Many African artists did not begin their journeys alone; they started with record labels that helped promote and push their music to audiences.
However, they broke their record deals and left the labels they were signed to after some years. For these artists below, this change was pivotal to their growth and success. 
1. Asake
In 2025, Nigerian singer, Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, left YBNL Nation. Asake joined YBNL Nation in February 2022 and quickly became one of Nigeria’s top music exports.
In July of that year, he signed a major distribution deal with Empire, which remained intact despite his departure from YBNL. While fans speculated about his next career move, Asake now controls his music fully and operates under his own imprint, Giran Republic.
2. Adekunle Gold
Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko, popularly known as Adekunle Gold, first gained recognition with his hit track ‘Sade,’ a highlife cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life,” in 2015. He signed with YBNL that same year and released his debut album, Gold. He later exited the record label after his contract expired.
3. Amanda Black
Amanda Benedicta Antony, professionally known as Amanda Black, is a South African singer and songwriter. She left Ambitiouz Entertainment in 2018. In January 2019, Amanda announced that she had signed with Sony Music Entertainment.
4. Kizz Daniel
The singer entered the Nigerian music scene in 2014 under the G-Worldwide record label.
In November 2017, Kizz Daniel announced his departure from G-Worldwide after a series of contractual disputes and legal battles. His exit led to a rebrand in 2018 when he changed his name from Kiss Daniel to Kizz Daniel. After leaving the label, he established his own record label, Flyboy I.N.C.
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5. Mr Drew
Ghanaian singer Mr Drew (Andrew Nii Commey Otoo) left producer Kaywa’s Highly Spiritual Music in 2023 after releasing hits like “Eat” and “Case.” He later expressed regret for not consulting a lawyer before signing the contract, stating that the agreement was restrictive and that he would not have accepted it if he had received proper advice.
Kaywa stated that Mr Drew declined a renewal offer, while the artist described the departure as a step toward growth. Although both sides handled the split amicably, the situation highlighted issues surrounding one-sided agreements.
6. CKay
Nigerian artist and Afrobeats sensation CKay parted ways with Warner Music South Africa, marking the end of an important chapter in his musical career. The singer-songwriter, who rose to international fame with chart-topping hits like ‘Love Nwantiti’ and ‘Emiliana,’ described his recording agreement with the label as both mutual and strategic.
7. Seyi Vibez
Seyi Vibez, a well-known Nigerian artist, left Dapper Music in 2024. The artist rose to prominence in 2022 after releasing his hit single “Chance” and achieved significant commercial success while working with the label.
Earlier in 2024, he launched his own record label, Vibez INC, and introduced a new group of artists. He released more than six solo projects between November 2022 and early 2025.
8. Lil Kesh
Lil Kesh signed with YBNL Nation, the record label owned by rapper Olamide. He left the label after his two-year contract ended and both parties chose not to renew the deal. Lil Kesh later established his own record label, YAGI Records, with support from his former boss, Olamide.
9. Wizkid
Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, signed with Banky W’s EME Records in 2009. He left the label in 2014 and later launched his own record label, Starboy Entertainment.
10. Kofi Jamar
Ghanaian rapper Kofi Jamar (Derrick Osei Kuffour Prempeh), known for tracks like “Ekorso,” publicly confirmed his split from GADone Records in August 2025.
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