Universal Music Group (UMG) divisions Def Jam Recordings, 0207 Def Jam and Def Jam Africa have announced Ghana’s Afropop, dancehall and reggae musician Stonebwoy as the most recent addition to Def Jam Africa.
This arrangement will have Def Jam Africa represent Stonebwoy across Africa, with Def Jam Recordings and 0207 Def Jam yielding support in the US and UK. UMG made it clear that this alliance confirms its commitment to establishing the musician’s art and Ghanaian music culture to new listeners globally.
Two years ago, Def Jam set afloat operations in Johannesburg and Lagos with its signees including; Nadia Nakai, Cassper Nyovest, Tshego, Nasty C, Tellaman Ricky Tyler, Larry Gaaga and Vector.
UMG CEO for South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa Sipho Dlamini described Stonebwoy as “a true African talent who works to lift the heart and spirit of those around him, while producing fresh sounds that keep blowing the world away. We look forward to what 2022 has in store for him.”
‘‘I’m excited to welcome Stonebwoy to the Def Jam Family in partnership with Sipho and 0207, Def Jam chairman and CEO Tunji Balogun said’’. ‘‘The Def Jam brand is recognized all over the world as a stamp of excellence in black music, and as we continue to strengthen our musical bond in important markets like Africa and the UK, it is dynamic, talented artists like Stonebwoy that will lead the way. This is great music from a special artist who needs to be heard everywhere.’’
Alec and Alex Boateng, who are 0207 Def Jam’s co-presidents, said: “Stonebwoy is one of the great Ghanaian-based modern music artists and ambassadors. The opportunity to amplify his outstanding talent alongside Sipho, Def Jam Africa and Tunji with Def Jam Recordings is very exciting, especially him becoming a part of our world-class Def Jam artist family. Hopefully, this is the first of many more collaborative projects to come.”
Stonebwoy, born Livingstone Satekla is an award-winning African artist placing Africa on the map with the fusion of his Afropop, dancehall and reggae unique sounds making him one of Ghana’s great musicians. On 3 May, Stonebwoy released his debut single ‘Therapy’ under Def Jam Africa. This single is a track off the musician’s album set to drop in mid-2022.
He has been the recipient of multiple acclaimed awards such as Best International Act: Africa at the BET Awards, Artist of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards, and two Billboard plaques. Stonebwoy has collaborated with some international artists like Keri Hilson, Sean Paul, Alpha Blondie and many more.
