Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Kizz Daniel has officially regained the master recordings of his critically acclaimed debut album New Era and his early hit singles Yeba and Sofa — marking a major turning point in his musical legacy and business journey.
The singer, whose real name is Daniel Anidugbe, made the announcement on Monday, June 10, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Expressing deep gratitude and reflection, Kizz Daniel revealed that the process of reclaiming ownership of his early works has been an emotional and spiritual victory years in the making.
“From long nights in the studio to several meditations, finally, I now own every song on the ‘New Era’ album 2016 + Yeba & Sofa (singles),” he wrote.
“I got my masters back. This means more than words can explain. Thank you for riding with me. #NewEra #MyCatalog #Grateful.”
A New Era of Ownership for Kizz Daniel
The announcement marks a significant milestone in the career of one of Nigeria’s most consistent and successful music exports. New Era, Kizz Daniel’s debut album, was originally released on May 14, 2016, under his former record label G-Worldwide Entertainment. The album featured fan-favorite tracks like Woju, Laye, Good Time, and Mama, and helped cement his reputation as a rising force in Afrobeats.
At the time of its release, New Era was praised for its tight production, relatable lyrics, and the singer’s unique vocal style. The album won Album of the Year at the Headies in 2016 and sold thousands of units across Africa and the diaspora. However, due to a contentious contract with G-Worldwide, Kizz Daniel did not originally own the rights to the album or its revenue stream.
Now, nearly a decade later, the artist has not only reclaimed control over the New Era masters but also added two iconic singles — Yeba and Sofa — to his fully owned catalog.
Years of Legal Battles and Breakthroughs
Kizz Daniel’s journey toward independence began in November 2017, when he announced his exit from G-Worldwide amid disagreements over his recording contract and creative control. Following his departure, the label’s founder, Emperor Geezy, took legal action against him — alleging contract breaches and unauthorized use of the stage name “Kiss Daniel,” which was later changed to “Kizz Daniel” as part of a rebranding move.
In 2018, Kizz Daniel was acquitted of all legal charges, allowing him to continue operating under his newly formed record label, Flyboy Inc. The legal battle became a defining moment in his career, symbolizing the push by many African artists to own their work and escape exploitative deals.
Industry insiders have long cited Kizz Daniel’s story as an example of the challenges young African artists face when navigating the music industry.
“What Kizz Daniel has accomplished is more than just business — it’s a blueprint for how to regain power as an artist,” said Lagos-based music lawyer Tunde Abayomi. “Reclaiming your masters is reclaiming your legacy.”
The Importance of Master Ownership in Music
In the global music industry, owning master recordings means owning the rights to the original recording of a song or album. This ownership allows an artist to fully control how the music is licensed, reproduced, and monetized. In most traditional label deals, especially in Africa, these rights are usually held by record labels, limiting the artist’s earnings and freedom.
With the masters of New Era, Yeba, and Sofa now under his control, Kizz Daniel can license the songs for film, television, streaming, and other revenue-generating platforms without third-party approval. This also increases the long-term value of his music catalog, especially in a time when global streaming numbers continue to grow exponentially.
“To get back what once seemed legally lost — that’s a victory very few artists ever achieve,” said media analyst Chuka Nwanze. “It shows his business acumen, perseverance, and belief in his art.”
From G-Worldwide to Flyboy Inc — And Full Circle with Emperor Geezy
In a surprising twist that many in the industry considered a gesture of maturity and reconciliation, Kizz Daniel in 2023 appointed his former label boss, Emperor Geezy, as the CEO of Flyboy Inc. The move caught many off guard, considering their public fallout years earlier.
At the time, Kizz Daniel explained that the decision was driven by growth and vision.
“Sometimes you need to revisit the past to chart a new future,” he said in a press statement. “There’s mutual respect, and we’re building something stronger than before.”
Though details of how the master rights were returned have not been made public, speculation is rife that the agreement may have been part of the new partnership arrangement between both parties.
A Catalog Reborn — What Comes Next?
With this new chapter, Kizz Daniel joins a growing list of global artists — including Taylor Swift, Russ, and Chris Brown — who have taken steps to own or re-record their music catalogs.
For fans, the move opens the possibility of special re-releases, remastered editions, or anniversary projects built around New Era — which remains one of the most beloved Afrobeats albums of the past decade.
Kizz Daniel’s evolution from a young, label-signed act into an independent powerhouse reflects the larger narrative of African artists becoming more business-savvy and protective of their creative rights.
As the artist himself puts it, this is more than just music. It’s about legacy.
