SA: Tresor launches Jacquel Dance

The announcement marks a milestone in Tresor’s career, as he prepares to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his critically acclaimed debut album VII, released in September 2015. Known for his genre-defying sound and international collaborations, Tresor is now turning his focus to the dance music genre that has played a formative role in his personal and artistic journey.

“Dance music has sound tracked some of the most important milestones in my life and career from the biggest global stages to some of my earliest memories in Congo,” Tresor said. “This new chapter is about celebrating that legacy, creating sonic unicorns, and building a label that moves the world, one beat at a time.”

Jacquel Dance aims to serve as an incubator for Africa’s most exciting producers, songwriters, and vocalists – spanning genres but united by rhythm, energy, and a timeless sound. Tresor envisions the label as a dynamic music start-up, focused on collaboration, creative experimentation, and the production of globally resonant anthems.

The label’s launch coincides with a major industry win: the global licensing of his latest single ‘Wale Wale’ featuring rising Kenyan star Sofiya Nzau by Warner Music. The single blends African pop with the emotional resonance of international house music and is already generating buzz as a potential summer hit in Europe and beyond.

“This Warner Music partnership is just the beginning of how we plan to export African dance music globally and show the world what it can achieve when given the platform,” Tresor said.

Tresor’s influence extends far beyond Africa. In 2022, he co-wrote and produced six tracks on Drake’s dance-infused surprise album Honestly, Nevermind, including standout songs such as ‘Currents’ and ‘Tie That Binds’. The collaboration earned him a debut at #15 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Songwriters chart, placing him ahead of some of the world’s most respected names in music.

His recent work also includes contributions to Drake and Popcaan’s single ‘We Caa Done’, and a prestigious global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing in the United States.

He added: “This is not just about building a label, it’s about building a legacy. We’re here to make history.”