Larry Gaaga appointed Vice President, A&R, at Def Jam Africa

Artist, producer, songwriter and record label executive, Larry Gaaga has been appointed Vice President, A&R, at Def Jam Africa, a division of Universal Music Group (UMG).

Gaaga will report to Sipho Dlamini, CEO, Universal Music South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa, who took up this role in 2016.

Gaaga will lead the A&R division across English-speaking markets.

The company says its team will work to identify and contract talent on the African continent who “speak and resonate with the distinctive arts and culture of Def Jam’s heritage.” “.

Def Jam Africa Released in May 2020and is now home to musicians and artists Boity, Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Tshego, Tellaman, Ricky Tyler and South African star Nasty Cwho has contracted with Def Jam Recordings in the United States through a joint venture with Universal Music Africa.

Afropop Ghanaian, dancehall and reggae artist Stonebwoy also recently signed a global agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG) split the label Def Jam Recordings, 0207 Def Jam and Def Jam Africa.

Gaaga started his career in 2010 after joining YSG Entertainment, and was later promoted to General Manager.

He has continued to build a career both as a performer and as the manager of rapper Vector.

Gaaga has released many singles, including his first lead single, Gaga Shuffle with 2Baba, Doe have Davido, Short there is Wiz Kid, Slow recording there’s Joeboy, and Baba Nla there are 2baba, Burna Boy and D’Banj.

The company says that for 2020, Gaaga is one of Def Jam Africa’s “top signings” and that his appointment “reaffirms the firm’s belief and respect for the arts and creative vision.” by Larry.”

“I am delighted at the opportunity I have been entrusted with here at Def Jam Africa.”

Larry Gaaga

Larry Gaaga, said: “I am delighted by the opportunity entrusted to me here at Def Jam Africa.

“My experience as an artist and manager at the studio, not only gives me a unique perspective to share with our talents, but also means that I understand the spirit and culture very well. of this legacy trademark.”

“Larry is an astute, creatively talented A&R and strategy executive.”

Sipho Dlamini

Sipho Dlamini, added: “Larry is an astute, creatively talented strategic and A&R executive, and expanding his relationship with Def Jam is an exciting next step in his hip hop saga. Africa and a huge cultural shift.”Worldwide music business