Ghana’s Shatta Wale signs with Zylofon

The deal was made confirmed yesterday 31 January when the company held an event to welcome the ‘Kakai’ singer. Shatta Wale is the latest addition to a roster featuring artists from the top shelf of Ghana’s pop music scene.

"We are going to officially work with Shatta Wale for the next 3 years," said Zylofon's head of communications Samuel Atuobi Baah. "It’s going to be a 360 relationship where Zylofon Media will be managing Shatta Wale. Zylofon Media will be taking care of his recordings, distribution and marketing as well. Everything that has to do with artiste management and his brand as Shatta Wale, Zylofon Media is taking care of that, from today."

Baah denied reports that the deal sees Shatta Wale receive a Rolls Royce, a house and is worth $1 500 000, saying that terms will not be disclosed.

"I am seeing today as a special day just because I was praying to God to give me a record label, not just a record label but a good one of course," Shatta Wale said. "Nana Appiah has made it possible for me and I am happy about it."

One of the first few artists signed by the Zylofon team was the songstress Becca, but it was not until the announcement of reggae-dancehall star Stonebwoy’s deal that the company’s major ambitions were clear. The new deal means the off and on rivals Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale now belong to the same label. Industry watchers will watch how the rivalry plays on. Already Stonebwoy has congratulated his new label mate on Twitter, with the latter acknowledging the former's wishes. Sarkodie and Obrafour have also sent congratulations on Twitter.

While Becca and Stonebwoy both released albums shortly after signing, it has been announced that Shatta Wale's The Reign album will drop soon. Before then and only hours after his deal was made public, the prolific Shatta Wale released 'Zylofon', a highlife tribute to his new label.

“Ghana music Jesus, Ghana music saviour, welcome,” the self-styled African Dancehall King sings, referring to his new label and its CEO, Nana Appiah Mensah, on the track which was shared by the artist through a Media Fire link shared on social media.

Besides the signing of some of the biggest acts in the country, Zylofon has made other moves and received attention from players in the industry. Last year, the Musicians Union of Ghana said it will work with the company after top-ranking personnel of the artists’ body visited the East Legon offices of Zylofon. The company also recently established an arts fund for creative artists in Ghana.