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.
Launched in 2020, Def Jam Africa will represent his music throughout Africa, while Def Jam Recordings will be his home label in the United States.
0207 Def Jam, the front-line 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 brands “demonstrates UMG’s global commitment to introduce 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 relevant stars, says UMG.
He released his new single, TherapyMay 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 of his newly signed record deal with Def Jam.
Therapy comes from the back of four albums, several hit albums and film roles, as well as his philanthropic work as part of the Livingston Foundation, which “aims to provide a better quality of life for Ghanaian society through education and disability justice”. says the foundation on its Facebook page.
“Stonebwoy is a true African talent.”
Sipho Dlamini, Universal Music
Sipho Dlamini, CEO, South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Universal Music, said: “Stonebwoy is a true African talent.
“He is working to lift the heart and spirit of those around him as he produces 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 worldwide as a hallmark of excellence in black music.”
Tunji Balogun, Def Jam
Tunji Balogun, Def Jam Chairman and CEO, added: “I am pleased to welcome Stonebwoy to the Def Jam Family in partnership with Sipho and 0207.
The Def Jam brand is recognized worldwide as a hallmark of expertise in black music, and as we continue to strengthen our musical ties in key markets such as Africa and the UK, it is dynamic, talented artists such as Stonebwoy who will lead an.
“This is amazing music from a special artist that 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 strengthen his unique talent with Sipho, Def Jam Africa and Tunji with Def Jam Recordings is very exciting, especially for him to become 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 United States.
In February, UMG launched Def Jam India, a label department that it said at the time was dedicated to representing “the best hip-hop and rap talent from the region”.Music business worldwide
