Lagos-born singer Solana has signed with Since ’93, the U.K.-based label and management group that has also been home to African stars Tems and Tyla.
The signing was announced exclusively by Billboard U.K. on Wednesday, alongside the release of Solana’s debut EP, ‘Girl From The West’, due on Friday, November 13.
Solana is developing what the label describes as “YoruPop,” a sound combining the Yoruba language with synth-pop, Fuji music, R&B and electronic production.
Solana’s breakthrough single, “Okunkun” (which translates to “darkness” in Yoruba), was released earlier this year and earned her co-signs from international stars including SZA, Tyla, Doechii and Little Simz. She has also been named a Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador.
“Super excited to partner with Since ’93 and the Sony Music team for this next chapter,” Solana said in a press statement. “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, welcomed the signing, describing Solana as a continuation of the label’s track record with African female talent.
“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,” Bleau said .
Since ’93 began as Avant Garde Music in 2012, founded by Bleau. It focused on artist management and music publishing, working with Emeli Sandé, Labrinth and Sam Smith, among others.
In 2018, the company relaunched as a new label with Sony Music, with early signings including BRIT-winning rapper Aitch and Fredo, who scored a No. 5 mixtape on the Official U.K. Albums Chart with *Tables Turn* later that year.
The current Since ’93 roster includes Cat Burns, Elton John-backed songwriter Nectar Woode, and Nigerian singer and rapper Shallipopi .
Bleau was named to Billboard’s 2026 Global Power Players List in recognition of his work at the label, where he serves alongside fellow co-president Glen Aitkins.
“I’m grateful to Billboard for this recognition and to be among so many incredible ‘doers’ from our industry,” Bleau said. “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. I’m thankful to every talent who allowed me to be a part of their journey. I’m proud of our work, and proud to lead the U.K.’s most successful black-led label and will continue to support the next generation of talent from all over the world” .
Her EP, *Girl From The West*, will be released on Friday through Since ’93 and Sony Music.
