Kobalt, the world’s leading independent music publisher, announced today a new deal with Nigerian publishing company Inner Circle Publishing (INCP), marking a significant move in expanding Kobalt’s footprint within the African music market.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Inner Circle Publishing, a powerhouse driving the next wave of African music and talent,” said Kenny McGoff, Head of Creative UK & GSA, Kobalt Music. “Nigeria continues to be a wellspring of creativity and cultural influence, and this deal reflects our commitment to supporting diverse voices on a global stage. We’re excited to work closely with the Inner Circle team to help amplify their writers and bring their music to the world.”
Inner Circle Publishing, co-founded by Caleb Oyolola & Promise Dennis earlier this year, has already made a major impact, signing the producers of the three hottest songs in Nigeria, Choke Boi who produced “Joy is Coming” and Serotonin who produced “Venus.” “Joy Is Coming” became a cultural phenomenon this year, breaking records as the fastest song in Nigerian history to reach 50 million streams and holding the #1 spot across all DSPs for multiple weeks. INCP publishes the track’s producer, Choke Boi, reinforcing their role in one of the year’s most defining releases. ‘Venus’, the critically acclaimed second single from rising artist Serotonin, in collaboration with Faceless, has surpassed 100 million global streams, establishing both artists as standout voices in Nigeria’s new generation of talent. In addition to these marquee signings, INCP has inked a long-term deal with rising star Dxtiny, who has already scored two top 40 hits in 2025 with ‘Uncle Pele’ and ‘Babcock’.
“We are extremely happy this partnership with Kobalt came together as we know they share our ambition for Inner Circle publishing,” said Inner Circle Publishing co-founder Caleb Oyolola. “We’re grateful to those who made it possible, especially our lawyer Wale Kalejaiye and Tyler Brown, whose strategic guidance and dedication were instrumental in bringing this together.”
The company’s rapid ascent hasn’t been limited to publishing. Inner Circle has had a standout 12 months across the music business, having discovered and managed Fido, whose debut #1 single ‘Awolowo’ (released via Heatwave Records) introduced him as one of the most exciting new voices in Afrobeats. The group’s label arm, Inner Circle Records, also found chart success through its partnership with The Orchard, breaking artist Mavo with the top 5 hit ‘Escaladizzy‘, later remixed by Shallipopi, Ayra Starr, and Zlatan. Mavo’s follow-up EP ‘Kilometer II‘ featured the top 5 single ‘Shakabulizzy‘, cementing his position as Nigeria’s hottest new artist.
“I have no doubt that Inner Circle Publishing will become one of the most successful and important publishers in Nigeria in the coming years. Caleb is one of the most impressive young entrepreneurs I’ve ever met, and I’m delighted to play a small part in the growth of this exciting business,” said Tyler Brown, founder of Funfair Records & Publishing, who was instrumental in the Kobalt-INCP deal and will remain involved in the creative and business development capacity. “Artist development is probably the most in-demand skill set in the world right now, and Inner Circle seems to deliver it time and time again.”
