Stonebwoy joins Def Jam Africa

The arrangement will see Def Jam Africa represent the musician across Africa, with Def Jam Recordings and 0207 Def Jam providing support in the US and UK. UMG says the partnership demonstrates its commitment to introducing Stonebwoy’s sound and Ghanaian music culture to new audiences globally.

Def Jam launched operations in Africa two years ago in Johannesburg and Lagos. Its signees include Stogie T, Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Nasty C, Tshego, 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 recognised 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’s 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.”

Born Livingstone Satekla, the award-winning Stonebwoy fuses Afropop, dancehall and reggae into a unique sound that has seen him habitually issue runaway hits, making him one of Ghana’s leading names in music since 2012. 

On 3 May, Stonebwoy released his debut single ‘Therapy’ under Def Jam Africa. The track heralds his forthcoming album titled Album 5. Its accompanying video is due on 13 May.

Meanwhile, Music In Africa interviewed Stonebwoy about the Def Jam Africa deal. Read the interview here.