A few months after leaving Made Men Music Group, Iyanya joins Mavin Records.

Mavin Records’ CEO, Don Jazzy announced this on Twitter.

SMD is pleased to welcome @Iyanya to the Mavin Family. Pls join us to welcome him & let the world know that we #Up2Sumting. #MavinActivated http://pic.twitter.com/I2lnIeo8Sf

— DON JAZZY (@DONJAZZY) October 31, 2016

After Iyanya left MMMG one one would assume that he’ll start his own imprint since that’s the trend in this clime. A quick look at some of the most successful Nigerian artists show they later become label owners once they wrap up their obligation to whatever label signed them initially. Olamide, 9ice, Iceprince, Tuface, Wizkid, Burnaboy and the list goes on.

It’s just been the trend and it seems every upcoming artist’s aspiration is to get signed, achieve some success and eventually start a label.

Iyanya’s move upturns the trend. And Don Jazzy admits it.

Let's learn dat not all artist must own a label. 1 will suffer. D business or d music. Iyanya made a great decision and earns my respect.

— DON JAZZY (@DONJAZZY) October 31, 2016

While Iyanya initially planned to start his own imprint as he’s quoted as saying

“I’ll be launching my new label and new album soon,” he posted on Instagram.

But while Iyanya is a talented artist much can’t be said on his management skills. Since he wasn’t in charge of that part of the music business while signed to MMMG. Getting a capable management team just seemed the best move.

Mavin itself is a well oiled machine that has successfully stirred the careers of artists with pedigree, especially an A-list act like Tiwa Savage, who recently signed a management deal with JayZ’s Roc Nation.

Iyanya’s decision to join Mavin Records puts him in a position to leverage on the structure Mavin has on ground. While starting new a label would have seen him start from the ground up and hope for best.

How well will this work out? Only time will tell. But both Don Jazzy and Iyanya have a prior musical relationship which can be telling of what to expect from this synergy.

With the announcement of his signing came the release of Iyanya’s first single under the label, Up to Something. (Pun intended?)