MULTI-AWARD WINNING UGANDAN RAP STAR KEKO SIGNS LANDMARK DEAL WITH SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

East African Rap Star Makes Ugandan History signing Major International Recording and Management Deal

Sony Music Entertainment Africa is proud to announce the signing of multi-award winning Ugandan rapper, Keko.

The deal is the first of its kind that sees an artist from Uganda signed to a multi-album and full management deal with a major record company. Keko (born Jocelyne Tracey Keko) will join a global roster of artists on Sony’s RCA label that includes other superstars such as Alicia Keys, P!nk, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Pitbull and Chris Brown.

Keko, is a Ugandan rapper who has dominated the music scene in East Africa. Her rise to fame began in 2010 with the release of “Fallen Heroes”, where she appeared alongside other established Ugandan artists like Don MC, SP, DAVIS and the Mwanba children choir. After delivering what was arguably the best verse on the track, Keko began to turn heads with her lyrics, delivery style and sheer presence on tracks. Her breakthrough single 'How We Do It’ took the Ugandan charts by storm, making her an instant household name in East Africa. The success of the track led to a 2011 Channel O video music Award for most gifted East African Video, and more recently a synch with Supersport Africa. Keko landed an endorsement deal with Pepsi and also led Mountain Dew's advertising campaign in Uganda, all whilst growing her fan base across the continent.

The 25-year-old is currently in studio recording tracks for her debut full-length album with various hot young producers in South Africa including ‘ClassyMenace’ and ‘The Fahrenheitz’.

Keko’s debut album is scheduled to be released late 2012 / early 2013, as part of the multi-album recording deal with Sony Music Entertainment and a full services management deal with Sony Music and ROCKSTAR4000 ensuring the Keko campaign impacts across Pan Africa and, ultimately the global music scene.

“We are very excited to have Keko on the RCA roster, she is a highly talented and experienced rapper who brings a fresh take to the scene. We have a clear vision for Keko and believe that with this partnership we will take Keko to new heights that will broaden her fanbase and open up new markets for her,” says RCA Africa Director, Spiro Damaskinos.

“Keko is a truly multi faceted artist with already an extensive fanbase and awards behind her name and we are thrilled with a talent such as Keko joining our family of Rockstars" says Jandre Louw, CEO of ROCKSTAR4000.

Keko is a multi-award-winner including Channel O Video Music Awards - Most Gifted East African Video (2011), Buzz Teeniz Awards- Best Female ("How We Do" 2011), Buzz Teeniz Awards- Best Upcoming Artiste ("How We Do" 2011), Pearl of Africa Music Awards- Best Hip Hop Song ("How We Do" 2011), East African Music Awards- Most Promising Artiste (2011), Buzz Teeniz Awards- Best Female (2012) and Diva Awards – Hip Hop Diva (2012). Keko’s just been nominated for the Channel O Video Music Awards - Most Gifted East African Video & Most Gifted Female Video Of The Year 2012 for “Make U Dance” ft Madtraxx.

“Keko is a very talented full package star with a contemporary hip-hop sound, thrilling live performances, a look and feel that will captivate brands and we are truly energized to work with her" says Christine ‘Seven’ Mosha, Head of Talent and New Business for ROCKSTAR4000

Keko has performed at the annual Selam Festival in Ethiopia alongside hand picked international artists from around the world and is well known for bringing the house down. Her buzz and success in a short period of time also led to an invitation to join the cream of the crop of African artists to perform at the Big Brother Africa 6 Amplified show in South Africa.

"I’m very excited to take my career to the next level with one of the biggest record labels in the world, this is a great opportunity for me and the Kekonians to embark on a new journey. I am very hard working and I’m excited to be part of the Sony Music family of artists and its evident that we all share the same passion for music." says Keko

Keko’s latest 2012 Chart topping Club hit entitled “Make You Dance” featuring Kenya’s Madtraxx has become a smash hit on radio stations across Africa, the video has also been on high rotation across leading music television channels such as Trace Urban International where it’s hitting its peek on both the Urban Hit 30 & Africa 10 charts also impacting on other shows like Sound City, Channel O & MTV Base Africa. This success has many media publications dubbing her as 'the next big thing'.

The signing of a multi talented hip-hop star from Uganda, Keko is part of Sony Music Entertainment Africa’s belief that Africa is an important & exciting music development frontier. The company has set its sights on becoming the primary partner of the best Africa has to offer and has high hopes that with its assistance, African musicians can achieve new Pan African and Global success.