The arrival of Johnny Drille to Mavin Records in 2017 was definitive proof of Afropop’s premier record company moving to broaden its sonic footprint and team up with one of the most vital voices in the African alternative music space. In the years since then, Johnny Drille has continued to tinker with his alternative rock-meet-neo-soul sound while blossoming into the sort of cult hero who inspires fervid attention and support from his fanbase who are dialed in on every step of his journey.
2023 has proven to be a fruitful year for the Benin-born singer who has taken his community-building skills up a level while continuing to release more of the textured earworms that have made him a fan favourite. Continuing his collaborative streak with label boss, Don Jazzy, Johnny’s first single of the year, “Believe Me,” was a pithy declaration of love that set up the stage for his next single, “The Best Part,” which announced his marriage Other singles like “Stay” and “Spending” have shown his world-building approach to music-making and made his yearly Johnny’s Room Live tour an eagerly-attended affair.
