Tunji Balogun, a Nigerian-American has been named the CEO and Chairman of American Music Recording company, Def Jam. Balogun was the Executive Vice President, A&R at RCA Records.
The news of his announcement was released in a statement on Tuesday by Universal Music Group, owners of Def Jam.
What Universal Music Group said
Universal Music Group’s statement read in part;
“Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the appointment of celebrated A&R executive Tunji Balogun as Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, effective January 1, 2022.
“Widely acknowledged as one of the most successful and respected creative executives in music today, Balogun has worked with artists including Bryson Tiller, Childish Gambino, Goldlink, Khalid and Wizkid among others, over his 17-year career. His appointment marks a return to UMG where he served as an A&R executive at Interscope Records from 2007 to 2015. In his new role, Balogun will be based in Los Angeles and report to UMG Chairman & CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge.”
Universal Music boss added that Balogun is part of a new wave of dynamic executives who view today’s artists and music through a unique creative lens and would bring a new level of understanding to the cultural significance of what Def Jam has created over the past four decades.
Balogun has mainly worked with American musicians but has also worked with Nigerian star, Wizkid during his time at RCA records
Meanwhile, Balogun said he is honoured to lead Def Jam into its next chapter stating that he “grew up on Def Jam’s music – collecting, listening to and studying their albums and singles – those early moments as a young fan.”
Balogun studied at Pomona College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2004. He worked at Warner Bros and Virgin Records as an intern, before transferring as a Marketing Coordinator for Warner Bros Records. After that, he had roles at Interscope Records and RCA, rising through the ranks to become Executive Vice President, A&R at RCA.
CONRATULATIONS, Mr Tunji Balogun; I’m so proud of you for making Ngeria great