Johnny Drille is a Nigerian singer
Mavin Records signee Johnny Drille has disclosed that before joining Mavin Records, two major record labels in Nigeria wanted him to change his sound to something more commercial.
Speaking on the CreativTea podcast, the “How are you my friend” hitmaker said both labels were interested in signing him but their conversations were centered on changing his alternative style for more danceable club bangers.
“There were two other major labels in Nigeria that wanted to sign me but the conversation was always around, ‘How do we change your sound? How do we make it faster? How do we make it sound nice in the club?’” he said.
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Johnny Drille explained that despite the pressure, he refused to compromise his identity as an artiste, choosing instead to stay authentic even when it made his journey more difficult.
He stated that his breakthrough came when Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy discovered him and decided to sign him, not because his sound was mainstream, but because he genuinely enjoyed his music.
The singer further credited the Mavin Records CEO for believing in his sound when others wanted to change it.
“When I met Don Jazzy, there were no conversations like that. He was just really a fan of the music… that was a big risk to take, but he pulled it off,” he added.
“Don Jazzy was just really a fan of the music…that was a big risk to take, but he pulled it off.”
Johnny Drille reveals that two other major labels in Nigeria were interested in signing him before Mavin Records, but they wanted to change his sound. pic.twitter.com/Blyjdo096O
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 11, 2025
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AK/EB
