Nigerian singer and music executive, David Adeleke, aka Davido, has partnered with UnitedMasters to launch his new label Nine+ Records.

According to the deal, Davido will spearhead artist development and A&R for a lineup of Nigerian artists.

Consequently, his former record label, Davido Music Worldwide, DMW, has now been dissolved.

On his X handle on Saturday, Davido disclosed that all the artists currently signed to DMW will move to Nine+.

He wrote, “All dmw artists would be moved to Nine+ records …. Clearing the air!”

Some of the artists currently signed to DMW include Dremo, Yonda, Peruzzi, Idowest from Lagos Island, DJ Ecool, Danagog, B-Red, Deekay, May D, Deinde, Ayanfe, Liya, Morravey, SayTheyCallMESG and Logos Olori.

Davido is moving to exec mode with the launch of his new label, Nine+ Records. The label will allow new artists to own their masters, pocket all of their royalties and release music to fans when they want.

Davido is partnering with UnitedMasters CEO Steve Stoute on the deal, which covers genres beyond Afrobeats.

Artists will have access to UnitedMasters’ platform and get help with distribution, promotion and marketing.
Context: Traditionally, musicians signed to a major music label like Sony or Columbia Records abide by a schedule to release music.

“The ability for artists to create with the sense of freedom that they’re not making [music] for anything other than what is pure to their heart, soul and creativity comes from a structure of independence,” Stoute told Axios.

“I’m trying to teach these new artists that [they] don’t have to do what I did,” said Davido. “This is a platform where [the artists] are free. I give them 100% creative control.”