Yes! … Iyanya is now a Mavin Records act

Yes! It has been official, Kukere singer, Iyanya Mbuk is now a Mavin Records act. The Your Waist master in a shock unexpected move, inked a deal with the Don Jazzy-owned record label.

Speaking on the deal, Iyanya said it took him a couple of months to make the decision, adding that after he released the single, Gift, last year, he left Made Men Music and joined Temple Management.

According to him, he needed to work with someone who understands the music industry and can help him fulfill the dream of getting his music right; reason he went with Don Jazzy.

“I chose him because I realised the need to work with someone to bring out the real Iyanya, which is the singing Iyanya, and at the same time, commercialise the music.”

In a post on his Instagram page, frontline producer and chief executive officer of Mavin Records, Michael Collins, popularly known by stage his moniker, Don Jazzy wrote: “The SUPREME MAVIN DYNASTY is pleased to welcome Iyanya to the ever growing Mavin Family. Please join us to welcome him and let the world know that we ‘Up2Sumting’. MavinActivated".

The deal as gathered, will bring a more positive twist to the career of the Ibibio born-singer, who has spent the past six years running his record label, Made Men Music Group in partnership with his manager and partner, Ubi Franklin.

He had in July this year, wrote on his Instagram: “I’ll be launching my new label and new album soon.” This sparked some reactions among fans and industry enthusiasts.

Iyanya until his decision to quit, was a co-owner of MMMG, an outfit he runs with his manager and friend, Ubi Franklin. The duo had set up the record label in 2011, and signed artistes like Tekno, Selebobo, Mr. Chibbz, and Tonye Garrick.

Singer Emma Nyra was once part of the record label until she acrimoniously departed in 2014, stating personal reasons. Baci was also affiliated with the label for six years, but he was never offered a contract and he left sometime this year.

Iyanya, until 2008, when he won the ‘MTN Project Fame West Africa’ was unknown, but he has become popular with his work in the Nigeria music industry. He has released three albums including ‘My Story’ (2009), ‘Iyanya Vs Desire’ (2013) and ‘Applaudise’ (2015).

Prior to his move to the Mavin, Iyanya was working on returning to his R&B roots, and was planning a collaborative R&B album with E.M.E singer, Banky W. He has released two singles, ‘Type of Woman’ and ‘Heart Beat’ from the project; no word has been given if the project will still continue or be dropped.
The singer upon penning the deal with Mavin, put out a single titled ‘Up 2 Sumtin’ featuring Don Jazzy and Dr Sid.According to industry observers, Don Baba J as funky called has spent his career signing young unproven talents and nurtured them into stars. They are somewhat skeptical but prayed for the success of relationship, stressing that the new contract with Iyanya is unfamiliar territory for the producer cum singer.

Like his new signee, Don Jazzy shares a similar story with Iyanya; he formerly co-owned and ran the defunct record label — Mo’Hits Records, in partnership with D’banj, before they both went their separate ways in 2011.

In 2014, he announced the signing of three acts—Reekado Banks, Di’Ja and Korede Bello, all who he has transitioned into stars in their rights. Other members of his Supreme Mavin Dynasty include Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid, and D’Prince.

Reacting to news, Ubi Franklin said he is well happy for his partner and artiste. “We are all human beings; today Iyanya is 30 by age. As a 30-year-old man, you are able to take any decision on your own; you can change your mind, do whatever you want to do”.

“The most important thing is that from what I have seen, trust me he is happy. Nobody takes a decision that is going to be bad for him; I still know he still has his own plans for his label. But at this point, I know Iyanya is where good music comes from,” he stated.