Lagos-born singer Solana has officially signed with Since ’93 Records, the U.K.-based label and management group owned by Sony Music. MyJoyOnline reported that the deal was revealed exclusively to Billboard U.K., marking a significant step for the emerging artist as she expands her reach beyond Nigeria. The signing places Solana within a roster that includes prominent African acts such as Tems and Tyla, continuing the company’s focus on supporting exceptional female talent from the continent.
The partnership aligns with the release of Solana’s debut EP, Girl From The West, which became available on Friday, November 13. The project showcases her self-described genre, YoruPop, a sound that blends Yoruba language and cultural influences with synth-pop, Fuji music, R&B, and electronic production. This musical direction follows the success of her breakthrough single, Okunkun, which translates to darkness in Yoruba. The track garnered attention and co-signs from major international artists including SZA, Tyla, Doechii, and Little Simz on social media platforms.
Riki Bleau, co-president of Since ’93, welcomed Solana to the label. He stated that the signing continues a rich tradition of supporting exceptional female talent from Africa. Solana responded to the news by expressing excitement about partnering with the Sony Music team for this next chapter. She thanked her supporters, referred to as her lanterns, for their continued backing as she brings her YoruPop universe to a global audience.
Since ’93 was originally founded in 2012 as Avant Garde Music by Bleau, focusing on artist management and publishing for acts like Emeli Sandé and Sam Smith. The firm relaunched as a label in 2018 with Sony Music, adding early signings such as Aitch and Fredo. The current roster also features Cat Burns, Nectar Woode, and Nigerian rapper Shallipopi. Bleau was recently named to Billboard’s 2026 Global Power Players List, citing the label’s culture of empowering creatives.
In addition to her new label deal, Solana has been named a Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador. This recognition highlights her growing influence in the African music scene and her ability to bridge local cultural elements with global pop sensibilities. The artist’s move to a major international label underscores the increasing visibility of Nigerian pop music on the world stage.