Johnny Drille, a Nigerian singer, has shared his experiences in securing a recording deal, highlighting the challenges he faced due to his unique musical style. In a recent podcast interview, Drille revealed that he was initially approached by two major labels, but they attempted to persuade him to alter his sound to make it more commercially viable.

According to Drille, these labels wanted him to produce faster and more danceable music, which would have compromised his artistic authenticity. However, when he met Don Jazzy, the CEO of Mavin Records, the conversation was different. Don Jazzy, a fan of Drille’s music, decided to sign him without attempting to change his style, taking a significant risk in the process.

Drille’s career gained momentum after participating in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. He released his debut single, “Wait For Me,” in 2015, which garnered attention in the music industry. In 2017, he joined Mavin Records, and although his debut album “Before We Fall Asleep” was mentioned, it appears there might be some confusion as the album’s release year is stated as 2012, before he joined the label.

Don Jazzy’s decision to sign Drille was likely influenced by his belief in the singer’s talent and the potential for his unique sound to resonate with audiences. This move has allowed Drille to maintain his artistic integrity while still gaining exposure and recognition in the music industry. The partnership between Drille and Mavin Records serves as an example of the importance of artistic freedom and the willingness of some labels to take risks on unconventional talent.