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Sensational singer John Ighodaro, widely known as Johnny Drille, has reflected on his initial challenges in securing a recording deal due to his unique musical style.
He revealed that he faced pressure from two major labels interested in signing him to alter his sound, but he chose to stay true to himself.
The ‘Wait For Me’ hitmaker explained that Mavin Records CEO Don Jazzy took a significant risk by signing him.
He emphasized that Don Jazzy's decision was primarily motivated by his admiration for Johnny Drille's music rather than for financial gain, at least initially.
In a recent episode of the CreativTea podcast, Johnny Drille stated, “People could never have imagined that Mavin Records, under Don Jazzy, would sign an alternative artist like me. It was unusual for many.”
“There were two other major labels in Nigeria that wanted to sign me, but the discussions always revolved around, ‘How can we change your sound? How can we make it faster? How can we make it more danceable?’”
“However, when I met Don Jazzy, those conversations didn’t happen. He was genuinely a fan of the music… that was a significant risk to take, but he succeeded.”
Johnny Drille rose to fame after participating in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. His debut single, ‘Wait For Me,’ was released in 2015.
The singer joined Mavin Records in 2017 and launched his debut album, ‘Before We Fall Asleep,’ in 2022.
What challenges did Johnny Drille face in securing a recording deal? Johnny Drille faced pressure from major labels to change his unique musical style to fit mainstream preferences.
Johnny Drille faced pressure from major labels to change his unique musical style to fit mainstream preferences.
Why did Don Jazzy sign Johnny Drille? Don Jazzy signed Johnny Drille because he was a fan of his music, viewing it as a risk rather than a purely profit-driven decision.
Don Jazzy signed Johnny Drille because he was a fan of his music, viewing it as a risk rather than a purely profit-driven decision.
When did Johnny Drille release his debut album? Johnny Drille released his debut album, 'Before We Fall Asleep,' in 2022.
Johnny Drille released his debut album, 'Before We Fall Asleep,' in 2022.
