Soul diva joins EL record label

Soul singer Inga Hina is the latest performer to join the newly established music label, Asanda Empires.

The East London-based label opened its doors in May, and aims to promote Eastern Cape music.

With a licensing deal with Universal Music backing them, Asanda Empires have already released music by their hip hop artists, Kay and Vuo.

Hina is the voice behind DJ Mobi Dixon’s latest hit single, Trigger, and worked with DJ Laylow on the popular song Madele.

The Port Elizabeth-born singer, who is based in Johannesburg, said she had been searching for a record label to represent her when she heard about Asanda Empires.

“I’ve had a couple of offers before, but finding the right one has been a mission for me. As an artist, I believe it is important to know what you are getting yourself into when you sign a deal,” she said.

Hina said she sent the label her music, which they were impressed with. “We started negotiations and we came to a deal that was comfortable for both parties. I was impressed with the transparency, and I can’t wait to start working.”

Hina is in East London to work on her music with the label. She said she had written songs and was ready to start recording.

Her love for music began when she was nine years old. “I used to listen to the Manhattans, Gladys Knight, and I think that’s where the soulful part of my music comes from. Although I’ve done house songs, I love soulful music the most.”

Label founder Asanda Mabengwana said they were excited to have Hina on board.

“We were under a lot of pressure from Universal. They had been asking us what’s happening with Inga, and I am glad we have finally reached an understanding. We had to bend a little to ensure that we were all happy with what we agreed on.”

Asanda Empires’ partnership with Universal Music will ensure their music is released nationally.

Mabengwana said their Johannesburg office would be headed by Scooby Fassie.

“All the recording happens here in East London. Artists such as Inga will have to come down to us to record their music.”

Mabengwana said when they opened their doors they had hoped to prevent Eastern Cape musicians from going to Johannesburg to look for greener pastures. “Now we have one of our own coming from Johannesburg to record in East London.

“This is proof of our vision as a company.”

The label was open to talented artists looking to “take their music to the next level”.

Hina said she hoped to release her first single in the next two weeks.