Universal Music Group announces the launch of new sub-division- Def Jam Africa, with a line up of South African and Nigerian artistes.

Def Jam Africa launches with a line up of artistes majority of which were already signed to UMG Africa. The talents include Nigeria’s Vector and Larry Gaaga, alongside South Africa’s Boity, Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Nasty C, Tshego, Tellaman and Ricky Tyler.

Nasty C was the first signee on the label sub-division to be announced. He earlier announced he would be releasing his third studio album “Zulu Man With Some Power” through Def Jam Recordings which was a joint venture with Universal Music Africa.

According to Sipho Dlamini, the MD of Universal Music Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa the aim for Def Jam Africa has the aim to elevate Afrobeat and Hip-hop and urban culture on the continent based on the blueprint the iconic label has used to lead and influence Hip-hop and urban culture for the past 35 years.

Def Jam Africa will be based in Africa’s entertainment hubs Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria, but will identify and sign talents from across the entire continent.