Nigerian singer and songwriter, Johnny Drille real name John Ighodaro, has reflected on his early career journey, revealing how his insistence on staying true to his unique sound almost cost him record deals before he joined Mavin Records.
During an appearance on the CreativTea Podcast, the “Wait For Me” hitmaker shared that two major record labels had once shown interest in signing him.
However, their terms required him to abandon his signature alternative style for a more mainstream, upbeat sound.
“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 danceable?’” he said.
Johnny Drille explained that it was Don Jazzy, Mavin Records’ CEO, who finally gave him a chance without demanding that he change his artistry.
“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,” Drille recounted.
According to the singer, many in the industry were stunned when Don Jazzy signed him, as Mavin Records was best known for Afrobeats and pop stars rather than alternative acts.
“People could never have imagined that a Mavin Records under Don Jazzy would sign an alternative artist like myself. It was weird for a lot of people,” he added.
Johnny Drille gained national attention after contesting in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. His breakout track, “Wait For Me,” released in 2015, paved the way for his signing to Mavin Records in 2017. He later dropped his debut album, “Before We Fall Asleep,” in 2021.
