Soulful Nigerian singer John Ighodaro, better known as Johnny Drille, has opened up about the difficult early days of his career, revealing how his unique sound almost cost him a recording deal before Don Jazzy took a bold leap of faith and signed him to Mavin Records.
The “Wait For Me” crooner, known for his distinct blend of soul, folk, and alternative music, recounted how two major record labels had shown interest in signing him but insisted he abandon his style to fit mainstream expectations.
According to Johnny Drille, the pressure to conform was immense, but he refused to compromise his artistic identity.
“I remember being told to change my sound if I wanted to make it,” he said. “Two major labels were ready to sign me, but only if I dropped what made my music different. I couldn’t do it. I wanted to stay true to who I was.”
The singer credited Don Jazzy, Mavin Records’ founder and CEO, for seeing beyond commercial trends and believing in his authenticity when others didn’t.
“Don Jazzy took a huge gamble by signing me,” Johnny Drille admitted. “My sound wasn’t what the Nigerian market was used to, but he believed in me and gave me the platform to be myself.”
Since joining Mavin Records, Johnny Drille has carved out a unique space in the Nigerian music industry, earning widespread acclaim for his emotional storytelling and deeply resonant lyrics.
His revelation offers a glimpse into the tension many artists face between creativity and commercial viability and how choosing authenticity, though risky, can ultimately define a lasting legacy.
