ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Holiday Store Sale 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Holiday Store Sale 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Holiday Store Sale 2024

Universal Music Group Launches Def Jam Africa

UMG announces new label group dedicated to supporting the best in African hip-hop talent and culture across the continent.

Published on

Def Jam Africa
Photos: Larry Gaaga, Boity, Tshego / Nadia Nakai, Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C / Ricky Tyler, Vector, Tellaman (courtesy of Universal Music Group)

Universal Music Group announced the launch of Def Jam Africa, a new label division dedicated to “representing the best hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap talent in Africa,” reads the release.

The label launch already boasts an impressive roster of South African and Nigerian talent including Boity, Cassper Nyovest, Larry Gaaga, Nadia Nakai, Nasty C, Tshego, Tellaman, Ricky Tyler and Vector.

Def Jam Africa will proudly follow in the footsteps the iconic Def Jam Recordings label, which has led and influenced the cutting-edge in hip-hop and urban culture for more than 35 years.

Christmas Music 2024 Playlist
Christmas Music 2024 Playlist
Christmas Music 2024 Playlist

While the label will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria, it will be scouting talent from the entire continent, with Sipho Dlamini, UMG Sub Saharan Africa/South Africa chief overseeing A&R (artists & repertoire), marketing and promotions teams.

Nasty C - There They Go

Click to load video

“Many of us in Africa grew up on music from legendary labels under the UMG umbrella,” said Dlamini in a statement.

“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 DMC, to LL Cool J, Disturbing the Peace, Jay-Z and Big Sean, 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.”

Jeff Harleston, interim Chairman & CEO, Def Jam Recordings said, “Def Jam is a globally recognized brand, synonymous with excellence in hip-hop, and we enthusiastically welcome the launch of Def Jam Africa as an opportunity for audiences worldwide to discover the incredibly talented hip-hop artists emerging from across the continent.”

Earlier this year it was announced that South African rapper Nasty C will release his forthcoming album Zulu Man with Some Power in partnership with Def Jam Recordings in the US, during Summer 2020. Other forthcoming releases on Def Jam Africa include singles from: Ricky Tyler, Boity, Nasty C, Tellaman feat. Alpha P, Vector, Cassper Nyovest and Tshego.

Format: Union Jack flagUK English
1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. https://hiphopza.com/download-mp3-nasty-c-eazy-song/

    June 11, 2020 at 2:39 pm

    Nasty is is out with a new song eazy

Comments are temporarily disabled and will return shortly.
Jay-Z - The Black Album
Jay-Z
The Black Album
Vinyl 2LP
ORDER NOW
Rihanna - Unapologetic
Rihanna
Unapologetic
Opaque Fruit Punch Limited Edition 2LP
ORDER NOW
DMX - Let Us Pray
DMX
Let Us Pray
Chapter X Limited Edition LP
ORDER NOW
Rihanna - Loud
Rihanna
Loud
Pink Limited Edition 2LP
ORDER NOW
Rihanna - Talk That Talk
Rihanna
Talk That Talk
Translucent Emerald Green Limited Edition LP
ORDER NOW
Rihanna - A Girl Like Me
Rihanna
A Girl Like Me
Sea Glass Limited Edition 2LP
ORDER NOW
uDiscover Music - Back To Top
uDiscover Music - Back To Top