|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In the dynamic world of Nigerian music, few entities are as influential as Dapper Group. Founded by the visionary Damilola Akinwunmi, popularly known as Dapper Damm, and led by Vice President Temitayo Ibitoye, also known as Tee-Y Mix, the group has been a trailblazer in Nigeria’s entertainment industry since the late 2010s.
Dapper Group’s diverse portfolio includes music recording, distribution, publishing, film production, and live events. Its consistent delivery of innovative and high-quality projects has cemented its position as a leader in promoting Nigerian culture and entertainment.
At the forefront of its success is Dvpper Digital, the group’s distribution arm. Headed by Ademola Alugo, with Sani Bawa Ibrahim as Deputy Head of Distribution, Dvpper Digital has played a pivotal role in distributing some of Nigeria’s biggest hits and albums. From January to September 2024, the company captured an impressive 7.97% of Nigeria’s streaming market share, demonstrating its growing influence in both local and international markets.
The company’s notable successes include Mr. Real’s viral hit Legbegbe, Omah Lay’s breakthrough Get Layd EP, and Rexxie’s KPK featuring the late Mohbad. Dvpper Digital also contributed significantly to T.I BLAZE’s rise in 2022, when he became one of the most-streamed Nigerian artists on Audiomack. Recent projects like Shallipopi’s Presido La Pluto and Shakespopi albums, as well as Seyi Vibez’s Nahamciaga, Thy Kingdom Come, and Loseyi Professor, further highlight its dominance in music distribution.
In addition to digital distribution, the Dapper Group is reshaping artist development through its record label, Dapper Music Entertainment. Known for fostering artists with unique sounds and distinct identities, the label manages a roster of rising stars, including Balloranking, Lasmid, Bhad Boi OML, Tml Vibez, and Zerrydl.
The label’s artist management strategy emphasizes not only talent but also brand development, ensuring a strong connection between artists and their audiences. This innovative approach, spearheaded by Kelechi “CHOPPER” Akwari, Senior Vice President and Head of A&R, has solidified Dapper Music’s reputation as a hub for discovering and nurturing exceptional talent.
A key driver of the label’s global impact is its partnership with Virgin Music. This collaboration has elevated the international profiles of Dapper Music’s artists, bringing Nigerian music to audiences worldwide. Moreover, Dapper Group’s role as a distributor ensures seamless royalty payments to artists, enabling sustainable careers in the music industry.
Another vital component of the Dapper Group is S94 Publishing, which supports artists by managing licensing, tracking music usage, and ensuring fair royalty payments. This service protects artists’ creative efforts and ensures they are adequately compensated for their work.
Through its innovative subsidiaries, strategic partnerships, and commitment to artist empowerment, the Dapper Group continues to shape the future of Nigerian music. With a focus on quality, growth, and talent development, the group is well-positioned to maintain its status as a powerhouse in the industry for years to come.
