Universal Music Group announced the launch of Def Jam Africa, a new label division dedicated to “representing the best hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap talent in Africa,” reads the release.
The label launch already boasts an impressive roster of South African and Nigerian talent including Boity, Cassper Nyovest, Larry Gaaga, Nadia Nakai, Nasty C, Tshego, Tellaman, Ricky Tyler and Vector.
Def Jam Africa will proudly follow in the footsteps 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.
While the label will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria, it will be scouting talent from the entire continent, with Sipho Dlamini, UMG Sub Saharan Africa/South Africa chief overseeing A&R (artists & repertoire), marketing and promotions teams.
