Stonebwoy secures distro deal with WMG’s ADA Worldwide

The announcement arrives with the release of a new single titled ‘Ekelebe’, featuring Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck. 

Founded in 1993, ADA boasts active partnerships with African labels like Nigeria-headquartered Chocolate City. In 2020, the company acquired a majority stake in African music distributor Africori, granting it access to its catalogue and A&R network. 

“This deal marks another stride forward in bringing my music to the global stage via ADA’s network,” Stonebwoy said. “My aim has always been to unite people through the fusion of African music (Afrobeats), reggae, dancehall, R&B, and hip hop. They say creativity flourishes in freedom, so owning my creativity is essential for me to make a meaningful contribution to the global music landscape.”

“Stonebwoy is in a league of his own,” ADA Worldwide president Cat Kreidich said. “His genre-blending style has resonated with millions of fans around the globe and he’s helped shine a light on the rich and vibrant sounds coming out of Africa. He’s spreading positivity, love and unity with music that makes you move and makes you feel. We can’t wait to support his unique creative vision even further across the international stage.”

KVO Talent’s Casey K, whose company brokered the partnership, said: “The energy and excitement from the team at ADA since our first conversation has been just what is required to unlock the next chapter in Stonebwoy’s journey and I am grateful to have him join this family – special thanks to April Pope and Bryan Roberts for making this happen.”

Before joining ADA Worldwide, Stonebwoy spent two years with Def Jam Recordings, during which he released his last album 5th Dimension. “I think it’s amazing to see the love that the album is getting and people are really respecting the work input, the thought, passion, the energy and the resources that we’ve invested in this album for their consumption,” he told Music In Africa in August last year. 

Regarding the Def Jam deal, Stonebwoy, a BET Award and multiple Ghana Music Awards winner, noted that Def Jam brought its “machinery and expertise to guide and continuously navigate the various brands on the African continent to achieve global breakthroughs.”