Nigerian rapper and songwriter Dremo has publicly detailed his reasons for leaving Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), citing an operational focus that prioritized the label’s CEO, Davido, over the development of other signed performers.
In a recent interview with Echo Room, the musician explained that the imprint’s strategy restricted collaborative projects and slowed the professional advancement of roster members. Dremo noted that despite sharing management with rapper Idowest, joint recordings were uncommon as artists navigated individual promotional challenges. He added that DMW never released a collective compilation album, a standard industry tool typically used to amplify label visibility. According to Dremo, executive resources and marketing efforts remained concentrated on Davido’s solo discography, leaving other musicians without structured collaborative support or coordinated campaigns.
The artist also addressed contractual and financial expectations, describing his arrangement as functioning more like a promotional outlet than a traditional recording contract. Dremo stated that he did not receive direct monetary compensation or salary advances from the organization during his time with the label. He emphasized that the absence of financial support and tailored career management failed to meet his professional benchmarks, which ultimately influenced his decision to terminate the agreement.
Dremo joined DMW in 2018, releasing multiple commercially successful singles that expanded the label’s streaming footprint. His exit aligns with a broader movement in the African entertainment sector, where musicians increasingly transition to independent artist models. By retaining full ownership of recordings, controlling distribution timelines, and managing direct revenue channels, performers aim to reduce reliance on traditional intermediary structures.
Operating independently, Dremo intends to manage his discography and business operations without external oversight. His departure highlights ongoing industry discussions regarding budget allocation, talent development, and the sustainability of celebrity-backed record labels within Nigeria’s expanding music market.
