The surge of Sho Madjozi as Africa’s next rap icon can not be stopped. The Limpopo native recently announced that she has signed a recording deal with US-based Epic Records.
Sho Madjozi has enjoyed consistent Ws (wins) since she released Kona in December 2019. For the second year in a row, the Limpopo Champions League rapstress was nominated for Best New International Act at the BET Awards 2020.
Except this time, her light gave way to shine on Sha Sha, another African emerging talent.
Sho Madjozi inks a deal with Epic Records
In an exclusive report, Variety noted that Sho Madjozi is officially the first South African artist to sign with Epic Records.
In fact, Madjozi is one of a hand-full of artists from our shores who have partnered with a label in the US market.
Sure, Nasty C, Nadia Nakai, Cassper Nyovest and Boity all recently inked deals with Def Jam Recordings but this was under the label’s Africa region.
This is what we know about the deal
For Madjozi, who is booked by UTA in North America and Paradigm worldwide, this ascension is only her baby steps into a realm of stardom only a few get to experience.
From what we understand, the recording deal will be managed by Epic Records and all activity in Africa will be overseen by Sony Music Entertainment Africa (SMEA).
Epic’s chief executive Sylvia Rhone lauded Madjozi as South Africa’s symbol of hope in a statement she released after the announcement.
“African artists are enjoying an unprecedented level of visibility in music and Sho Madjozi is beautifully waving the flag for South Africa. She’s bold, brilliant and remarkably talented and her music embodies all that is special about her homeland. We’re honoured to have her as the newest member of the Epic family,” Rhone wrote.
SMEA’s managing director Sean Watson echoed Rhone, reflecting on what a time it is to be alive in an age where the focus on artist development is in Africa.
“We’re working at a special company at a special time and we couldn’t be prouder than we are of our local star Sho and our big sister Sylvia for partnering to make this happen,” he said.
Madjozi was still in dreamland at the time we published this. She did, however, assure her fans that she was going to take the time out of her busy day to respond to as many “congrats” messages as she could.