Lagos‑born singer Solana has signed with Since ’93 Records, a label and management group that has also housed African artists such as Tems and Tyla, according to a statement released exclusively to Billboard U.K.
The deal brings the emerging Nigerian artist into the fold of a U.K. company that blends artist management and music publishing. Solana is developing a new sound dubbed “YoruPop,” a fusion of Yoruba language, synth‑pop, Fuji music, R&B and electronic production.
Her signing comes as she prepares to launch her debut EP, Girl From The West, this Friday (Nov. 13). The EP follows her breakthrough single “Okunkun,” which translates to “darkness” in Yoruba, and has earned praise from SZA, Tyla, Doechii and Little Simz on social media. Solana was also named a Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador.
In a press statement, Solana said, “Super excited to partner with Since ‘93 and the Sony Music team for this next chapter. 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 its founding as Avant Garde Music in 2012, the label has grown into a U.K. powerhouse, signing artists such as Aitch and Fredo. The current roster includes Cat Burns, Nectar Woode and Shallipopi, a Nigerian singer‑rapper.
Bleau, who serves alongside co‑president Glen Aitkins, was named to Billboard’s 2026 Global Power Players List for his work at Since ’93. 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.”
Solana’s debut EP is slated for release on Friday, and fans can look forward to a fresh blend of Yoruba culture and contemporary pop sounds.
