Universal Music Group (UMG) label divisions Def Jam Recordings, 0207 Def Jam and Def Jam Africa announced the global signing of Ghanaian Afropop, dancehall and reggae musician, Stonebwoy to the global Def Jam artist family.
Def Jam Africa will represent his music across Africa, whilst Def Jam Recordings will become his label home in the US with 0207 Def Jam supporting the record in the UK.
In a statement, UGM has said, the partnership showcases UMG’s global commitment to introducing Stonebwoy’s eclectic sound and Ghanaian music culture to new audiences around the world.
It described Stonebwoy as an award-winning African artist that has been placing the continent firmly on the musical map with international touring, standout collaborations and hugely popular singles since 2012.
One of Ghana’s most pertinent superstars, Stonebwoy released his brand new single, Therapy on May 3 via Def Jam Recordings, 0207 Def Jam and Def Jam Africa, supported by UMG labels around the world.
Therapy comes off the back of an already illustrious career of four albums, countless hit tracks and movie roles, not to mention his philanthropic work as part of the ‘Livingston Foundation’, educating young Africans and elevating the youth of Ghana.
The single is the first release for his newly signed record deal with Def Jam, home to some of the biggest names in hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap talent from the continent, and is the lead single from Stonebwoy’s brand new album due to drop mid-2022.
Sipho Dlamini, CEO, South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa, Universal Music has said he is excited another African megastar has been added 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.”
“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 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.”
The single Therapy is out on May 3 across all streaming platforms and its accompanying red-hot video shot in Ghana will be out on May 13.
Essentially a love song, the track kicks hard with a driving beat and all the right flavour for dance floors worldwide.
Stonebwoy, aka Livingston Satekla, is no stranger to success. Having been the recipient of multiple 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 been described as the king of ragga and dancehall for Africa in his career.
He has duetted with international artists such as Keri Wilson, Sean Paul, Trey Songz, Burna Boy, Alpha Blondie and many more – and has rocked stages from the UK to the USA, 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, boasting an impressive 4 million followers on Instagram and a further 3 million on Facebook, making him one of Africa’s most-followed performers. The sky is the limit for Stonebwoy in 2022.
