Ndabo Zulu Inks Historic Deal with EMPIRE
Ndabo Zulu, the trailblazing South African trumpeter, composer, and band leader, has made history by becoming the first jazz[-ish] artist in Africa to partner with EMPIRE Distribution, Records, and Publishing Inc. This landmark deal marks a pivotal moment in Zulu's career, providing him with the platform to reach a global audience and solidify his influence on the international music scene.
EMPIRE, an independent record label with a strong global presence, is headquartered in San Francisco and maintains offices in New York, London, Lagos, and Johannesburg. Their cutting-edge recording studios in San Francisco and New York reflect the label’s dedication to supporting and nurturing artistic talent. Through this partnership, Zulu will benefit from unparalleled resources and support, ensuring that his music resonates with audiences worldwide. To celebrate this new chapter, Zulu will host exclusive listening sessions and bespoke performances, offering his dedicated fans an intimate experience of his latest work. Zulu’s recent appearance at the BET Awards in Los Angeles further established his international presence, highlighting his deep commitment to African music and culture. His upcoming album, Radio Bantu, is highly anticipated and is expected to captivate audiences with its unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.
By joining the EMPIRE roster, Zulu aligns himself with a prestigious group of artists, including iconic names such as Aaliyah, Anderson .Paak, Free Nationals, PJ Morton, Black Sherif, Fireboy DML, and Asake. Under EMPIRE, renowned jazz musicians, Terrace Martin and Kamasi Washington, released the critically acclaimed project, Dinner Party, with Robert Glasper, exemplifying the label's commitment to innovative and genre-defying music.
Ndabo Zulu on His Partnership with EMPIRE
Reflecting on the partnership, Ndabo Zulu shared, “Being with EMPIRE has elevated my artistic freedom. Partnering with a label that respects and supports my creative process without interference allows me to explore and express myself fully. I am creating from a place of freedom, with no boundaries, and I deeply appreciate that.” Zulu’s new album, Radio Bantu, represents a departure from his previous work, showcasing his versatility as a composer and producer. "My following knows me primarily as a jazz artist," Zulu said. "But this album breaks from that expectation. It’s a form of self-expression, created in a space of freedom, with each song reflecting a different aspect of my journey."
"Ndabo Zulu is not just a jazz musician. While the industry might try to box his artistic expression into that category, a deeper listen to his work reveals a complexity and diversity that far exceeds this traditional label. Partnering with Ndabo allows EMPIRE to continue doing what it does best—preserving culture and introducing it to the world in the most authentic way possible," says Ezegozie Eze Jr., EMPIRE's Vice President of Strategy & Market Development for Africa.
Ndabo Zulu on His Upcoming Album, Radio Bantu
Zulu revealed that much of the album was written in December 2022 in Durban during a particularly hot Christmas. The first track he completed, "Uzenzile," was born from this environment. "I wrote 90% of this album on a computer and a small keyboard, and it was a beautiful, haunting journey that I hope people will enjoy."The album’s first single, "Home," features Filah Lah Lah and Simon Manana on saxophone. Zulu emphasized the collaborative nature of the album, noting that each vocalist was given complete freedom to express their thoughts.
"Interestingly, many of the songs touch on themes of grief, love lost, and yearning, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of the youth’s emotions in South Africa."
Regarding the album's title, Radio Bantu, Zulu explained that it draws inspiration from the 1960s propaganda machine of the apartheid government. "This album is my way of offering an alternative narrative—one that listeners can choose for themselves, without being force-fed. It’s about finding your own story within the music. "Zulu concluded, "My genre is just music—music for people to consume, to feel, and to make their own. I don’t know what contribution this album will make to the industry, but I know it comes from a good place, and I hope it resonates with people. Once the album is out, it’s up to the listeners to decide what it means to them. My hope is that it offers a space for meditation, joy, and love, and that it brings people home."
The Impact of Radio Bantu and the Single "Home"
Ndabo Zulu’s upcoming album, Radio Bantu, is poised to be a powerful offering, rich in emotion and creativity. The lead single "Home," with its collaborative spirit and profound themes, sets the tone for an album that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. As Zulu continues to break new ground in the music industry, this partnership with EMPIRE ensures that his music will reach and inspire audiences worldwide.
