By Veritas News Hub Entertainment Desk | Ilorin, Kwara State
ILORIN — In what marks their first public appearance since entering the music business, AbdulRaheem Jamiu, Chief Executive Officer of Big Jam Records, and his partner Juwon Samson Oyedepo, CEO of Hotboiz, visited the studios of Veritas News Hub to announce a joint promotional agreement aimed at pushing Kwara-born talent to national and international stages.
The two CEOs, who said they co-signed the partnership to “propagate the music gospel bestowed upon them,” appeared together on Musical Time with Veritas News Hub to outline their vision for Big Jam Records and the wider North Central music industry.
When asked why he chose to launch a record label in Ilorin, AbdulRaheem Jamiu pointed to the wealth of untapped talent in Kwara State.
“There are many stars here,” he said. “If I don’t support them, it may be harder for them. So I’m here for Kwarans coming up.”
The statement reflects a growing trend of homegrown investors and creatives returning to their roots to build structures that can retain and develop local talent, rather than allowing artistes to migrate south in search of opportunities.
“We Would Have Taken Over Everywhere”
On where he sees the label in eight years, Jamiu was unequivocal.
“We would have taken over everywhere,” he told the host.
The bold declaration aligns with the duo’s strategy of combining Big Jam Records’ artist development with Hotboiz’s promotional and marketing expertise. The partnership, they explained, is built on years of friendship and a shared commitment to changing the narrative around music coming out of North Central Nigeria.
“It’s till forever,” Oyedepo said when asked to speak on the partnership. “We’re long-time friends, and this business will further unite us. We’re not just doing music; we’re building a family and a structure that can last.”
Both CEOs emphasized that their collaboration is not a short-term venture but a long-term investment in infrastructure, branding, and artist welfare. They noted that the Kwara music scene has often been overlooked despite producing artistes who have gone on to gain recognition elsewhere. Their goal, they said, is to create a platform where Kwara artistes can grow at home and break out from there.
The label currently has one artiste signed under its roster: Showboy, a singer and rapper described by the CEOs as “the first voice of Big Jam Records.”
Showboy has already made waves in the local scene, featuring alongside Stevolee on JerryLoba’s latest track “Ride On.”The song, produced by YK Holy, has been gaining traction across streaming platforms and local radio stations, giving the label an early foothold in the competitive Kwara music market.
The CEOs said more signings are in the pipeline but stressed that the focus for now is on building Showboy’s brand, ensuring quality output, and establishing a professional system around promotion, distribution, and content creation.
“We’re not in a rush to sign 10 artistes and leave them stranded,” Oyedepo said. “We want to do this right. One artiste, full support, proper structure. That’s how you build something that lasts.”
Both Jamiu and Oyedepo stated that their mission goes beyond one label or one artiste. They want to shift perceptions about the music coming out of North Central Nigeria, an area often overshadowed by Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt in the national conversation.
“Kwara has sound, Kwara has culture, Kwara has story,” Jamiu said. “What we’re missing is structure and belief. That’s what Big Jam Records and Hotboiz are here to provide.”
The partnership will focus on professional music production, digital marketing, visual content, and live performance opportunities for artistes under the label. They also hinted at collaborations with producers and artistes across Kwara, Kogi, and Niger states to create a regional sound that can compete nationally.
Industry observers say the timing is significant. With increased access to digital distribution and social media, regional labels outside Lagos are finding it easier to break artistes without relocating them. If Big Jam Records and Hotboiz can maintain consistency, they could set a template for other North Central investors.
The appearance on Musical Time with Veritas News Hub marks the first time the two CEOs have spoken publicly since Big Jam Boss began operations. The decision to use a Kwara-based media platform for their debut, they said, was deliberate.
“We want to start from home,” Jamiu said. “Veritas News Hub has been consistent in promoting Kwara stories. It makes sense to begin here.”
The duo promised more announcements in the coming weeks, including music releases, collaborations, and plans for a showcase event in Ilorin to introduce Showboy and the label’s direction to fans and industry stakeholders.
For now, the message is clear: Big Jam Records and Hotboiz are betting on Kwara talent, and they intend to play the long game.
“We’re here to build, not to blow and disappear,” Oyedepo said. “This is for Kwarans, by Kwarans, and it’s going everywhere from here.”
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