Ghanaian Afropop, dancehall and reggae artist Stonebwoy has signed a global deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) label divisions Def Jam Recordings, 0207 Def Jam and Def Jam Africa.
Def Jam Africa, which launched in 2020, will represent his music across Africa, whilst Def Jam Recordings will become his label home in the US.
0207 Def Jam, the frontline Universal Music UK label that named Ghanaian London-born twin brothers Alec and Alex Boateng as Co-Presidents in 2020, will support Stonebwoy in the UK.
UMG says the partnership between the labels “showcases UMG’s global commitment to introducing Stonebwoy’s eclectic sound and Ghanaian music culture to new audiences around the world”.
Stonebwoy is an award-winning African artist and is one of Ghana’s most pertinent stars, says UMG.
He released his new single, Therapy, on May 3 via Def Jam Recordings, 0207 Def Jam and Def Jam Africa, supported by UMG labels around the world.
The single is the first release for his newly signed record deal with Def Jam.
Therapy comes off the back of four albums, several hit records and movie roles, as well as his philanthropic work as part of the Livingston Foundation, which “aims to provide a better quality of life for the Ghanaian community through education and disability justice”, the foundation says on its Facebook page.
Sipho Dlamini, CEO, South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa, Universal Music, said: “Stonebwoy is a true African talent.
“He works to lift the heart and spirit of those around him, whilst producing fresh sounds that keep blowing the world away. We look forward to what 2022 has in store for him.”
“The Def Jam brand is recognized all over the world as a stamp of excellence in black music.”
Tunji Balogun, Def Jam
Tunji Balogun, Def Jam Chairman and CEO, added: “I’m excited to welcome Stonebwoy to the Def Jam Family in partnership with Sipho and 0207.
“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’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.”
“Stonebwoy is one of the great Ghanaian based modern music artists and ambassadors.”
Alec & Alex Boateng, 0207 Def Jam
Alec & Alex Boateng, 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’s signing is UMG and Def Jam’s latest move to expand and represent artists beyond the US.
In February, UMG launched Def Jam India, a label division that it said at the time is dedicated to representing “the best hip-hop and rap talent from the region”.Music Business Worldwide
