Why I signed for Mavin Records — Iyanya
PT: Tell us more about your deal with Mavins Records?
Iyanya: It’s official that I am now a Mavin and I have dropped my first single titled Up 2 Sumting on the label.
PT: How long did this deal take to materialise?
Iyanya: To be honest, it wasn’t planned it just happened. To be honest, I can’t remember when I left Made Men Records. It took me a couple of months for us to make this decision. After I released the single, Gift, last year, I left Made Men Music and I joined Temple Management. I needed to work with someone who understands the music industry and can help me fulfill the dream of getting my music right. And that’s why I 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.
PT: But there were talks that you wanted to set up your own record label after your exit from your former label?
Iyanya: It’s not difficult to set up my record label; it costs about N120, 000 to register a label. My brand demands a lot of attention and I did actually float a label. I had begun putting things in place but I didn’t see people that I could entrust my label to. The future I see for the Iyanya brand goes way beyond putting 10 people who call themselves Iyanya crew together wearing branded T-shirts. But this is what everyone wants me to do.
Leaving Made Men Music to start my own label means I will be in charge of my music and logistics, which is so stressful, and I don’t think I’m ready for that. That is why I went with Temple Management and Don Jazzy. Every time Jazzy and I work, it’s very smooth and productive so we decided to make it official. Don jazzy is a legendary and amazing producer and having him supervise my project is a beautiful experience.
PT: Did you get other offers?Iyanya: There was no offer I didn’t get. I have
worked hard enough to have people call me up and promise to invest in my
career. I had different offers but I let them go for something I was
sure about; Don jazzy is a perfectionist.PT: Did you float Made Men music?Iyanya: No I co-own the label.PT: Are you still a co-owner?Iyanya: That’s a long story for another day. But I
co-owned the label and to be honest with you the entire underground work
and logistics was Ubi’s. I respect him for that because he did a great
job and I played my own part.PT: How easy was it for you to walk away from a company you co-owned to sign a new deal?Iyanya: It’s not easy but there comes a time in life
when you have to let go of pride and act like you never had a hit in
the first place. I have just turned 30 today and I m trying to show
people a new side that there is to me. I will never disrespect Ubi for
any reason in the world. I will also continue to pray for my former
label and former band mates.
Iyanya: I can’t disclose all that. The only thing I owe the public is to churn out good music.
PT: Mavin Record is filled with exciting artistes. Do you see yourself blending in pretty fast?
Iyanya: I love Mavin because they are a family and I now see why they have been successful. They work as one and it’s a great family to be with.
PT: Since your exit from Made Men, Tekno has been on the rise. In fact, some people now draw comparisons between you and him?
Iyanya: Anybody that compares me with Tekno doesn’t know what he or she is saying. Tekno is a blessing to Made Men Music. He works hard and I have always called him the Golden Boy long before he became famous and I am very proud of him. So, anyone who compares me with Teckno must be dumb. It doesn’t make any sense to compare me with him.
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