Popular Nigerian artist, Mayorkun, has revealed that Afrobeats superstar Davido played a major role in helping him sign a new deal with Sony Music Africa.
In a recent interview with 3Music TV, the singer praised his former record label boss for facilitating the move. Despite leaving Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) in 2021, Mayorkun made it clear there is no bad blood between them.
“Aside from having my own label, right now I’m also with Sony Africa. Shout out to Davido for that as well. He facilitated the deal,” he said.
His comments come after years of speculation that the two artists had fallen out following his exit from DMW.
A look back at Mayorkun’s journey
Mayorkun, whose real name is Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, shot to fame in 2016 when Davido discovered a video of him singing on Twitter. Impressed by his talent, Davido quickly signed him to his DMW label.
That signing marked the beginning of a successful career for Mayorkun. He released several hit songs under the label, including Eleko, Mama, and Che Che. His debut album, The Mayor of Lagos, dropped in 2018 and received widespread praise.
However, in 2021, Mayorkun quietly left DMW. Fans quickly noticed that his second album, Back in Office, was released without any DMW branding. This fueled rumours that the relationship between Mayorkun and Davido had turned sour.
Rumours of a fallout
The absence of public interactions between the two artists after Mayorkun’s exit further fueled gossip. Many assumed that there had been a disagreement or falling out.
In Nigeria’s music scene, parting ways with a record label, especially one as closely knit as DMW, often leads to speculation. Fans and blogs filled in the gaps with assumptions.
But Mayorkun’s latest comments put those rumours to rest. By openly crediting Davido for his Sony Music Africa deal, he confirmed that the two still share mutual respect.
Davido’s influence in the industry
Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, has built a reputation not just as a hitmaker but also as a kingmaker. He has helped launch the careers of many Nigerian artists, including Peruzzi, Dremo, Liya, and Mayorkun.
His support for Mayorkun’s new deal shows that his mentorship goes beyond label contracts. It also highlights his continued influence in the music industry across Africa.
Davido’s involvement in securing a deal with Sony Music Africa suggests that he still actively supports artists he once worked with. It reflects a more collaborative, rather than competitive, spirit within the Afrobeats scene.
Mayorkun’s new chapter
Mayorkun is now moving forward with his career under a dual setup—running his own label while also working with Sony Music Africa. This hybrid arrangement gives him both independence and the backing of a global platform.
The singer did not reveal the name of his own label or details of the Sony deal. However, the move is clearly a strategic one aimed at expanding his reach across Africa and beyond.
With hits like Certified Loner and For Daddy, Mayorkun has kept his momentum going. His latest work blends street sounds with pop, maintaining his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most versatile artists.
Closing the chapter on rumours
Mayorkun’s recent comments mark an important moment. They correct public assumptions and show the strength of the relationship he still shares with Davido.
While their professional paths may have diverged, the respect remains strong. And in an industry where disputes often play out in public, this quiet show of support is both rare and refreshing.
For fans, it’s a reminder that behind the scenes, artists can still uplift one another, even after they move on.
