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This tracker logs the most significant record deals and roster additions across the African music landscape in 2026.

Ms. Gideon Becomes First Namibian Artist On Sony Music Africa on 10 February 2026

The hunt for talent in Southern Africa has officially expanded beyond South Africa’s borders with a historic move for the region. Sony Music Africa has announced the signing of Ms. Gideon, marking the first time a Namibian recording artist has joined the global music giant’s roster. Facilitated through a partnership with ERA Music Group, the deal positions the 20-year-old Windhoek native as one of the continent’s most promising new voices, signaling a major strategic shift toward “frontier” markets within the African music ecosystem.

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Born Panduleni Gideon, the singer-songwriter has experienced a meteoric rise over the last 24 months, transforming from a school choir member to a continental breakout star. After winning the 2024 Next Narrative Africa competition, she performed at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York alongside heavyweights like Adekunle Gold and Patoranking. Her commercial breakthrough followed shortly after with the single “Home,” which shattered local records by becoming the fastest song from Namibia to reach 1 million views on YouTube, proving her digital and cultural impact.

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Speaking on the milestone, Ms. Gideon described the signing as a victory for “every young girl back home who dreams boldly,” emphasizing her desire to represent Namibia with pride on the world stage. With a sound rooted in soul and Afrobeats, she is set to capitalize on this momentum immediately. Her debut single under the new deal, titled “Tiki Tak Tak,” is slated for release on 27 February 2026.

Follow sonymusicafrica for more updates.