Lagos-born singer Solana has signed a record deal with UK-based label and management company Since ’93, marking a significant step in her growing international career. The announcement was made exclusively to Billboard U.K., introducing the emerging Nigerian artist as the latest addition to a roster that has previously supported African stars including Tems and Tyla.
The signing arrives alongside preparations for Solana’s debut EP, ‘Girl From The West’, scheduled for release on Friday, November 13. The project introduces a wider audience to her developing musical identity, which she calls YoruPop — a distinctive blend of Yoruba language and cultural influences with synth-pop, Fuji music, R&B and electronic production.
Solana first began attracting wider attention with ‘Okunkun’, her breakthrough single released earlier this year. Translating to “darkness” in Yoruba, the track helped introduce her sound and has since drawn public recognition from established artists including SZA, Tyla, Doechii and Little Simz. She has also been selected as a Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador, adding to the growing attention surrounding her work.
For Solana, joining Since ’93 represents an opportunity to take her music and creative vision to a broader audience while developing the world she is building around YoruPop.
“Super excited to partner with Since ‘93 and the Sony Music team for this next chapter,” she 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, also welcomed the singer to the company, describing her as an important addition to its history of supporting female artists from Africa.
“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,” he said.
Founded by Bleau in 2012 as Avant Garde Music, the company initially focused on artist management and music publishing, working with names including Emeli Sandé, Labrinth and Sam Smith. It relaunched as Since ’93 in 2018 through a partnership with Sony Music, with early signings including BRIT Award-winning rapper Aitch and Fredo.
The company’s current roster also includes Cat Burns, Nectar Woode and Nigerian singer and rapper Shallipopi. Bleau’s work as a co-president alongside Glen Aitkins was recognised through his inclusion on Billboard’s 2026 Global Power Players List.
Solana’s arrival places her within a company with an established history of working across different markets and supporting emerging talent. With ‘Girl From The West’ arriving alongside the announcement, the singer is preparing to introduce more of her artistic vision to listeners beyond Nigeria.
As YoruPop continues to take shape, Solana is positioning Yoruba language and musical influences within a contemporary sound that draws from several genres. Her partnership with Since ’93 opens a new chapter in that journey, with ‘Girl From The West’ set to offer a fuller introduction to the artist and the musical world she is creating.
