Lagos-born singer Solana has signed with Since ’93 records, the label and management group has revealed exclusively to Billboard U.K.
The deal sees the emerging Nigerian artist join the U.K.-based company, which has also been home to African artists including Tems and Tyla. Solana is developing ‘YoruPop,’ a sound combining the Yoruba language and influences with synth-pop, Fuji music, R&B and electronic production.
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Solana’s signing aligns with the release of her debut EP, Girl From The West, due this Friday (Nov. 13). The 23-year-old dropped her breakthrough single “Okunkun” (translating to “darkness” in Yoruba) earlier this year and has since received co-signs across social media from the likes of SZA, Tyla, Doechii and Little Simz. She has also been named a Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador.
“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.”
Riki Bleau, co-president of Since ‘93, added, “We are excited to announce the Queen of YoruPop, Solana, as a new signing to Since ’93, continuing a rich tradition of supporting exceptional female talent from Africa like Tems and Tyla.”
Since ‘93 began as Avant Garde Music in 2012, founded by Bleau. It focused on artist management and music publishing working with Emeli Sandé, Labrinth and Sam Smith, among others. In 2018, the firm relaunched as a new label with Sony Music, with early signings including the BRIT-winning rapper Aitch and Fredo, who scored a No. 5 mixtape on the Official U.K. Albums Chart with Tables Turn later that year.
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The current Since ‘93 roster includes Cat Burns — who enjoyed a star turn on BBC’s The Celebrity Traitors last year alongside releasing her second LP, How To Be Human — alongside the Elton John-backed songwriter Nectar Woode, and Shallipopi, a singer and rapper from Nigeria.
In recognition of his tenure at Since ‘93, where he serves alongside fellow co-president Glen Aitkins, Bleau was named to Billboard’s 2026 Global Power Players List. Speaking about the honor, he said, “I’m grateful to Billboard for this recognition and to be among so many incredible ‘doers’ from our 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.”
