Record Labels Pressured Me to Alter My Sound, Johnny Drille
Nigerian singer-songwriter Johnny Drille has opened up about the early struggles he encountered in his music career, revealing that record labels once attempted to push him away from his signature style.
Speaking on the CreativTea Podcast, the “Wait For Me” singer disclosed that two major Nigerian labels approached him with offers, but only on the condition that he transform his sound to be more commercial and dance-oriented. According to Drille, discussions often revolved around questions such as, “How do we change your sound? How do we make it faster? How do we make it danceable?”
Despite the pressure, Drille declined to compromise his artistry. He said the turning point came when Don Jazzy, CEO of Mavin Records, signed him without demanding any alteration to his musical identity. Drille described the move as a bold gamble, noting many in the industry were surprised that a mainstream label like Mavin, typically associated with Afrobeats and pop acts — would back an alternative artist.
Drille’s rise to prominence traces back to his participation in Project Fame West Africa in 2013. His breakout single, “Wait For Me,” dropped in 2015, and he officially joined Mavin Records in 2017.
In 2021, he released his debut album, Before We Fall Asleep, which confirmed his niche in Nigeria’s music scene.
His story highlights the tension that many artists face between commercial appeal and creative authenticity, and underscores the significance of having a label that supports rather than changes an artist’s vision.