Njerae Signs With Universal Music Group East Africa
Universal Music Group East Africa (UMG EA) has announced the signing of prolific Kenyan singer, songwriter, and producer Njerae. She inked the deal on Monday, August 19, 2024.
This deal will open new opportunities for the former independent artist to create commercially successful music worldwide.
Sharing her excitement about the new deal with Universal Music Group EA, Njerae noted that the giant music company will “provide resources and expertise that will help me create much better music and grow my fan base.”
Speaking on the latest signee, UMG EA General Manager Chinasa Udeala shared,
Njerae is special. She is the voice of the new emerging music culture in East Africa. Listening to her style of music, she transcends not just EA, but internationally how it addresses everyday needs, and speaks to core life experiences regardless of people’s age, generation, class or whatever. We are glad to have her join our robust team.
Njerae’s Gradual Rise
The singer’s rise in the music industry began from the corridors of Sauti Academy before she forged a name in the live circuit.
She has played at numerous festivals, from DIY festivals such as Wazi Wazi Festival to legacy-based festivals such as Blankets & Wine.
Recent Releases
Her debut album, Unintentional, was “a girl’s breakup handbook.” Following its release, many of her female fans related to her. The album also got her featured on several radio and TV shows.
In 2023, she took a step toward modern R&B and contemporary Afro-pop sounds. The year also saw her release “OTD” and “Valhalla,” which opened huge doors for her in the music business.
In May 2024, she released her EP, Out with the Old, on which she collaborated with artists such as Watendawili, Lisa Odour, Mbithi, and Maali. The 5-song EP featured “Baki Pekee Yako” and “Mtamu,” among others.
Later in August, she headlined her show during the launch of her Out With The Old EP, featuring Maali, Mbithi, Hilda Watiri, Analo Kanga, Lisa Oduor-Noah, and The Unit Band. This marked a significant milestone in her career.
Njerae’s Eventual Signing to UMG EA
“We expect Kenyan music to be on the map with Njerae on the roster. We will be at the table when they are discussing Kenyan music on an international scale” UMG boss Chinasa mentioned.
Following the success of her EP Out with the Old, Njerae has signed to become the Altè ambassador of Kenya.
“To be signed with UMG is one of the most glamorous sounding aspects of the lifestyle of a musician; however, I can assure my fans that I still intend to work even harder to produce even bigger hits,” Njerae shared.
Kefa, Njerae’s manager, congratulated Njerae on the win, stating,
“Working together with UMG will ensure that Njerae has increased visibility allowing her music to reach a wider fan base thus providing more stages for her to perform on.”
With UMG’s vast resources and Njerae’s artistry, this signing has a future full of great music for fans in Kenya and across East Africa.
FAQ
Who is Njerae?
Njerae is a Kenyan-born and raised singer, songwriter, and producer. Her music is Afro-Indie with a touch of R&B and soul.
Where has Njerae performed?
She has played at Folk Fusion, Jamhuri Jam Sessions, Gig Dynamics Open House, and several curated events.
What is Njerae’s Educational Background?
Njerae obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and hopes to one day open a counselling center where music will be used as a form of therapy. She has equipped herself with skills in live music performance and being a music entrepreneur as a graduate of the perform music incubator.
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