Written By: Folake Ajao
Independent African music company 1LaNe (1 Lift Artists ’N’ Empower) is closing out 2025 on a high, following a year marked by decisive growth across songwriting, music publishing, and distribution. Founded in 2022 by A&R executive Olalekan Uthman, the company has continued to solidify its role as a behind-the-scenes force powering African music at both regional and global levels.
A defining moment for the company in 2025 came through international recognition for 1LaNe-affiliated songwriter Zichy, who earned a Grammy nomination as a co-writer on “Gimme Dat” by Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid. The achievement not only marked a personal milestone for the songwriter but also underscored 1LaNe’s growing relevance within elite global songwriting and publishing circles.
Throughout the year, Zichy delivered an extensive run of songwriting credits across high-profile African and international releases.
His work appeared on records by Wizkid, Olamide, Tyla, Davido, Zlatan, Bella Shmurda, Mayorkun, Guchi, Dice Ailes, BOJ, DJ Nektunez, and Mr Eazi. Notable credits included “Kai” by Olamide and Wizkid, “Lighter” by A7S, David Guetta and Wizkid, “Blessings on Blessings” by Mayorkun featuring Davido, “Hip Hop Messiah” by Zlatan featuring Davido, “Dynamite” by Tyla and Wizkid, “No Jønze” by Patoranking, Bella Shmurda’s “Apala Fusion” and “Fuji Fusion,” alongside multiple releases with Guchi. Zichy closed the year with “Baddi Ah” by DJ Nektunez featuring Tiwa Savage, Ciza, and Shoday.
Further strengthening its songwriting and publishing portfolio, Bardbanks recorded a strong 2025 with contributions across major projects by Davido, Adekunle Gold, Magixx, and L.A.X. His credits included “Be There Still” by Davido, “Unlimited” by Magixx, “Dr. Love” by L.A.X featuring Young Jonn, as well as multiple Adekunle Gold records, including “Coco Money,” “Believe,” “Only God Can Save Me” and “Obimo.” His consistent placements further expanded 1LaNe’s presence across mainstream African pop releases.
On the distribution side, 1LaNe continued to scale following the launch of its distribution arm in March 2024. In 2025, the company distributed hundreds of releases, spanning DJs, emerging artists, and regional acts. Key releases included “Bad Girl” by DJ Hacord and Skales, and “Lagos Crazy” by DJ Phil featuring Yababuluku Boyz and Smada. The company also maintained a strong commitment to regional representation, distributing music from Eastern Nigerian artists such as Preto, Evado, and Aguero Banks.
Platform recognition followed when DJ Hacord was selected as Apple Music Africa Now DJ Mix Curator for August 2025, highlighting 1LaNe’s growing visibility across global streaming platforms and its continued support of DJ culture as a vital driver of African music discovery.
As it looks ahead, 1LaNe is focused on expanding its publishing operations, strengthening its distribution infrastructure, and building strategic partnerships that support artists, songwriters, producers, and DJs across Africa and the diaspora.
The company remains open to collaborations with creators and industry partners aligned with its long-term vision.
Partnership and business inquiries may be directed through 1LaNe’s official channels.
