Chocolate City (record label)

For the U.S. Casablanca Records subsidiary label, see Chocolate City Records.

Chocolate City
IndustryEntertainment, media, music
Founded2005
FoundersAudu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, Yahaya Maikori
HeadquartersLagos, Abuja, Nairobi, New York City
Key people
ParentChocolate City Group
Websitechocolatecitymusic.com

Chocolate City is a Nigerian record label founded in 2005 by lawyers Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori. Generally regarded as one of Africa's most successful indigenous urban record labels,[1] Chocolate City operates as a subsidiary of Chocolate City Group. Other arms of the group include Chocolate City Distribution, Chocolate City Events, CCX, and Chocolate City Media.[2] On 28 March 2019, Warner Music Group partnered with the label. Under the partnership, Chocolate City artists will join WMG's repertoire and receive the support of the company's distribution and artist services via its independent label services division, ADA.[3]

The label has been home to recording artists such as M.I Abaga, Femi Kuti, Nosa, Dice Ailes, Blaqbonez, ClassiQ, CKay, Candy Bleakz,Young John[4] Torna, and Dijay Cinch.[5] Artists formerly signed to the label include Victoria Kimani, Ice Prince, DJ Caise, DJ Lambo, Jeremiah Gyang, Ruby Gyang, Pryse, Brymo, Koker, Jesse Jagz, Lemon Adisa, Mr. Gbafun, Ijay, Kahli Abdu & VHS Safari. Chocolate City has also worked on the careers of artistes such as Djinee and Asa. In 2012, business mogul and philanthropist Hakeem Bello-Osagie joined the board of Chocolate City Group as its chairman. Reuters International has documented Chocolate City's influence on the evolution of the Nigerian music industry. The label is headed by Mr Abuchi Peter Ugwu, who took over from M.I Abaga.

  1. ^ Anani, Vincent. "Chocolate City vs. Mavin Records: which label rules the Nigerian Music Industry?". www.thesparkng.com. Vanguard Spark. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  2. ^ "Services - Chocolate City Group". Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  3. ^ "Warner Music Group Announces Partnership with Nigerian Label Chocolate City | Billboard". Billboard. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  4. ^ "Candy Bleakz - Dawn of A New Rage". Aura Magazine. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  5. ^ Akan, Joey. "Chocolate City Record label merges with Loopy Music". Pulse.NG. Archived from the original on 12 February 2017. Retrieved 9 December 2015.