Record labels wanted to change my sound – Johnny Drille

Sensational singer, John Ighodaro, popularly known as Johnny Drille, has recalled how he initially struggled to bag a recording deal because of his musical style.

He stated that he was pressured by two major labels who were interested in signing him to change his sound but he chose to remain authentic.

The ‘Wait For Me’ crooner explained that Mavin Records CEO Don Jazzy took a huge gamble by signing him.

He emphasised that Don Jazzy signed him primarily because he is a fan of his music and not for profit, initially.

Speaking in a recent episode of the CreativTea podcast, Johnny Drille said, “People could never had imagined that a Mavin Records under Don Jazzy would sign an alternative artist like myself. It was weird for a lot of people.

“There were two other major labels in Nigeria that wanted to sign me but the conversation was always around, ‘How do we change your sound? How do we make it faster? How do we make it danceable?’

“However, when I met Don Jazzy, there were no conversations like that. He was just really a fan of the music…that was a big risk to take, but he pulled it off.”
Johnny Drille gained prominence 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 released his debut album, ‘Before We Fall Asleep’ in 2012.