Ghanaian Afropop artist Stonebwoy has signed with Universal Music Group (UMG) and the global Def Jam labels family.
The CEO of Burniton Music Group, Stonebwoy will be represented across Africa by Def Jam Africa, while Def Jam Recordings will represent him across the US. 0207 Def Jam will become his main label in the UK. All three labels are divisions of UMG.
“Stonebwoy is a true African talent,” said Sipho Dlamini, CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. “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,” Def Jam chairman and CEO Tunji Balogun added. “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 Stonewoy that will lead the way. This is great music from a special artist who needs to be heard everywhere.”
0207 Def Jam co-Presidents Alec and Alex Boateng said, “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.”
Born Livingstone Satekla, Stonebwoy has brought global attention to Ghana’s music scene since 2012. He has received several awards in his ten-year career, including two Billboard plaques, Artist of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards, and Best International Act: Africa at the BET Awards.
His new single, Therapy, was released on May 3. An accompanying music video, shot in Ghana, is due on May 13. The single is the first to come from his newly signed Def Jam deal, with the album expected to drop in mid-2022.
Stonebwoy has worked with international artists Trey Songz, Sean Paul, Keri Wilson, Alpha Blondie, Burna Boy, and others. He is one of Africa’s most followed performers on social media, with over 7 million followers across Instagram and Facebook.