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Def Jam Africa

Def Jam Recordings Africa (marketed as Def Jam Africa), is the African division of the international record label, Def Jam Recordings. The label is owned by Universal Music Africa, a flagship of Universal Music Group. Founded in 2020, and operating in South Africa, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Cameroon.[1] It specializes mainly in African hip-hop, Afrobeats, and trap music.[2]

History

Def Jam Recordings Africa was founded in 2020, as the African division of Def Jam Recordings, operating in South Africa, and Nigeria. The label has a Johannesburg-based arm known as Universal Music South Africa and a Lagos-based arm known as Universal Music Group Nigeria,[3] both headed by Sipho Dlamini, the Chief executive officer of Universal Music Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa.[4] The label is home to recording acts, such as Boity, Nasty C, Nadia Nakai, Larry Gaaga, Ricky Tyler, Tshego, Ténor, Tellaman, Luka Pryce, Tumi "Stogie T" Molekane, Omzo Dollar, Vector, Lucas Raps, Cassper Nyovest, Suspect 95, Asaph, and Stonebwoy.[5]

On 13 June 2022, Larry Gaaga, the CEO and founder of Gaaga Muzik, and the former general manager of YSG Entertainment were announced as the vice president of Def Jam Africa and the head of the A&R division respectively across English-speaking markets in Africa.[6]

Vice presidents

  • Larry Gaaga (2022-present)

Artists

Current

African artists signed to Def Jam Africa:[7]

  • Boity Thulo
  • Nadia Nakai
  • Larry Gaaga
  • Ricky Tyler
  • Tellaman
  • Luka Pryce
  • Stogie T
  • Suspect 95
  • HIMRA
  • Vector
  • Omzo Dollar
  • Cassper Nyovest
  • Lucas Raps
  • Tshego
  • Cleo Ice Queen
  • Ténor
  • Stonebwoy
  • Asaph (Zimbabwean Rapper)

Past

  • Nasty C (2020-2024)

Selected discography

Singles, Albums and Eps, released through Def Jam Africa:[8]

Singles

Albums & EPs

See also

References

  1. Def Jam Africa expands into Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Cameroon Music Business Worldwide, 24 July 2020, retrieved 10 May 2022^
  2. Universal launches Def Jam Africa to sign hip-hop, Afrobeats & trap artists from across the entire continent Music Business Worldwide, 26 May 2020, retrieved 10 May 2022^
  3. Def Jam Africa Launches in South Africa and Nigeria OkayAfrica, 26 May 2020, retrieved 10 May 2022^
  4. Universal’s Sipho Dlamini on music streaming’s future in Africa Music Business Worldwide, 6 January 2021, retrieved 10 May 2022^
  5. Onyema Courage. Universal Music Group signs Stonebwoy to Def Jam Africa Pulse Nigeria, 3 May 2022, retrieved 10 May 2022^
  6. Larry Gaaga appointed Vice President, A&R, at Def Jam Africa Music Business Worldwide, 13 June 2022, retrieved 15 June 2022^
  7. Artists Def Jam Africa, retrieved 10 May 2022^
  8. Music Def Jam Africa, retrieved 10 May 2022^
  9. Stonebwoy releases 'Therapy', first single under Universal Music Group's Def Jam Recordings - MyJoyOnline.com www.myjoyonline.com, 3 May 2022, retrieved 10 May 2022^
  10. Wisdom Mudasiru. Larry Gaaga & 2Baba Introduce ‘The Kabal’ With Falz-assisted "Mad Over Hills" The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.), 11 November 2022, retrieved 5 October 2023^
  11. Adeayo Adebiyi. Larry Gaaga & 2baba team up with Mi Casa for new single 'Bebe' Pulse Nigeria, 10 February 2023, retrieved 5 October 2023^