Universal Music Group (UMG) label divisions Def Jam Recordings, 0207 Def Jam, and Def Jam Africa have announced the addition of Ghanaian Afropop, dancehall, and reggae musician Stonebwoy to the global Def Jam artist family.
Def Jam Africa will represent his music throughout Africa, while Def Jam Recordings will become his label home in the United States, with 0207 Def Jam promoting the record in the United Kingdom.
This label collaboration exemplifies UMG’s global commitment to introducing Stonebwoy’s eclectic sound and Ghanaian music culture to new audiences worldwide.
Stonebwoy is an award-winning African artist who has been firmly placing the continent on the musical map since 2012 through international touring, standout collaborations, and widely popular singles.
Stonebwoy, one of Ghana’s most relevant superstars, released his brand new single, Therapy, on May 3 via Def Jam Recordings, 0207 Def Jam, and Def Jam Africa, with worldwide support from UMG labels.
Therapy follows an already illustrious career that includes four albums, countless hit songs, and movie roles, not to mention his philanthropic work as part of the ‘Livingston Foundation,’ which educates young Africans and elevates the youth of Ghana.
The single is the first release from Stonebwoy’s newly signed record deal with Def Jam, home to some of the continent’s biggest names in hip-hop, Afrobeats, and trap talent, and serves as the lead single from Stonebwoy’s brand new album, which is set to be released in mid-2022.
Sipho Dlamini, CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, is thrilled to welcome yet another African megastar to the Def Jam roster.
He states, “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.”
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“I’m excited to welcome Stonebwoy to the Def Jam Family in partnership with Sipho and 0207,” said Def Jam chairman and CEO Tunji Balogun. “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.”
Alec & Alex Boateng, co-Presidents, 0207 Def Jam added, “Stonebwoy is one of the great Ghanaian-based modern music artists and ambassadors.
The opportunity to amplify his outstanding talent with Def Jam Recordings alongside Sipho, Def Jam Africa, and Tunji is very exciting, especially with him becoming a member of our world-class Def Jam artist family. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of many more collaborative projects.”
The single, Therapy, will be available on all streaming platforms on May 3rd, and the accompanying hot video, shot in Ghana, will be available on May 13th.
The track, which is essentially a love song, kicks hard with a driving beat and all the right flavor for dance floors all over the world.
Livingston Satekla, aka Stonebwoy, is no stranger to success. In his career, he has been described as the king of ragga and dancehallin’ for Africa, having received numerous acclaimed awards such as Best International Act: Africa at the BET Awards, Artist of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards, and two Billboard plaques.
He has collaborated with international artists such as Keri Wilson, Sean Paul, Trey Songz, Burna Boy, Alpha Blondie, and many more – and has rocked stages from the United Kingdom to the United States, Australia, Italy, Puerto Rico, and Amsterdam, making his electrifying touring an integral part of his career.
Stonebwoy is also active and engaging on social media, with 4 million Instagram followers and another 3 million on Facebook, making him one of Africa’s most-followed performers.
SOURCE: myjoyonline