On Thursday (May 05), a section of the media, including anchors from major news networks, music executives and professionals, met with Ghanaian Afropop, dancehall and reggae musician, Stonebwoy for an all new press engagement.
Organized by Universal Music Group (UMG), label divisions Def Jam Recordings, 0207 Def Jam and Def Jam Africa, the nearly 2 hours interaction saw the celebrated musician gave extensive details about his new Def Jam X UMG global partnership deal, ambitions for his career trajectory, year forecast and vision for enlightening the world about African culture.
Sitting on the panel were: Martin Addo, KV Online Talent; Khadijadt El-Alawa – Universal Music Group, Ghana; Lorato Masepe, Senior PR/Comms, Def Jam Africa; and Alec Boateng, one of the co-Presidents of a newly-launched frontline Universal Music UK label: 0207 Def Jam.
The multiple-award-winning African artist, has been a critical milestone of continental representation in the global arena. Since 2012, he has carved his name as one of Ghana’s most relevant musical geniuses through international touring, standout collaborations, and a trail of popular singles.
Remaining loyal to his ethos of lifting the spirits of those around him and those beyond his reach, he solidifies an already illustrious career that has spawned four albums, countless hit records, movie roles, and philanthropic work by signing to Def Jam Recordings, 0207 Def Jam, and Def Jam Africa, all of which are supported by UMG labels worldwide.
On signing to Def Jam, Stonebwoy said: “The acheivements of def Jam validates itself, evaluating the type of creatives that are working with the label; thusly, I accept that a weight such as myself joining the Def Jam family is about to be a more noteworthy accomplishment for us all particularly pushing my art, music, and masterfulness in general to the world.”
He also disclosed that, the new deal will not compel him to change his style of music. Even though DefJam is well-known for producing and managing hip-hop and R&B artists, the serial hitmaker reiterated his commitment to his roots (afro-dancehall, reggae, afrobeat, and highlife).
According to the Bhim Nation President, the style of music he is known for played a significant role in attracting the DefJam Recordings Africa deal, so he sees no reason to change. He did, however, admit that there will be a “different” ‘Stonebwoy,’ which will cement his “versatility” as an artist and also appeal to new listeners from all over the world.
Speaking on how plans to leverage this groundbreaking signing to continue breaking into the global market, Stonebwoy said: “Def Jam is renowned for its global capabilities, so a signing like this will go a long way toward exposing my very huge talent to the world. I’ll have to keep working hard, even harder than I used to, in order to achieve the much-needed Global status”.
“Moving forward, God willing, there’s going to be more music, more heights, and Africa shall continue to be celebrated”, He added Hil.
His first single under the label, Therapy, was released a week after the announcement. He is expected to release three studio albums for DefJam Recordings Africa — a division owned by Universal Music Group.