Don Jazzy Signed Me for the Music, Not Profit,’ Says Johnny Drille

Singer John Ighodaro, better known as Johnny Drille, has revealed that his unique sound once made it difficult to secure a record deal. 

Speaking on a podcast, the ‘Wait For Me’ crooner said two major Nigerian labels had shown interest in signing him—on condition that he changed his sound to make it faster and more danceable. He declined, choosing instead to remain authentic. 

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Johnny Drille said Mavin Records chief Don Jazzy took a huge risk by signing him purely out of admiration for his music rather than profit. He described the move as “a bold and unlikely decision.” Drille gained recognition on Project Fame West Africa in 2013, joined Mavin Records in 2017, and released his debut album Before We Fall Asleep in 2021.