OrinlabÍ Records is a music distribution and artist development company committed to helping independent African artists build sustainable careers — not just release music.
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Platforms
100%
Ownership
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To Start
48h
Go-Live
A Ralph Lawal Group Company
The African music industry has incredible talent. What it often lacks is clear guidance, strategic A&R, long-term career development, access to global opportunities, and education around the music business. Too many artists rely on luck instead of structure.
Orinlabi was born from our own experiences as independent artists and music professionals in a system that can feel closed off — at least it did. We know firsthand how difficult it is to find trustworthy guidance, understand the business, and make informed decisions.
Instead of complaining about the system, we decided to build one that serves artists better — in and out of the system — through what we call a next-door service and tailored A&R.
“I built OrinlabÍ Records because I lived the problem. As an independent artist and music professional, I experienced what it felt like to navigate an industry without proper guidance, real support, or anyone in your corner who actually understood your journey.
African music has changed the world. But the infrastructure serving African artists has not kept up. We are here to close that gap — not with promises, but with the kind of next-door, personal service that actually moves careers forward.
This is not just a distribution company. It is an artist development home. And we are just getting started.”
Ralph Lawal
Founder & CEO, OrinlabÍ Records · Ralph Lawal Group
To be the home where independent African artists come to build real careers — and the company that proves African music and African infrastructure can lead the world.
To give independent African artists the guidance, tools, and global reach they deserve — through honest distribution, tailored A&R, music business education, and the kind of personal service that actually moves careers forward.
We are not just looking for music to distribute. We are looking for artists we can genuinely develop. When you come to Orinlabi, you are not a ticket number — you are an artist with a story we want to help tell.
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We are not a faceless platform. You get real people, real feedback, and real conversations — the kind of access most artists never get from a label or distributor.
02
Every artist gets a different kind of support. We do not apply a template — we look at your sound, your story, and your goals, and build a development path around you.
03
We believe informed artists make better decisions. Part of what we do is teach the business — contracts, royalties, publishing, brand — so you are never in the dark again.
Our team responds within 3–5 business days. We provide feedback with every review and our door is always open. Many of our artists applied multiple times as their music evolved — we welcome that.
Every decision starts with what is best for the artist. We are in your corner — not just for the release, but for the career.
You own your masters. Always. We distribute your music — we do not own it.
African music belongs everywhere. We build with a global mindset and a local understanding.
We are not a ticket system. We are real people who know your name, your sound, and your goals.
We teach the business so you understand contracts, royalties, publishing, and brand — not just streams.
Clear royalty reporting. Honest feedback. No hidden fees. No surprises.
Launch website and onboard artists. Begin distribution operations.
Artist dashboard with release tracking, royalty visibility, and detailed reports.
Full royalty portal with payment processing and analytics.
Publishing services and sync licensing for creators worldwide.
Complete independent distribution infrastructure owned and operated by OrinlabÍ Records.
Built by Africans. Built for African creators. Built for the world.