Nigerian Singer Solana Signs With Sony Music’s Since ’93 Ahead of Debut EP Release

Nigerian rising star Solana has signed a record deal with Sony Music-backed label Since ’93, joining a company with a history of working with African stars including Grammy-winning singer Tems and South African hitmaker Tyla.

The Lagos-born singer, whose real name is Abibat Busola Ogunlana, joins the U.K.-based record label and management company as she prepares to release her debut EP, Girl From The West, on Friday, November 13.

The signing, first reported by Billboard U.K., marks another expansion of Since ’93’s African talent roster, which currently includes Nigerian rapper and singer Shallipopi.

L to R: Efeosa Otaniyen (Laeorx), Doyinsola Bayewunmi Uwa (Dodo), Daniel Otaniyen-Uwa (Killertunes), Abibat Busola Ogunlana (Solana), Moses Otaniyen-Uwa (PQB), Seni Saraki, Ezegozie Eze- Conteibuted by SINCE ’93

Solana has been building momentum with her self-described musical style, YoruPop, which blends Yoruba language and cultural influences with synth-pop, Fuji, R&B and electronic music.

Her breakthrough single, Okunkun, released earlier this year, helped introduce her sound to international audiences. The song’s title translates to “darkness” in Yoruba.

Since its release, Solana has attracted attention from several prominent female artists, including SZA, Tyla, Doechii and British rapper Little Simz, who have publicly supported her music on social media.

She has also been selected as a Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador, further raising her profile as an emerging voice in African music.

Announcing the new partnership, Solana expressed excitement about taking her music to a wider audience.

“Super excited to partner with Since ‘93 and the Sony Music team for this next chapter,” she said in a statement.

She also thanked her supporters, whom she calls her “lanterns,” and promised to introduce more listeners to her YoruPop sound through Girl From The West.

Since ’93 Continues Investment in African Talent

Since ’93 co-president Riki Bleau welcomed Solana to the label, describing her as the “Queen of YoruPop” and highlighting the company’s history of supporting African female artists.

The signing follows the label’s previous involvement with Tems and Tyla, two artists who have helped expand African music’s presence in the international mainstream.

Both singers have achieved major global breakthroughs, with Tems becoming one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognized voices and Tyla helping bring South Africa’s amapiano-influenced pop sound to audiences worldwide.

Solana’s arrival adds another Nigerian female artist to the company’s history of developing African talent.

Since ’93 was originally established in 2012 as Avant Garde Music by Bleau, initially operating in artist management and music publishing.

During its early years, the company worked with British artists including Emeli Sandé, Labrinth and Sam Smith.

In 2018, it relaunched as a record label in partnership with Sony Music, signing artists including British rappers Aitch and Fredo.

Its current roster includes singer-songwriter Cat Burns, Elton John-supported artist Nectar Woode and Nigerian star Shallipopi.

Bleau, who leads the label alongside fellow co-president Glyn Aikins, was named among Billboard’s 2026 Global Power Players in recognition of his influence in the international music business.