Lagos-born Nigerian singer Solana has signed with Since ’93 Records, a United Kingdom-based label and management group. The deal adds her to a roster that has also included African artists Tems and Tyla.
Debut EP and breakthrough single#
The signing coincides with the release of Solana’s debut extended play (EP), Girl From The West, due this Friday (November 13). The 23-year-old released her breakthrough single “Okunkun,” which means “darkness” in Yoruba, earlier this year.
Since then, she has received public endorsements on social media from SZA, Tyla, Doechii and Little Simz. She has also been named a Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador.
Solana is developing a sound called YoruPop, which combines the Yoruba language and influences with synth-pop, Fuji music, R&B and electronic production.
“Super excited to partner with Since ’93 and the Sony Music team for this next chapter,” Solana said in a press statement. “Thank you to all my lanterns for your support, we’re bringing the world into our YoruPop universe. I’m excited to share my world with you, Girl From The West.”
Label history and roster#
Since ’93 began as Avant Garde Music in 2012, founded by Riki Bleau, who is now co-president of the company. The firm focused on artist management and music publishing, working with Emeli Sandé, Labrinth and Sam Smith, among others.
In 2018, the firm relaunched as a label with Sony Music. Early signings included Aitch, a BRIT Award-winning rapper, and Fredo, whose mixtape Tables Turn reached No. 5 on the Official Albums Chart in the United Kingdom later that year.
The current roster includes:
- Cat Burns, who had a star turn on the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) series The Celebrity Traitors last year and released her second LP (long-playing album), How To Be Human.
- Nectar Woode, a songwriter backed by Elton John.
- Shallipopi, a singer and rapper from Nigeria.
Leadership recognition#
Bleau serves as co-president alongside Glen Aitkins. He was named to a 2026 global power players list and said he was grateful for the recognition and to be among many ‘doers’ in the industry.
“We’ve worked hard to create a culture and space at Since ’93 where artists and creatives feel empowered and are at the center of everything we do. I’m thankful to every talent who allowed me to be a part of their journey. I’m proud of our work, and proud to lead the U.K.’s most successful black-led label and will continue to support the next generation of talent from all over the world.”
