Zimbabwe musician Saintfloew, real name Tawanda Mambo has signed a distribution contract with Virgin Music South Africa per his record label, Nash Nation, becoming the second Zimhiphop artist in recent times, after Asaph, to sign a music contract with a label under the Universal Music Group umbrella. Saintfloew joins global artist the likes of Rema (Nigeria) and BTS from South Korea who inked similar deals with Virgin Music Group.
Since time immemorial, Zimbabwean artists have been trying to break onto the international scene and now is Saintfloew’s turn to take on the Herculean task, backed by Tinashe Mutarisi’s Nash TV and Virgin Music South Africa. Saintflow’s first project under the new partnership will be his highly anticipated sophomore album, set to be launched on 12 October 2024 at Alex Sports Club in Harare.
Fans have been skeptical about the move as a fellow Zimbabwean Rapper Asaph signed with Def Jam Africa, another Universal Music Group subsidiary a few years ago and was eventually dropped with nothing to show for it. Saintfloew, the Silas Mavende hitmaker who struggled with drug addiction rose to firm under Holy Ten’s Samanyanga Sounds and left under unclear circumstances, and later moved to Nash Nation, owned by fellow Chitungwiza Native and Businessman Tinashe Mutarisi where he since dropped a slew of songs and projects including Sauna Season EP and his debut album, Rise and Lead in 2023.
Per a statement from Nash TV seen by GreedySouth, The distribution deal "is set to amplify Saintflow’s reach on a global scale, marking a pivotal moment in his career." Saintfloew will receive an advance payment or signing fee as part of the “mega-deal,” and land some exciting collaborations, “I’m excited to be partnering with Virgin Music Group. I believe that this is the beginning of a great relationship that will push our work.” said Saintfloew in the same statement.
Since time immemorial, Zimbabwean artists have been trying to break onto the international scene and now is Saintfloew’s turn to take on the Herculean task, backed by Tinashe Mutarisi’s Nash TV and Virgin Music South Africa. Saintflow’s first project under the new partnership will be his highly anticipated sophomore album, set to be launched on 12 October 2024 at Alex Sports Club in Harare.
In May 2024, Virgin Music Group (VMG) appointed Nicole Thomas and Nick Ghelakis as co-country managers of VGM South Africa.
Virgin Records is a British record label owned by Universal Music Group. They were originally founded as a British independent record label in 1972 by entrepreneurs Richard Branson, Simon Draper, Nik Powell, and musician Tom Newman. Virgin Records was sold to Thorn EMI in 1992. EMI was in turn taken over by Universal Music Group (UMG) in 2012 with UMG creating the Virgin EMI Records division. The Virgin Records name continues to be used by UMG in certain markets such as Germany and Japan as the world’s leading partner to independent labels and artists who require a standalone team with global infrastructure and local expertise in every major music market around the world. Virgin Music Group offers compelling, efficient, and highly flexible global solutions with the most advanced marketing technology available for independent record labels and artists who want to succeed.
Zimbabwe musician Saintfloew, real name Tawanda Mambo has signed a distribution contract with Virgin Music South Africa per his record label, Nash Nation, becoming the second Zimhiphop artist in recent times, after Asaph, to sign a music contract with a label under the Universal… pic.twitter.com/qXMEBgxsqo
— Greedysouth (@greedysouth) September 10, 2024
Don't just read, become a part of the story! Contribute a coffee to Greedysouth's journey NOW!