Drake and Rihanna Producer Elkan Signs With Avex Music Group

Avex Music Group (AMG) announced on Tuesday (May 20) that it has signed fast-rising producer Elkan to a global publishing deal. Additionally, AMG has partnered with Elkan on his JV publishing company, Toibox by Elkan. 

Under the new deal, Elkan’s catalog, including previous works and future output, will be published through AMG. Already this year, Elkan has scored two major credits: he produced “Nokia” by Drake, which hit No. 2 on the Hot 100, and co-wrote Rihanna’s new single “Friend of Mine” from the upcoming film Smurfs. 

Through Toibox, AMG will support the signing and development of writers and producers hand-picked by Elkan, alongside his longtime manager Kasual Kas and business partner Kristina Mazzola; the first two signees to Toibox are Kavin Smith and Luke “Cobali” Gobrial.

Elkan started producing as a kid in Freetown, Sierra Leone after his uncle introduced him to FL Studio. By 1y years old, Elkan decided to pursue production full time. He has since worked with artists including Metro Boomin and Lecrae. He won his first Grammy in 2024 for his work on the latter’s Church Clothes 4.

Elkan is signed to Atlantic Records as an artist. 

“I wake up every day with the same mission in mind: making the world dance,” said Elkan in a statement. “No one’s ready for what 2030 will sound like. Toibox is the future.” 

Japanese entertainment company Avex announced the launch of Avex Music Group this March. The U.S. arm of the company was formerly known as Avex USA. AMG is headquartered in Los Angeles, with Brandon Silverstein as CEO.