Def Jam just leveled up its global reach with Native Records
In 2022, the argument for major record labels and deals seems to be more in favor of going the independent route. But for a few iconic powerhouses like Def Jam Recordings, there are still new level ups and achievements on the horizon so the joint venture partnership with Native Records is impressive to say the least.
Native Records teams up with Def Jam
While the details are still coming together, it’s official - Def Jam has entered into an exclusive worldwide joint venture partnership agreement with the Lagos, Nigeria and UK-based Native Records - announced today by Tunji Balogun, Chairman & CEO, Def Jam Recordings, and Seni ‘Chubbz’ Saraki andTeni ‘Teezee’ Zaccheaus, Co-Presidents and Co-Founders of NATIVE Networks.
NATIVE Records is the music division of NATIVE Networks, the black-owned and operated, multi-platform, multi-disciplinary media and content company dedicated to the discovery and development of young African artists and youth culture. Founded in 2016 by Seni Saraki, Teni Zaccheaus, Shola Fagbemi, Addy Edgal & Suleiman Shittu, NATIVE has amassed a track record of breaking boundaries and popularizing new sounds through discovery and development of home-grown artists from the community, with special attention to the burgeoning Afrobeats movement.
Saraki, Zaccheaus and Fagbemi - in collaboration with Balogun, who has had groundbreaking success with artists like WizKid and Tems - will use their proven A&R-sensibilities and extensive expertise and contacts in the creative community to sign and develop talent across the African musical diaspora.
Power executives from both sides have since stepped forward to dish on the huge venture.
“As we build a culture here at Def Jam that connects the best in the global black music diaspora - from hip-hop and R&B to reggae, afrobeats and more - clearly some of the best, most vital, interesting and cutting-edge new artists and sounds in music today are coming out of the continent,” said Tunji Balogun. “Seni, Teni and the Native crew have their fingers on the pulse of what's truly happening in the scene, as an engine for discovery, and as a hub for creators and artists. I’ve been a fan of their platform, and have been connected to the guys for some time. Our partnership feels authentic and natural, and I believe we’re going to discover and develop some amazing talent together.”
“We’ve known Tunji for quite a while now, and his ear & track record for breaking black artists from all over the world to a global audience, is second to none,” said Seni ‘Chubbz’ Saraki and Teni ‘Teezee’ Zaccheaus. “We are honored to be invited into his new home, and to be the first joint venture partnership with an African company in Def Jam’s legendary history. We truly believe that for music, the continent is the most exciting place in the world right now. We want NATIVE Records to be about artistic freedom, and as a company, we’ve always been passionate about discovering and working with artists that don’t quite color within the lines, and helping them to express themselves and build community. Africa is not a monophonic continent, and we believe this partnership will prove just that.”
L-R: Teni “Teezee” Zaccheaus, Shola “Sholz” Fagbemi, Tunji Balogun, Seni Saraki
Photo: Geo Davis
