N※N

Howard University & Warner Music Group Launch Record Label for African Artists

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. oup-launch-record-label-for-african-artists.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 12:02 GMT by AllHipHop
      Locales: UNITED STATES, NIGERIA

WASHINGTON D.C. - February 14, 2026 - A groundbreaking partnership between Howard University's Director of Music Business, Curtis Jackson, and global music giant Warner Music Group (WMG) is poised to reshape the landscape for African artists. Nuez Roots, a new record label born from this collaboration, officially launches today, promising to amplify the voices of emerging talent across the African continent and connect them with a worldwide audience.

This venture isn't merely a business deal; it's a culmination of Jackson's lifelong dedication to fostering Black music professionals and a strategic move by Warner Music Group to deepen its footprint in a rapidly growing and increasingly influential music market. Jackson, who credits much of his professional success to his formative years and continued involvement with Howard University, will serve as CEO of Nuez Roots while also leveraging his expertise as a member of Warner Music's Africa advisory board.

For years, African music has been steadily gaining international recognition. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage have broken through to mainstream success, proving the universal appeal of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other genres originating from the continent. However, many incredibly talented artists remain relatively unknown outside their local regions, often facing challenges in securing funding, distribution, and marketing support needed to compete on a global scale. Nuez Roots aims to bridge this gap.

"We're not just looking to sign artists; we're building a sustainable ecosystem," explains Jackson in an exclusive interview. "Nuez Roots will provide comprehensive support, including artist development, recording facilities, marketing expertise, and access to Warner Music Group's vast network of resources. We want to empower African artists to maintain ownership of their art and build lasting careers."

Warner Music Group's commitment to the African music scene has been steadily growing over the past several years. This initiative isn't a sudden pivot, but a deliberate expansion of existing efforts. The company has already signed a roster of promising African artists and established key partnerships across the continent, but Nuez Roots represents a significant escalation of those efforts. The creation of a dedicated label, led by someone with Jackson's experience and understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the African music market, signals a long-term investment.

Analysts predict that the African music market will experience exponential growth in the coming years. Increased internet access, a burgeoning youth population, and the rising popularity of streaming services are all contributing factors. Nuez Roots is strategically positioned to capitalize on this momentum. The label will focus initially on key markets such as Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya, but plans to expand its reach across the continent.

The label's name, "Nuez Roots," is itself symbolic. Jackson explains that "Nuez" is a Spanish word for walnut, representing the strong, protective shell surrounding a valuable core. "We see ourselves as providing that protective shell for the incredible talent coming out of Africa, allowing their roots - their culture, their artistry - to flourish and reach a global audience."

Howard University's involvement adds another layer of significance to this venture. The historically Black university has a long and proud tradition of nurturing Black artists and innovators. Jackson's continued connection to the university, utilizing the platform to mentor students and provide opportunities, underlines a commitment to the next generation. Several Howard University music business students are already involved in internships with Nuez Roots, gaining invaluable real-world experience.

This launch isn't just about discovering the next big star. It's about challenging the existing power structures within the music industry and creating a more equitable and inclusive landscape. Nuez Roots is determined to tell authentic African stories through music, providing a platform for artists to express their unique cultural identities and connect with audiences worldwide.