Def Jam Africa Launches With Nigerian and South African Roster
Universal Music Group has launched Def Jam Africa, a pan-African label division “following the blueprint” of Def Jam Recordings, according to a press release. The launch roster features a clutch of Nigerian and South African artists: Larry Gaaga, Boity, Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Nasty C, Tshego, Tellaman, Ricky Tyler, and Vector.
Sipho Dlamini, the managing director of Universal Music’s Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa division, said in a press release, “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. 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.”
Originally Appeared on Pitchfork
