The sheer number of artist signings announced on a weekly basis makes it difficult to keep up, no matter how closely one pays attention to the industry news cycle. That’s why every other Tuesday, Billboard compiles the latest signings to labels, distributors, agencies, management companies and more, in an effort to provide a snapshot of the latest moves in the artist space, from household names to indie stars to emerging acts.
This week’s roundup includes new deals for artists including Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake; R&B singer (and former B2K lead vocalist) Omarion; Japanese singer Yuki Chiba; legendary hip-hop DJ Grandmaster Flash; British rockers The Struts; Argentine duo CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso; aughts rockers Jack’s Mannequin; and Canadian singer-songwriter Johnny Orlando. Companies represented on the list include Double Eleven, Create Music Group, Warner Music Japan, Primary Wave, KMG Distribution, UTA, ONrpm and Position Music.
First up this week is Afrobeats star Asake, who signed with Alexa Perkins‘ management and creative agency Double Eleven. According to a press release, the Nigerian singer-songwriter has racked up more than 5.6 billion streams to date. His third studio album, Lungu Boy, was released last year, with the release noting that it currently ranks among the top 20 most streamed Nigerian albums of all time. This summer, he announced the release of his fourth studio album, MONEY, on his newly launched label, Giran Republic. Shortly after that, he was featured on Gunna’s track “satisfaction” off the rapper’s album The Last Wun.
Check out the rest of the latest signings below.
-
Omarion (Create Music Group)
Create Music Group signed R&B singer Omarion, who recently announced that he would reunite with his former B2K bandmates for a reunion tour beginning next spring. Omarion will release new solo music via Create later this year. He’s managed by Jeanine McLean.
-
Yuki Chiba (Warner Music Japan)
Warner Music Japan signed Japanese singer Yuki Chiba in partnership with 300 Entertainment in the U.S. Chiba’s recent releases include “Team Tomodachi” and his Megan Thee Stallion collab “MAMUSHI.” He’s set to headline his first U.S. concert on Sept. 18 at The Roxy in Los Angeles and is also slated to perform at the Head in the Clouds festival in New York.
-
Grandmaster Flash (Primary Wave)
Primary Wave added Grandmaster Flash to its management roster. He will be managed there by Eric Baker out of the company’s West Coast office. Flash was a pioneering DJ who got his start in New York in the 1970s and ultimately broke through as a member of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, which scored successes including “The Message” and “Freedom.” In 2017, the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with numerous other honors including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys.
-
The Struts (KMG Distribution)
British rock band The Struts signed a global distribution deal with Ross Robey’s KMG Distribution. The first release under the agreement is a re-recording of the group’s 2014 debut single “Could Have Been Me” featuring Brian May of Queen.
-
CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso (UTA)
UTA signed Argentine duo CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso for global representation across all sectors, excluding North American touring, which is managed by Wasserman. The signing follows the duo’s Papota Tour 2025, during which they performed 60 dates across four continents, including major cities like São Paulo, New York, Berlin, Stockholm and Mexico City, as well as appearances at top global festivals like Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Roskilde, Fuji Rock and Coachella. CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso rose to global fame with a viral NPR Tiny Desk concert last year. In April, the duo was named Billboard’s Latin Artist on the Rise. They are managed by marca blanca. — Isabela Raygoza
-
Jack’s Mannequin (ONErpm)
ONErpm signed Jack’s Mannequin and released the band’s new album, Everything in Transit: Strings Attached, on Aug. 22. The album features five orchestral versions of songs from the band’s 2005 debut album, Everything in Transit. Jack’s Mannequin is managed by Morgan Young at C3.
-
Johnny Orlando (Position Music)
Position Music signed Canadian singer-songwriter Johny Orlando to a record deal. According to a press release, the Juno nominee has racked up 1.2 billion global streams. Orlando is managed by Darian Orlando.
-
Jake Banfield (EMPIRE)
Country artist Jake Banfield (“Lasso”) signed with EMPIRE, which will release his major label debut album, Open Bars, on Sept. 25. The album was preceded by the single “Still Feels the Same” with RaeLynn.
-
Hiss Golden Messenger (Chrysalis Records)
Chrysalis Records signed Grammy-nominated American folk/Americana act Hiss Golden Messenger, the musical project of singer-songwriter MC Taylor.
-
Maiah Manser (Nettwerk Music Group)
Singer-songwriter Maiah Manser signed with Nettwerk Music Group, which will release her latest single, “Who Are You?”, on Friday (Sept. 12). According to a press release, her song “With a Smile” has racked up more than 65 million views across TikTok and Instagram.
-
Aklesso (Alienz Alive)
Rodney “Darkchild” Jenkins’ recently launched faith-based label, Alienz Alive, signed Haitian hip-hop artist Aklesso. The label released Aklesso’s latest single, “Prodigal!”, on Wednesday (Sept. 3). Alienz Alive will put out his upcoming album, Still Lonely.
-
Chandler Walters (The Neal Agency)
The Neal Agency has signed singer-songwriter Chandler Walters for booking representation. Walters is set to join Josh Ross on his Later Tonight Tour in 2026. Walters is signed to ERN’s Cadillac Music, DeVille Records and Greenhouse Management. He’s also a co-writer on the Post Malone/Morgan Wallen hit “I Had Some Help.” Walters additionally opened for Post Malone’s The BIG ASS Stadium Tour and played pedal steel in Post Malone’s band. — Jessica Nicholson
Daily newsletters straight to your inbox
Sign Up
