Hot on the heels of the company’s recent rebrand — a move that underscores its sharpened focus on empowering African creators with global visibility, real infrastructure, and rights support – Downtown Music Publishing Africa has announced their extended partnership with Nigerian Afrobeats Star, Orezi.
Under the new terms, Downtown will continue to administer Orezi’s (real name, Esegine Allen) complete catalogue and future compositions across Nigeria, including his newest banger, “Start to Dance (Remix)”, featuring Rema Namakula, which is now streaming on all major platforms.
Orezi, a staple of the Nigerian music industry for over a decade, first broke onto the scene with his infectious track “Rihanna”, followed by hits like “Booty Bounce” and the “Shuperu” remix featuring Davido. Known for fusing Afrobeats, dancehall, and high-energy rhythms, his music has racked up over 100 million streams and counting. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Wizkid, Teni, Flavour, and Timaya, consistently pushing creative boundaries.
“Extending our partnership with Orezi was a no-brainer,” said Kefiloe Molefe, A&R Manager for Downtown Music Publishing Africa. “His artistic vision, commercial appeal, and work ethic reflect exactly what we’re about — supporting songwriters and creators with long-term value, not just quick wins. We’re incredibly proud to stand beside him for this next chapter.”
The renewed partnership comes as Downtown Music Publishing — a division of Downtown Music Holdings — continues to deepen its footprint across Africa. The company has been actively investing in the continent’s rapidly growing music economy, helping creators maintain ownership, gain transparency in royalties, and connect with global audiences.
For Orezi, the agreement represents more than just business — it’s a reaffirmation of his creative independence and global aspirations.
“Downtown isn’t just about paperwork — they’ve always been about people, purpose, and potential,” said Orezi. Downtown has always understood where I’m going and supported how I want to get there. This next phase is about growth, reaching new ears, and staying true to my roots. I’m just getting started.”
With a growing fanbase both at home and abroad, and a team backing him that’s committed to ethical rights management and international scale, Orezi’s renewed deal signals a new wave of opportunity — not just for him, but for African music as a whole.
At a time when the continent is influencing global sound like never before, with its refreshed identity and deeper commitment to regional growth, Downtown is poised to support artists like Orezi in turning local success into international impact.
Genevieve Vieira
Soweto Sunrise News
