Afrobeats

“They Focus Only on Davido” — Dremo Breaks Silence on Why He Left Davido Music Worldwide

today1 April 2026 1

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Nigerian rapper Dremo has opened up about his departure from Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), revealing that the overwhelming focus on label boss Davido played a major role in his decision to move on.

In a candid reflection on his time with the label, Dremo explained that while DMW was instrumental in shaping his career, the structure of the label often revolved heavily around Davido himself. According to him, this imbalance made it difficult for other artists to receive equal attention and growth opportunities, ultimately influencing his choice to leave.

DMW, founded by Davido in 2016, quickly became one of Nigeria’s most influential music labels, nurturing talents like Mayorkun, Peruzzi, and Dremo himself. The label earned a reputation for producing hit records and launching careers, but like many artist-led imprints, it also faced challenges in balancing the spotlight between its superstar founder and its signees.

Dremo suggested that much of the public and industry attention naturally gravitated toward Davido, whose global success and star power often overshadowed the contributions of other artists on the roster. This dynamic, he implied, limited his ability to fully establish his own identity and maximize his potential within the label.

Despite his departure, the rapper made it clear that there is no bad blood between him and Davido. He described the Afrobeats star as a mentor and maintained that their relationship remains intact. His exit, he emphasized, was more about personal and professional growth than conflict.

Dremo’s experience reflects a broader trend within the Nigerian music industry, where artist-led labels dominate the landscape. While these platforms offer emerging talents visibility and access to resources, they can also create structural imbalances, especially when one figure commands the majority of attention and branding.

In recent years, several artists have exited DMW under similar circumstances, often citing the need for independence and creative control. These departures highlight the evolving nature of the industry, where artists are increasingly seeking autonomy in shaping their careers.

For Dremo, leaving DMW represents a new chapter—one where he hopes to redefine his sound, expand his reach, and step out from under the shadow of a global superstar. His comments not only shed light on his personal journey but also spark a wider conversation about the challenges artists face within major record label systems.

As the Afrobeats industry continues to grow on the global stage, stories like Dremo’s underline the importance of balancing star power with artist development—ensuring that rising talents are not just discovered, but fully supported to thrive.

Written by: Adedoyin Adedara

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