DEF JAM
Entertainment

Def Jam expands to three other African countries

464

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, Friday announced the further expansion of its Def Jam Africa division into three new markets within French-speaking Africa; Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Cameroon, effective immediately.

Def Jam Africa launched in May 2020, as the first label dedicated to representing the best hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap talent in Africa, and follows the blueprint of the iconic Def Jam Recordings label, which has led and influenced the cutting-edge in hip-hop and urban culture for more than 35 years.

Def Jam Africa will now have additional A&R, marketing and digital resources based within UMG’s offices in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Dakar (Senegal) and Douala (Cameroon), dedicated to discovering hip-hop talent across all French-speaking African markets and will operate under the leadership of Franck Kacou, Directeur Général, Universal Music Africa.

Kacou will work closely with Sipho Dlamini, CEO, Universal Music Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa and Def Jam Africa teams in Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria, to ensure the Def Jam Africa continues to identify and sign the best artist talent from across the entire continent.

The first flagship artist signings to join Def Jam Africa from these countries are highly respected and hugely popular rappers; Tenor (Cameroon), Suspect 95 (Côte d’Ivoire), & Omzo Dollar (Senegal), The trio joins some of Africa’s most influential artists and MC’s already on the label including: Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Larry Gaaga, Boity, Nadia Nakai, Tellaman, Tshego, Ricky Tyler & Vector.

In making the announcement, Franck Kacou said, “We are excited to launch Def Jam Africa in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Cameroon with three of Africa’s most exciting hip-hop artists; Tenor, Suspect 95 and Omzo Dollar. There is a wealth of domestic hip-hop talent here and in the surrounding countries, that has the potential to transcend language and geographical boundaries to appeal to audiences throughout Africa, France and beyond. I look forward to working alongside Sipho to expand our community of artists across the continent, and to help elevate hip-hop from Africa to new heights.

Jeff Harleston, interim Chairman & CEO, Def Jam Recordings said, “The reaction to the recent launch of Def Jam Africa showed the weight and respect that the Def Jam name and brand carries globally. We are excited to welcome these new markets to the Def Jam Family. It provides an important opportunity for audiences worldwide to discover the incredibly talented hip-hop artists emerging throughout the continent.”

Olivier Nusse, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music France said, “African hip-hop is one of the most exciting movements in music today. In recent years we have seen an increase in its popularity in France, but the appetite for African hip-hop continues to grow amongst audiences around the world. We are excited to further expand Def Jam Africa into Cameroon, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, and for these incredible artists to help build Def Jam Africa into the authentic and collaborative home of hip-hop across all of Africa.”

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Dayo Amusa debunks trending baby picture, confirms birth of new baby

Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa has addressed rumours surrounding a trending picture purported...

After disappointing exit from Miss South Africa, Chidimma Adetshina, shines as Miss Universe Africa

Last Saturday, Chidimma Adetshina turned disappointment into triumph as she was crowned...

Ahead of his birthday, Davido pledges N300m donation to orphanages, anti-drug abuse charity

Nigerian music sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced a...

I didn’t build my wealth by dating politicians or taking shortcuts, Ashmusy declares

Popular content creator and entrepreneur Amarachi Amusi, also known as Ashmusy, has...

Portable dismisses Olamide’s role in his fame, credits self, others for success

Controversial street singer Portable has rubbished Olamide’s involvement in his rise-to-fame journey,...

Annie Idibia shuts down age critics, declares self sexiest 40-year-old actress alive

Annie Idibia, Nollywood actress and wife of musician 2Baba, has addressed critics...

Marriage not for everyone—Nkcehi Blessing

Controversial Nigerian actress, Nkechi Blessing is in the news again—this time addressing...

My from beneath to grace story: Anni Idibia celebrates 40th birthday with gratitude, reflection

Annie Idibia, the wife of legendary musician 2Baba, has expressed her excitement...

Skit Maker, Mummy Wa, opens up on sexual harassment in movie industry, latest flick, My Sunshine

Popular social media sensation and skit maker, Kemz Mama, better known as...

Nigerian stars set to shine at 2025 Grammy Awards with record nominations

Nigerian music stars have taken the spotlight in the 2025 Grammy Award...

Funke Akindele set to light up the big screens with “Everybody Loves Jenifa” premiere

LDecember is shaping up to be an unforgettable month for Nollywood fans...

My health badly affected after robbery of my store, Uche Ogbodo cries out

Nollywood actress and businesswoman Uche Ogbodo has called on influential Nigerians to...

At wife’s Christian wake: I saw the storm coming but never imagined it would claim her life—Dare Melody

It was a sombre weekend for many sympathizers at the Christian wake...

Exclusive: How personal losses ‘pushed’ AY, Basketmouth to reconcile after 18-year rift

Following 18 years of discord, Nigerian comedy icons Ayo Makun, famously known...

Song theft allegation shatters P-Square as Rudeboy drags Mr. P over new song

Just when the Okoye brothers’ fans believed the past wounds had finally...

US poll: Kamala Harris calls Donald Trump, concedes defeat

Vice President Kamala Harris has officially conceded the 2024 presidential election, offering...

Renowned Nigerian filmmaker, director Dimeji Ajibola is dead

Dimeji Ajibola, the acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker behind the popular series Shanty Town,...

Veteran Yoruba actor Charles Olumo, a.k.a. Agbako, dies at 102

The Nigerian film industry and Yoruba cultural subset have been thrown into...

Kcee and Flavour engage in heated exchange over Igbo music style

The Nigerian music industry is once again witnessing a brewing fiery clash...

I didn’t marry Sen. Ned Nwoko for material possessions, Regina Daniels breaks silence

Amid lingering controversies surrounding her marriage to Nigerian billionaire and senator, Ned...