• Jay Z (L), Tiwa Savage (C), Don Jazzy (R)
Tiwa Savage is set to sign an international management deal with Jay Z’s Roc Nation.
The Mavin Records singer had weeks ago, been the subject of unconfirmed reports that a deal with the label was in the offing.
Savage, 36, who has had a topsy-turvy year, was pictured at the Roc Nation offices with Don Jazzy and Jay Z. The deal is expected to be announced officially in the coming days, with everyone geared up for it.
African Music is currently growing in the West, with many known voices identifying with the sounds originating from these shores. Tiwa Savage’s deal is a clear manifestation of that. There are also other acts who are also worthy of such a deal, a few others bearing sounds that if harnessed, could crossover and become global. African Music is currently growing in the West, with many known voices identifying with the sounds originating from these shores. Tiwa Savage’s deal is a clear manifestation of them.
Pulse Music identifies five of these artistes who could flourish with an international management deal, the likes of which Roc Nation can offer.
Timaya
Although dancehall is already heavy in the US, with influences from the Caribbean already penetrating mainstream music, Timaya offers a popping combination of Afrobeat influences and a blend of dancehall.
His energetic and captivating performances will be the thrill of any major concert.
(Possible replacements: Patoranking, Burna Boy)
Brymo
The eclectic singer offers music the likes of which has never been seen in the continent.
The singer’s immersive, percussion heavy sounds are original, with the potential to offer another side of African expression and sonic creativity. Brymo has also had some business with a publishing company in the US. In 2015, he released an international album titled “Trance”. Brymo can be modelled in the mold of Asa, and Ibeyi.
Bez
The unique singer already has all the attributes of a crossover star. After a 2011 dominant first albumThe Boston Globeplaced at number 3 in its top ten world music albums of 2011, calling Bez a “superb alternative-soul singer”, the singer has toured, and is currently working on an untitled second album. With the looks, artistry and the sound to capture audiences the the world over, the man might just be the next The Weeknd.
Ice Prince
The Choc City artiste was in the news last year when he was pictured with Jay Z at the Roc Nation offices. The rapper was in a meeting with some company execs over a deal that is yet to achieve reality. Ice Prince has the looks and the appeal to crossover, but the concern is the quality of his music. The star has had difficulty creating lasting music that can be sold within and outside the country.
Burna Boy
Although controversy has had the upper hand over his music of recent, the singer’s talent is undeniable, with his malleable nature enabling him to adapt his art and experiment with new sounds. Bringing Burna Boy on to an international management deal will enable him soak up new inspiration, and churn out diverse music that can appeal to unrelated markets.em