Universal Music Group through Def Jam Africa has officially spread its wings in Africa opening up shop in the continent with the aim of owning the music scene in the continent and taking the continent to even greater heights.
Officially speaking about the Def Jam Africa and the launching of the same, the managing director of Universal Music’s Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa division, Mr. Sipho Dlamini stressed how Def Jam Africa is going to revolutionalized African music as we know it today.
“Many of us in Africa grew up on music from legendary labels under the UMG umbrella. From Blue Note for jazz fans, to Mercury Records, which was Hugh Masekela’s first US label and Uptown Records, the home of Jodeci and Mary J Blige, and many more. For those into hip-hop, no label has such cultural and historic relevance as Def Jam.” Sipho Dlamini said,
“From Run D.M.C. to LL Cool J, Disturbing tha Peace, JAY-Z, Big Sean and Kanye West, Def Jam has always been the ultimate destination for hip-hop and urban culture worldwide.”
It is a historic achievement that we’re now able to bring this iconic label to Africa, to create an authentic and trusted home for those who aspire to be the best in hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap.
“Together, we will build a new community of artists, that will push the boundaries of hip-hop from Africa, to reach new audiences globally.” Sipho Dlamini concluded.
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The flagship artistes signed under the internationally acclaimed Def Jam Africa are Larry Gaaga, Boity, Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Nasty C, Tshego, Tellaman, Ricky Tyler, and Vector.
Currently Def Jam Africa has signed artistes from only two African countries, South Africa and Nigeria.
Def Jam is finally in Africa. Source: Twitter/defjam
In due time, they’ll be able to scout and bring on board other talented artistes across the continent since Africa is full of talented musicians and it’s something we can never run out of since each and any other day more talented musicians are born every day in Africa.
Official signed artistes under Def Jam Africa