In what many in the Nigerian music industry are hailing as a major milestone for artists’ rights and creative ownership, Afrobeats sensation Daniel Anidugbe, popularly known as Kizz Daniel, has successfully reclaimed the masters to his groundbreaking debut album New Era, along with his chart-topping singles Yeba and Sofa.
The announcement was made by the artist via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, where he expressed heartfelt gratitude and reflection on what he described as a deeply personal victory.
“From long nights in the studio to several meditations, finally, I now own every song on the New Era album 2016 + Yeba & Sofa (singles),” the singer wrote. “I got my masters back. This means more than words can explain. Thank you for riding with me.”
New Era, released on May 14, 2016, under the now-contentious G-Worldwide Entertainment label, was a defining project in Kizz Daniel’s career.
The album propelled him to national stardom with smash hits such as Woju, Mama, and Laye. However, the relationship between the artist and his former label began to sour soon after.
In November 2017, Kizz Daniel announced his exit from G-Worldwide and went on to establish his own imprint, Flyboy I.N.C. His departure was not without drama, as the label’s founder, Emperor Geezy (real name Festus Ehimare), sued the singer over alleged breach of contract.
After a protracted legal tussle, Kizz Daniel was cleared of all charges—a decision that allowed him to operate independently and continue his meteoric rise in the industry.
Perhaps one of the most surprising developments came in 2023, when Kizz Daniel appointed Emperor Geezy as the Chief Executive Officer of Flyboy I.N.C., a move that stunned fans and critics alike and hinted at a possible reconciliation between the former adversaries.
Now, with the retrieval of his masters—a term referring to the original recordings and full rights to reproduce, distribute, and profit from them—Kizz Daniel joins a growing list of global artists prioritizing ownership of their intellectual property.
In an industry where control over one’s catalog can be as important as creative talent, the move is not just a personal win but a powerful statement about artistic autonomy.
Industry observers note that owning the masters to a commercially successful debut album like New Era opens up multiple revenue streams for the artist, including licensing, synchronization, and direct distribution.
Fans and fellow artists have since flooded social media with congratulatory messages, lauding Kizz Daniel not just for his music but for his resilience and business acumen.
With this development, Kizz Daniel further solidifies his legacy—not just as one of Afrobeats’ leading voices, but also as a savvy entrepreneur and a symbol of artistic liberation in Africa’s booming music scene.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Afrobeats star Kizz Daniel has successfully reclaimed ownership of the masters to his debut album New Era and hit singles Yeba and Sofa from his former label, G-Worldwide.
This landmark achievement marks a significant moment in his career, symbolizing his full control over his early works and reinforcing the importance of artists owning their creative rights.
It’s a powerful reminder that beyond the music, Kizz Daniel is also charting a path of empowerment and independence in the Nigerian music industry.
