AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
MUSIC Executive Tunji Balogun has a new title under his name.
Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced that the media executive will be moving to the top role at Def Jam Recordings, the massively successful US recording label known for being the home to Jay-Z, Rihanna, Justin Bieber and many more.
“I grew up on Def Jam’s music – collecting, listening to and studying their albums and singles – those early moments as a young fan have had a lasting influence on who I am today,” Balogun said.
Balogun is currently the Executive Vice President of A&R at RCA Records, a role he has held since 2015 and will take up the helm at Def Jam in January 2022. His career started at Warner Brothers Records as a marketing intern. He was later hired as an assistant in the same department before moving on to RCA.
“Def Jam remains one of music’s most iconic brands and has always represented forward-thinking artists and partners that continue to shift ideas and impact culture around the world. I’m honored to lead Def Jam into its next chapter and thank Lucian and Jeff for their support and this incredible opportunity,” he said.
Balogun succeeds current interim chief Jeff Harleston and past CEO Paul Rosenberg. UMG chair and CEO Lucian Grange described Balogun’s appointment as the right call because the music industry experienced a wave of “dynamic executives”.
Grange said in a statement: “Tunji is part of a new wave of dynamic executives who view today’s artists and music through a unique creative lens. Not only does he bring a deep understanding and respect for the cultural significance of what Def Jam has created over the past four decades, but he also sees the boundless potential of what Def Jam can be to a new generation of artists and fans.”
Balogun has previously worked with African and American heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Goldlink, Wizkid, Bryson Tiller, H.E.R., and Childish Gambino.
In 2018, he launched Keep Cool, his own record label with artists Normani; Nigerian-American singers VanJess and rapper Freddie Gibbs on its roster.
Def Jam launched their African branch of their recording label, Def Jam Africa, signing popular names like Nigeria’s Larry Gaaga; South Africa’s Nasty C; Boity Thulo; Nadia Nakai; and Cassper Nyovest to their roster.
