president)
OwnerThe Native Networks
Parent The Native

Native Records is a UK-based Nigerian record label owned by The Native Networks and formed by The Native magazine co-founders Chubbziano and Teezee. [1] In 2022, following the release of the Native Sound System debut long-play Nativeworld on 18 August 2022, the record label was unveiled to the public. The label is home to Teezee, Native Sound System, and Odumodublvck.

Contents

History

NATIVE Records is founded by the Nigerian music magazine The Native in 2022, as a division of The Native Networks. [1] The label is headed by its co-presidents Seni Saraki, Teni Zaccheaus, and Sholz Fagbemi. On 20 September 2022, the label went into a joint venture partnership with the multinational label Def Jam, with the sole aim to sign and develop talents in Africa and its diaspora. [2]

On 23 November 2022, Native announced the signing of its first recording act Odumodublvck, [3] and went on to release his first single with the label, titled "Picanto" featuring ECko Miles, and Zlatan. [4] On 29 November 2022, Teezee announce the signing of Smada. [5] and released his first single with the label, titled "Ye Anthem", featuring King Perryy and Toyé, with an accompanying music video. [6]

On 5 December 2022, Odumodu Blvck dropped the official video of 'Picanto' featuring Zlatan and Ecko Miles. [7] On 6 December 2022, Smada released a new version of "Ye Anthem", featuring DJ Yk Mule, [8] with another version released on 8 December 2022, titled "Ye Anthem (Mellow & Sleazy Remix)", with a guest appearance from Mellow & Sleazy. [8] The same day, the label co-president Teni Zaccheaus (aka. Teezee), released his first single under the label, titled "Manhattan" featuring Cruel Santino, with production from GMK. [9]

Artists

Current acts

ActYear
signed
Releases
under the
label
Teezee 2022
Sholz
Native Sound System 1
Odumodublvck 1
Smada

Discography

Studio albums

ArtistAlbum/MixtapesDetails
Native Sound System Nativeworld [10]
  • Released: 18 August 2022
  • Chart Position: —
  • Certification: —
Odumodublvck EZIOKWU [11]
  • Released: 6 October 2023
  • Chart Position: —
  • Certification: —

Singles

List of singles released by artists signed to Native Records
ArtistTitleYearAlbumRelease date
Native Sound System "Runaway" [12]
(featuring Lojay and Ayra Starr)
2022Nativeworld18 August 2022
Native Sound System & Wani "Wedding Ring" [13]
(featuring Odunsi (The Engine), Odeal, and BOJ)
Odumodublvck "Picanto" (featuring ECko Miles & Zlatan)TBA
Smada "Ye Anthem"
(featuring King Perryy & Toyé)
"Ye Anthem (DJ YK Mule Remix)"
(featuring DJ YK Mule)
"Ye Anthem (Mellow & Sleazy Remix)"
(featuring Mellow & Sleazy)
Teezee "Manhattan"
(featuring Cruel Santino)
Native Sound System "Cruel Love" [14] (featuring Sholz, Tar1q, and Somadina)2023
"Vex" [14]
(featuring Sholz, Candy Bleakz, Teezee, and Odumodublvck)
Odumodublvck "Declan Rice"
Smada "Papilo (Smadamodu)"
(featuring Odumodublvck)
Odumodublvck "Dog Eat Dog II"
(featuring Cruel Santino and Bella Shmurda)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Def Jam Recordings</span> American record label

Def Jam Recordings is an American multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group. It is based in Manhattan, New York City, specializing predominantly in hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul and pop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M.I Abaga</span> Nigerian rapper (born 1981)

Jude Lemfani Abaga, popularly known by his stage name M.I Abaga, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is widely considered one of the influential rappers in Africa. He gained mainstream attention after the release of his track song, "Crowd Mentality" (2006). Since then, he has released albums Talk About It (2008), MI 2: The Movie (2010), The Chairman (2014), The Guy (2022); playlist Rendezvous (2018), and A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zlatan (musician)</span> Nigerian musician

Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, known professionally as Zlatan Ibile, is a Nigerian rapper and singer. He is the chief executive officer and founder of Zanku records. In 2014, he won the Airtel-sponsored One Mic talent show held in 2014, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chinko Ekun</span> Nigerian rapper and songwriter

Oladipo Olamide Emmanuel, known professionally as Chinko Ekun, is a Nigerian rapper and songwriter. He is a graduate of Law from the Obafemi Awolowo University.

<i>Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps</i> 2019 studio album by Fireboy DML

Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Fireboy DML. It was released by YBNL Nation on November 29, 2019. The album comprises thirteen tracks and doesn't feature any guest artist. It was primarily produced by Pheelz, along with production from Cracker Mallo, Echo the Guru, IamBeatz and P.Prime. LTG was supported by the previously released singles "Jealous", "What If I Say" and "King". It received generally positive reviews from music critics, but was criticized for being labeled an "Afro-Life" record instead of an R&B album.

The Native is a Nigerian-based music magazine publishing in Lagos. Founded in 2016, The Native focuses primarily on music, style, and art, championing the sounds and culture of tomorrow, today.

Osayaba Andrew Ize-Iyamu, better known by his stage name Cruel Santino, is a Nigerian alternative singer-songwriter, rapper and director. He is a member of Monster Boys collective, with music producers Genio Bambino, and GMK. He is signed to Interscope Records, in partnership with Monster Boy, Love Renaissance and Warner Chappell Music. Santino's debut into the music scene was met with critical acclaim when he released his studio album Mandy & The Jungle, introducing the alté fashion, and music, into the mainstream, notably with his track "Rapid Fire".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tay Iwar</span> Nigerian record producer

Austin Iornongu Iwar Jnr, known professionally as Tay Iwar, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, composer, sound engineer and record producer known for his vibrant blend of R&B and Afro-fusion, drawing upon classic Afrobeat, hip-hop, and future sounds. Tay Iwar’s career can often feel longer than it’s been. He was only in his teens when he released his first full-length projects, including 2016's Renascentia. He then rose to wider fame with 2019's Gemini, released with LA-based music collective Soulection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nativeland</span> Nigerian music festival

NATIVELAND is an annual music festival in Lagos, Nigeria, and organized by The Native. The platform was established to bring together the best of pop culture, music, art, food, style, sports, and education in the Nigerian entertainment industry. In 2020, Billboard Magazine named NATIVELAND as one of The Gatekeepers of the Nigerian music industry.

Quddus King well known as GMK, is a Nigerian record producer, sound engineer, rapper, songwriter singer and songwriter. He is best known for producing Bridge's "Needy", and "Searching", Cruel Santino "Gangstar Fear", Lady Donli "Cash", BOJ's "Awolowo", "Bill Up", and "Assignment", and Burna Boy "Different". The Grammy-nominated Best World Music Album African Giant by Burna Boy in 2019, earned him a special recognition from The Recording Academy. He is signed to Warner Chappell Music, and Love Renaissance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Odumodublvck</span> Nigerian rapper (born 1993)

Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He is known for his stage performances, genre-blend and his often portrayal of Okpu Agu. Odumodublvck is a member of the hip-hop collective Anti World Gangstars. He currently resides in Abuja, Nigeria.

Adams Olabode Michael professionally known as Smada is a Nigerian singer, and songwriter signed to NATIVE Records, in partnership with Def Jam Recordings. He came into the music scene with an acclaimed extended play NÜNIVERSE, with lead track "Family", and is widely known for his breakthrough single "Ye Anthem", released in 2022 as his first single with NATIVE Records.

Emoseh Khamofu known professionally as Bloody Civilian is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and a record producer signed to 0207 Def Jam, a UK arm of Def Jam Recordings. She is most noted for her single "How To Kill A Man" and "Wake Up" featuring Rema, which as soundtracked in the American 2022 superhero film Black Panther. She is also known for her feature on "Blood on the Dance Floor" with ODUMODUBLVCK. Bloody is profiled by The Guardian Nigeria as among the most radical of emerging mavericks in Nigerian music scene and by NME as an essential emerging artist for 2023. On 9 October 2023, she ranked number 1 on TurnTable's NXT Emerging Top Artistes, and On 6 November 2023, she ranked number 16 on TurnTable's Artiste Top 100 In January 2024, Bloody Civilian was announced to be on the EP for Bob Marley's biopic, One Love.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Odunsi the Engine</span> Nigerian Singer-songwriter and record producer (born 1996)

Bowofoluwa Olufisayo Odunsi (born June 7, 1996) known professionally as Odunsi the Engine stylized Odunsi (The Engine) is a Nigerian alternative singer-songwriter, rapper and record producer. Odunsi came into the music scene in 2018 with his full-length debut album "Rare" which earned him nominations at The Headies and SoundCity MVP Awards establishing him as a critical figure in the innovative Nigerian Alté music scene, he is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Alte music. In 2019 he was profiled by The New York Times as the new guard of Nigerian music.

Somadina is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She officially started her music career in 2018 with her debut single titled "IHY" which stands for "I hate you".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Declan Rice (song)</span> 2023 single by Odumodublvck

"Declan Rice" is a song by Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck, released on 24 March 2023 through NATIVE Records, and Def Jam Recordings. The single was produced by Trill Xoe, and John Wav for Native and Def Jam. The song debuted at number 1 on Nigeria's Top Hip-Hop/Rap Songs and debuted at number 8 on the Official Nigeria Top 100 on 27 March 2023, recording the highest debut for a hip-hop record in the Top 100. It debuted at number 27 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs for the week of 8 April 2023.

Teni Zaccheaus JR. better known by his stage name Teezee is an English-Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive. He is one-third of the musical group DRB LasGidi with BOJ and Fresh L. He currently serves as the co-president of NATIVE Records, and co-founder of The NATIVE Networks. He is best known as a pioneer of alté, and credited for the crossover success of Odumodublvck single "Declan Rice".

<i>Eziokwu</i> 2023 mixtape by Odumodublvck

Eziokwu stylized in all cap EZIOKWU is the fifth mixtape album by Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck. It was released on 6 October 2023 by NATIVE Records, and Def Jam, through UMG in partnership with The Native Networks. It was exclusively produced by Odumodublvck, and Teezee, with additional production from Spykida, Sholz, Trill Xoe, JohnWav, Ucee, Cross YDC, Jimohsoundz, Deepaholiq, Twitchpapiii, IceBeatzz, and Mo. Sounds. It features guest appearances from Amaarae, Blaqbonez, Wale, Bloody Civilian, Fireboy DML, Reeplay, Teezee, PsychoYP, Bella Shmurda, Cruel Santino, ECko Miles, and Zlatan. The mixtape’s cover art was created by Olaolu Slawn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Victoria Orenze</span> Nigerian gospel artiste

Victoria Orenze is a Nigerian gospel artiste.

Edison Ogums, known professionally as Ecko Miles, is a Nigerian musician and entrepreneur from Port Harcourt. He gained recognition after collaborating with Odumodublvck and Zlatan on the single "Picanto", which was released on 23 November 2022. The song debuted at number 79 on the TurnTable Top 100 chart, earning him his first chart entry. On 23 January 2023, "Picanto" peaked at number 65 on the chart, and Miles was ranked 6th on TurnTable's NXT Emerging Top Artistes list. He is the CEO and co-founder of Daed Empire Records.

References

  1. 1 2 "Native Records launches joint venture partnership with Def Jam Recordings". Pulse Nigeria. 20 September 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  2. Lee, Cydney (20 September 2022). "Def Jam Strikes Joint Venture With Nigeria-Based Native Records to Develop African Talent". Billboard. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  3. Mudasiru, Wisdom (23 November 2022). "Native Records Unveils Odumodu Blvck As Its Debut Act". The Culture Custodian. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  4. Igwe, Nwanneamaka (23 November 2022). "Songs Of The Day: New Music From Odumodublvck, Alpha P, Somadina & More". The Native. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  5. Native, The (29 November 2022). "Exclusive: Lagos-based artist Smada signs to Native Records". The NATIVE. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  6. Esomnofu, Emmanuel (2 December 2022). "Songs Of The Day: New Music From Smada, Nasty C, Flavour & More". The Native. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  7. Folder, African (6 December 2022). "Odumodublvck Drops Mesmerizing Video For 'Picanto'". African Folder. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
  8. 1 2 Esomnofu, Emmanuel (9 December 2022). "Songs Of The Day: New Music From Burna Boy, Pappy Kojo, Smada & More". The Native. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  9. Murray, Robin (9 December 2022). "TeeZee, Cruel Santino Link On 'Manhattan' | News". Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  10. "Native Sound System finally release debut compilation LP, Nativeworld". The Native. 17 August 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  11. Bartee, Richardine (8 October 2023). "Stream Abuja star ODUMODUBLVCK's new mixtape 'EZIOKWU (THE TRUTH)'". GRUNGECAKE™. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  12. "Native Sound System Releases Debut Single, "Runaway" With Ayra Starr & Lojay". The Guardian Nigeria News. 9 April 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  13. Keith, James. "Premiere: NATIVE Sound System Give Visuals To "Wedding Ring" With WANI, BOJ, Odunsi The Engine & Odeal". Complex. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  14. 1 2 Ihekire, Chinonso (4 March 2023). "Sholz taps native sound Ssystem {sic} on Cruel Love, Vex". The Guardian Nigeria News. Retrieved 4 March 2023.