BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – In a powerful act of self-empowerment, Eswatini’s multifaceted artist Stella Nasia Jacob has announced the official launch of her independent record label and entertainment company, GEM OF AFRICA (Pty) LTD. The announcement marks a significant turning point in her music journey, symbolizing a decisive step into creative and business autonomy.
The launch of GEM OF AFRICA, established in 2025, represents a direct response to years of navigating the often-challenging music industry landscape. Stella Jacob openly shared her past struggles with feeling “overlooked” and “unsupported,” revealing the difficulties she faced in bringing her music to a global audience.
“After years of struggling to release my music, feeling overlooked, and waiting for others to believe in me, I have finally chosen to believe in myself fully,” Stella Jacob stated in an official release. “GEM OF AFRICA is more than a company, it is my freedom, my confidence, and my commitment to my purpose.”
Based in Mbabane (Office N0: 02, Embassy House, Gwamile Street), the new enterprise will focus on Record Label services, Events Management, and Talent Management. This holistic structure is designed to give Stella Jacob, who serves as the Founder and Director, the necessary infrastructure to release music freely, control her brand’s narrative, and make decisions that align with her artistic vision.
This decision to launch her own label is rooted in a desire for independence and a commitment to quality. The singer-songwriter, known for her engaging vocal talent and music that often blends African Trap and Afro-pop/Afro-pop elements, promises that the wait for new material is over.
Stella Jacob gained recognition in the Eswatini music scene with notable tracks like “Together” (featuring Mike Vergasin) and “Inkabikazi” (featuring DJ Citie), which showcased her versatility across genres and ability to blend rich cultural sounds with modern production. She has also released “Ngak’thola” (feat. Charlie SD). Her commitment to her craft was recently highlighted by her being a finalist in the MTN Firefly competition in 2024. However, her drive to launch GEM OF AFRICA stemmed from facing industry challenges and a deep desire to gain full creative and business control over her music destiny. With this new venture, which includes a strategic distribution deal with Paradise Africa, GEM OF AFRICA is now the dedicated platform for releasing her upcoming music, managing events, and developing new talent.
In a major development that underscores the label’s professional ambition, GEM OF AFRICA has already secured a distribution deal with Paradise Africa. This strategic partnership will ensure that the music released by the new label reaches a wide international audience with the necessary consistency and professional standard.
Acknowledging the patience of her loyal fan base, Jacob offered a sincere apology for the delay in new music, assuring them the time was spent building this foundation. “I promise that the wait has not been in vain. New music is officially on the way,” she stated, expressing deep gratitude for the support that gave her the courage to take this bold step.
The launch of GEM OF AFRICA is being hailed by industry observers as a powerful move that not only empowers one of Eswatini’s most exciting talents but also sets a new benchmark for independent artists across the continent looking to take control of their careers. As Stella Jacob embarks on this new chapter, she promises to “work harder, dream bigger, and stay true to who I am,” eagerly anticipating the “music, the stories, and the light” the label will bring forth.
#EPN #StellaJacob #GEMAfrrica #EswatiniMusic #IndependentLabel #RecordLabelLaunch #ParadiseAfrica #MusicEntrepreneur #AfricanMusic
