21-year-old Gloria Mecheo, better known as Xtatic, has snapped up a multi-million shilling deal with Sony Music Entertainment Africa, who have named her as ‘one of the most promising’ artists to come out of Africa recently.
Xtatic, whose video ‘Prep Track’ has been doing the rounds since March is being managed by Sony Music and ROCKSTAR4000, who are intent on putting her firmly on the African musical map.
She is the second female hard core rapper to make it big from East Africa, after Stella Mwangi, who is signed up by EMI Norway.
In a statement on the ROCKSTAR4000 website, Sony Music Entertainment Africa reveals that Xtatic will drop a fresh new single from her debut ‘full-length’ album by the end of the month.
‘WILD!’ is due to hit the airways in the next two weeks, the statement reads.
The ‘rising African rapper’, whose husky voice is reminiscent of that of legendary emcee Lauryn Hill’s, is fresh on the scene but has recently returned from Johannesburg where she teamed up with producers The Fahrenheitz to work on her upcoming album, due for release later in the year.
“We’re convinced that Xtatic has the kind of standout talent that will take her into many different markets and are thrilled to welcome her into the Sony recording family,” expressed RCA Africa Director, Spiro Damaskinos.
The statement also quotes Jandre Louw, Founder and CEO of ROCKSTAR4000 Music Entertainment. “We are truly ecstatic to work with her and thrilled to be part of the Sony Music team to take her and her music to fans across the world.”
Xtatic reveals that she thought it was a prank call when she was approached by ROCKSTAR4000.
“I was at home and thought someone was prank calling me. I always thought that I had the skills to stand out from the crowd, but actually, a few years back I didn’t yet have the proper mix of content, flow and delivery to really do something special so this timing just feels right.”
Only two songs by Xtatic are out for public consumption, and they are enough to keep fans waiting with baited breathe for the next one. The record label is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.