Motown record label is coming to the UK

The legendary Motown record label is expanding into the UK for the first time in its 60 year history.

Led by Rob Pascoe with Afryea Henry-Fontaine as Marketing Director, the new division is being set up under its owners, EMI, to promote their current American releases and champion a new generation of British Black music.

The Detroit-based label was founded by Berry Gordy in 1960 and has had some of the most biggest names in soul and R&B on the label, including Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson and many many more.

Their first major signing is a 24 year-old London-based singer called Tiana Major9 whose voice has already been compared to Amy Winehouse, with stars Erykah Badu and Ne-Yo already signed to the label.

A statement from Motown says they’re “looking forward to building an energising and inspiring new roster”.

Motown president Ethiopia Habtemariam stated the company will look to "expand our platform for Black entrepreneurship in the UK and guide Motown towards even greater global success".

Jazz FM's Soul Weekender

As much of the UK celebrated the Summer Bank Holiday on 31st August, we recently broadcast a whole weekend celebrating soul music - Jazz FM's Soul Weekender - which you can still catchup on and find out more about here.

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