In a candid and enlightening conversation, Happi Agi, the visionary founder of LightUp Record Label, generously shared with us the compelling narrative behind the establishment of his esteemed music label in 2024.
With unbridled passion and unwavering dedication, Agi also divulged the creative vision and ambitious plans he has charted for PEEDAKING, the label’s inaugural artist.
Furthermore, he offered a glimpse into the label’s future trajectory, outlining the strategic initiatives and innovative approaches that will propel LightUp Record Label to global prominence.
Through this insightful interview, Agi provides a unique perspective on the label’s mission, artistic direction, and the exciting prospects that lie ahead.
Can you share the story behind the founding of LightUp record label?
The story behind the founding of Lightup Record label is dedicated to harnessing the Music talent and potential in the youths of Rivers State, and Nigeria in general.
Founded in 2024, we are geared towards promoting music and entertainment in Port Harcourt city and Africa at large, born out of vision, passion, determination, and commitment to challenging industry norms. The label was born out of an urgent and immediate desire to address the systemic barriers and biases that had long hindered Port Harcourt artists from reaching their full potential.
Today, the label is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices. Its impact on the music industry and cultural landscape has been profound, challenging industry norms, fostering innovation, and preserving African cultural heritage.
What inspired you to start a record label, and what are your long-term goals for the company?
I was inspired by the desire to see young people develop and achieve greatness in life. In addition to this desire, the success story of Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Omah Lay, Marvin Records also played a huge part.
What drew you to Peedaking, and what do you think sets him apart from other artists?
His unique music style, voice and his stage performance energy got my attention. I think these are the qualities that set him apart from the others.
How has Peedaking evolved, and what significant changes have you achieved?
The robust management team put together for him is doing a good job in this regard. We have actually seen very improved and impressive development in his music style.
Can you walk us through the process of signing Peedaking to LightUp?
He has been under my radar right from the days of the first Lightup Port Harcourt Music Festival in March 2024 in Port Harcout. I follow-up on him too during the Light Up radio tour shows with the Music Radio stations in PHC. It was after his live performance during the Big Grill Party(another event by LightUp in December 2024 that I made up my mind to sign him as the debut artiste for the newly founded Record Label. The most significant milestone for him and for us now is the release of his first single ‘Mi Amor’ which has taken over our air waves.
What are your expectations for Peedaking’s career, and how do you plan to support his growth as an artiste?
Get ready to experience the future of African music star Peedaking. I won’t say too much, but the results will speak.
Tell us about Peedaking.
His real name is Precious Sunday Johnson. He is a young Nigeria artist from Port Harcourt, same city with Burna Boy, Omah Lay, Duncan Mighty, and other top Nigeria artists.
He is a singer, rapper, and songwriter, with a passion for storytelling through music.
Peedaking’s unique sound blends contemporary influences with soulful vibes, showcasing his thought-provoking lyrics and genre-bending style.
His music journey began at a very young age, as a freestyle singer and rap artist. He has since evolved into a talented songwriter, infusing raw emotion and reality into his craft.
He is graduate of Public Administration from Kensarowiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State.
“Mi Amor” marks the beginning of his exciting journey with Light Up Records, a label dedicated to launching new talent onto the global stage.
This debut single of Peedaking boasts a captivating melody, addictive rhythm, and lyrical sophistication that will resonate with listeners worldwide. This is our first step in support of his growth and career as an artiste.
You can stream “Mi Amor” now on all digital platforms.
You can also follow him on instagram: @peedaking_gram; TikTok: peedaking_; YouTube: peedaking_official, and X: @_peedaking. We will also release his second single in few months to come, and afterwards an EP in latter part of the year 2025. Our expectations is that his songs will become the soothing melody in Africa, Europe, America, Asia, etc.
What kind of artists and genres is LightUp focused on, and why?
For now, we are focused on Afrobeats and Afro-fusion.
How do you approach artist development, and what resources do you provide to your signed artists?
We have put a robust team together for Peedaking and other Artists that we are hoping to sign in few months ahead in 2025. Our plan is to sign the second Artist for the Record Label in June 2025.
What sets LightUp apart from other record labels in the industry?
We have a robust world class management team, and we are poised and committed to invest minimum of N500 million to develop the Record Label in the next two years.
How do you stay ahead of the curve in terms of industry trends and changes?
We try as much as possible to be abreast with the industry trends through symposiums, workshops and trainings for our management team members.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry, and where do you see it headed?
I think this is the time for Afrobeats. It’s our Time. Other continents of the world ruled the music industry for decades from the 1900s to early 2000s. As we now know, Afrobeats then took over and its just still less than 20yrs we started dominating the industry globally. So you can see that we still have over 50yrs ahead for us to continue to dominate the global music industry if we stay committed to giving the world the best of our music industry.
How do you think LightUp can contribute to the growth and development of the music industry?
As I earlier said, we have a robust world class management team in place, and are poised and committed to invest minimum of 500 million to develop the Record Label in the next two years. This is a big contribution from Light Up Records to the music industry both in Nigeria and globally. We are poised to churn-out international music stars to the global music scene.
What’s next for LightUp, and are there any exciting projects or releases on the horizon?
As I earlier said, we hope to sign in few months ahead in 2025 our second Artist under the Record Label. Our plan is to sign the second Artist for the Record Label in June 2025. We are also set to release Peedaking second single and then his EP.
How do you plan to expand Lightup Record’s reach and influence in the music industry?
Presently, we are in Lagos as our only studio. We hope to open our Port Harcourt branch in 2026. We are also hoping that Peedaking and our second yet-to-be signed Artist will gain international limelight from late 2025 and early 2026.
Are there any collaborations or partnerships that you’re particularly excited about?
Yes, but we want to keep that under wraps for now. We would like it to be a surprise package for our fans and audience.
What drives your passion for music and the music industry?
My love for good music right from my childhood.
How do you balance your creative vision with the business side of running a record label?
I have a very competent team headed by a very experienced General Manager. This helps me to manage effectively the diverse nature of this vision.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and music industry professionals?
Music is refreshing to the soul. The importance of good music cannot be over emphasized. Its healing to the soul. But you have to love it before you should venture in to it.
