Bullion Records Officially Commissions New Music House in Lagos

One of Nigeria’s leading music labels, Bullion Records, has taken a significant step in its journey of redefining the Afrobeat music industry with the commissioning of its state-of-the-art Music House. The grand ceremony, held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 29 Abebi Close, Goodwill Estate, Bemil, Ojodu Abiodun, Berger, Lagos, was a star-studded affair graced by notable personalities, well-wishers, and media representatives.
Ogun State chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Barrister Femi Aina, officially inaugurated the facility by cutting the ribbon. He was joined by key dignitaries, including the NNPP’s Ogun State Public Relations Officer, Comrade Omokehinde Olowu; the convener of the Ajadi Independent Movement (AIM), Hon. Idowu Shola Imoleayo; and the Ogun State Secretary, Alhaja Shakirat Arowolo.

Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, CEO of Bullion Records, expressed his gratitude and excitement during the event. He described the Music House as a dream realized, emphasizing the label’s dedication to fostering creative excellence.

“This Music House represents our commitment to providing a platform where talents can thrive and Afrobeat can continue to flourish globally,” Ajadi said. “Bullion Records is more than a music label; it is a family, a movement, and a force for positive change in the entertainment industry. We are proud to unveil this facility as a hub for creativity and innovation.”
The Managing Director of Bullion Records, Mr. Elegbede Ajibola, also highlighted the significance of the Music House. “This is a new chapter in our journey. The Music House will not only serve as a recording studio but also as a center for nurturing and promoting exceptional talents. We are excited about the possibilities it holds for the future of Afrobeat,” he stated.

The event was hosted by popular comedians MC Emmer and African Pencil G, while comedian MC Kirikiri entertained the dignitaries and guests with his humor. DJ Dr. Step, and DJ Danny Yankee of LASU FM curated the music policy for the night, setting an energetic and celebratory tone throughout the event.

Guests were further captivated by electrifying performances from Bullion Records’ star artistes. Harcher, the label’s newly signed 20-year-old Afrobeat sensation, delivered an unforgettable performance alongside Kingsley Fortune, popularly known as GyC, the label’s senior act. The duo thrilled the audience with their hit tracks, showcasing the label’s dedication to producing quality music.

In his remarks, Harcher expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to be part of Bullion Records, calling it a family that supports his passion and vision. “This is not just a music house; it is the home of dreams. I’m grateful to be part of this journey, and I promise to make my fans and the label proud,” he said.

GyC, who has been a pivotal figure in the label’s success, also shared his excitement about the new development. “Bullion Records has always set the standard for excellence, and this Music House is a testament to that. It is a space where creativity will thrive, and I am proud to be part of this historic moment,” GyC said.

The event drew significant media attention, with Soundcity TV, a prominent Nigerian lifestyle and music channel, in attendance alongside other reputable media houses.

The ceremony ended on a high note, with well-wishers applauding Bullion Records’ innovative vision and commitment to uplifting the Afrobeat genre globally.

Eze 1 Fuji: The Rising Star of Fuji Music

Oluwaseun Michael Oyeyemi popularly known as Eze 1 Fuji, Omo Iya Ibadan is a talented Fuji Artiste making waves in the Nigerian Fuji music industry.
Eze Fuji 1, Remi Aluko’ s sing alike, displayed a deep passion for music right from the church at his young age.
He began his journey from singing in the church.

After his primary and secondary school educations, he was trained as a mechanical engineer, but yet did not allowed his passion for music to fizzled out.

Eze 1 discoragraphy includes four remarkable albums titled My Time, My Birthday, Sunshine & Thanksgiving.

Currently, Eze 1 Fuji is preparing for the next chapter of his musical, as fans eagerly anticipate the new sounds and stories he will bring. His dedication to his craft , combined with his thoughtful insights, makes him a rising star worth watching out for in the Nigeria music scene.

Gifted Eze 1 whose success of his first album has set the stage for his subsequent works each offering a distinct flavor and message.

Omo Iya Ibadan as he’s fondly called promises that his next work Advance Level will be a significant milestone in his career with plan for a grand album launch, a mega concert and international travel deal in 2025.

Netflix Denies Leaving Nigerian Market

Despite reports from three publications suggesting Netflix is exiting the Nigerian market, the global streaming giant has firmly denied these claims, insisting it will continue to invest in Nigerian content.

The speculation was fueled by comments from Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, who spoke at the 2024 Zuma International Film Festival. Afolayan claimed Netflix canceled several films it had previously commissioned from unnamed filmmakers.

“Three years ago, when we signed the three-film deal with Netflix, it was really exciting,” Afolayan said. The filmmaker went on to share that despite the stellar performance of those movies globally, Netflix seemed unimpressed by their returns in Nigeria.

“Thank God we had shot seasons two and three [of Anikulapo] because all the other people that were commissioned with us at the same time were canceled.”

However, Afolayan did not explicitly state that Netflix was exiting the Nigerian market, although his remarks will rightly drive speculation that the streaming platform is retreating from the country. This speculation is not entirely unfounded—Amazon Prime, another major streaming service, exited Nigeria in January 2024 one year after a huge marketing campaign and a slate of original Nigerian productions..

In a statement to TechCabal on Wednesday, a Netflix spokesperson reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, saying, “We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our audience.”

The spokesperson did not immediately address Afolayan’s claims about canceled projects. Still, Wednesday’s conversation and social media reactions highlight growing uncertainty around Netflix’s long-term strategy in Nigeria, where rising inflation and currency devaluation have pressured consumer spending power.

Netflix has struggled to capture a large share of Nigeria’s competitive streaming market, which is dominated by the more affordable Showmax, a service operated by Multichoice. Netflix—currently priced at ₦7,000 ($4) per month—remains a luxury for many Nigerians, especially as inflation and naira devaluation erode purchasing power.

With local players continuing to outperform in pricing, Netflix’s ability to maintain its position in the region could become increasingly challenging.

Netflix’s relationship with Nigeria dates back to 2016 when it began licensing high-profile local films. Since 2016, it has poured over $23 million into Nigeria’s film industry, backing over 250 locally licensed titles, co-productions, and original commissions. Lionheart, The Wedding Party 2, and King of Boys are some of its most recognisable titles. In 2020, the streaming service signed multi-title deals with prominent Nigerian producers like Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Productions. In 2021, it expanded its partnership with Kunle Afolayan, signing a deal for three films, including an adaptation of Sefi Atta’s Swallow.