The Blunt Records expands influence as Simdi Chukwuma drives structured growth

The Blunt Records strengthened its position within Nigeria’s competitive music industry under the leadership of its founder, Simdi Chukwuma, who continued to expand the label’s footprint through disciplined management and strategic production.

Since launching the label in Lagos on June 1, 2021, Chukwuma focused on building sustainable careers for artists rather than relying solely on short-term momentum, positioning the company as a structured player in talent development.

The Blunt Records operated across artist management, brand development, music video production, and long-term career strategy, offering a comprehensive framework for nurturing talent in Nigeria’s fast-evolving entertainment space.

One of the label’s most notable success stories remained Qing Madi, who secured nine award wins under Chukwuma’s management. Her achievements included Songwriter of the Year at the 17th Headies Awards (2025) and Most Promising Artiste of the Year at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA 2026), reflecting the label’s results-driven model.

“My goal is to build a global award-winning artist,” Simdi said. “I am not building for short term noise. I am building for legacy.”

Chukwuma’s entry into the entertainment industry was influenced by her mother’s resilience and consistency—values that continued to shape her leadership approach. Alongside her executive responsibilities, she pursued a degree in Computer Science and held a diploma in Psychology, academic foundations she said enhanced her understanding of digital platforms, streaming algorithms, and audience engagement.

In 2026, her focus shifted toward consolidating the label’s influence within Nigeria’s music industry by refining internal systems, strengthening partnerships, and aligning artists with international standards. The strategy marked a transition from establishing credibility to scaling impact across broader markets.

Chukwuma also remained directly involved in visual production. A major milestone in her career came when a project she produced for Olive The Boy surpassed 12 million views on YouTube, reinforcing her belief in combining creative direction with disciplined execution.

“Learn the business, not just the vibe,” she advised. “If you do not understand contracts, branding, and long term planning, you will struggle to sustain success.”

Beyond production milestones, she said the label’s growth strategy focused on ownership, reputation management, and long-term artist positioning within Nigeria’s expanding global music footprint. She noted that as Nigerian music gained international recognition, labels needed to prioritise structure, transparency, and sustainable partnerships to compete globally.

Chukwuma also acknowledged challenges related to age and gender but said they strengthened her resolve. “I have faced being undervalued and belittled,” she said. “But that has only strengthened my resolve to deliver results.”

With Qing Madi’s EP rollout approaching and The Blunt Symposium scheduled to hold in Lagos, The Blunt Records positioned itself for sustained growth within Nigeria’s evolving entertainment landscape.