Larry Gaaga Appointed Vice President, A&R, At Def Jam Africa 

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

By Omotayo Olutekunbi

Gaaga will be working with Sipho Dlamini, CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, who was appointed in 2016.

Gaaga will be in charge of A&R in English-speaking markets.

According to the firm, his team will strive to uncover and sign talent from the African continent who “speaks to and resonates with the defining culture and aesthetic of the Def Jam history.”

Def Jam Africa debuted in May 2020 and is currently home to performers and artists such as Boity, Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Tshego, Tellaman, Ricky Tyler, and Nasty C, who has subsequently signed to Def Jam Recordings in the United States via a joint venture with Universal Music Africa.

Stonebwoy, a Ghanaian Afropop, dancehall, and reggae musician, recently secured a global deal with Universal Music Group’s (UMG) label divisions Def Jam Recordings, 0207 Def Jam, and Def Jam Africa.

Gaaga joined YSG Entertainment in 2010 and was subsequently elevated to General Manager.

He went on to make a name for himself as a performer as well as Vector’s management.

Gaaga recorded several singles, including Gaga Shuffle with 2Baba, Doe with Davido, Low with Wiz Kid, Slow Burner with Joeboy, and Baba Nla with 2baba, Burna Boy, and D’Banj.

According to the business, Gaaga was one of Def Jam Africa’s “flagship signings” in 2020, and his appointment, “reaffirms the label’s belief and respect of Larry’s artistry and creative vision.”

Larry Gaaga, said: “I’m excited at the opportunity I’ve been entrusted with here at Def Jam Africa.

“My experience as an artist and manager at the label, not only gives me a unique perspective to share with our talent, but means I’m well versed in the spirit and culture of this legacy label.”

Sipho Dlamini, added: “Larry is a talented creative, astute A&R and strategic executive, expanding his relationship with Def Jam is an exciting next step in Africa’s hip hop story and a big move for the culture.”