Nigerian singer and songwriter, Johnny Drille, has opened up about his early struggles in the music industry and how some record labels wanted him to abandon his unique sound. The talented vocalist, known for his soulful and alternative music style, revealed that two major labels pressured him to make his music faster and more danceable to fit mainstream expectations.
In a recent episode of the CreativTea Podcast, Johnny Drille said he turned down those offers because he wanted to stay true to his artistry. According to him, it was Don Jazzy, CEO of Mavin Records, who believed in his originality and took a bold step by signing him without asking him to change.
Johnny Drille noted that Don Jazzy’s decision was not driven by profit but by genuine appreciation for his craft. “People never imagined that a label like Mavin, known for afro-pop and party music, would sign someone like me. Don Jazzy didn’t talk about changing my sound—he was just a fan of my music,” he shared.
The ‘Wait For Me’ crooner praised Don Jazzy for giving him creative freedom, saying the Mavin boss took a big risk that eventually paid off. Johnny Drille first gained attention after his participation in Project Fame West Africa in 2013. His breakout single, “Wait For Me”, released in 2015, made him one of Nigeria’s standout alternative artists.
Since signing with Mavin Records in 2017, Johnny Drille has continued to produce heartfelt songs that connect deeply with listeners. His debut album, Before We Fall Asleep, established him as a respected voice in Nigeria’s alternative music scene, showing that staying authentic can still lead to success.
