Defected Launches New Afrocentric Label, One People

One People is the newest label to fall under Defected’s umbrella, with Alex Wann and Nes Mburu leading the charge for its first release, “Peperuke.”

Defected has helped shape the dance music scene for decades by honoring the past while continuing to push forward into the future with fresh artists. Last year saw the beloved brand continue its expansion to new reaches, and now, in the early months of 2024, that mission is furthered once again with the launch of a new label, One People.

One People has been launched to celebrate the dynamic sounds of Afrocentric music and will be headed by Allan Nicoll, Defected’s Director of A&R and Stay True Sounds label head. He’s bringing his insight from the decades spent in the South African music scene to the table, with plans to showcase a diverse range of international artists on its roster, including the likes of AMÉMÉ, Melé, Biishop, and more.

Over the course of my two decades in the industry, Afro house has consistently held a prominent position within the musical landscape. From my tenure at Soul Candi to nurturing emerging talent on my independent label, Stay True Sounds, I’ve played a proactive role in shaping the genre’s future. The opportunity to establish a label in collaboration with Defected has allowed for an even broader global platform, and through One People, I am excited to present the rich and dynamic offerings of the genre to audiences worldwide.
Allan Nicoll, Defected

The first single to arrive on One People comes from the mind of Alex Wann, who teamed up with singer-songwriter Nes Mburu on “Peperuke.” The warm afro house track features organic percussion, guitar riffs, and Mburu’s vocals to create an uplifting ambiance that will instantly whisk you off your feet and have you grooving along with it.

Listen to “Peperuke” on Spotify or your preferred platform, and stay tuned for more to come from One People, including the second release on the label from AMÉMÉ that’s due out in March.