Celebrities: Niyola, the New Deeva of the Empire Mates Entertainment(E.M.E.)

She's hot and we've spotted her severally on red carpets looking like a proper deeva. And on Monday, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) officially announced the signing of singer-songwriter Niyola to the label alongside gifted singer Shaydee, who has been described by industry watchers as one of the most important singers to watch out for this year.

EME boss Banky W made the Niyola news known in Lagos while speaking with a group of editors and media executives. Apart from Banky W, who doubles as talent and executive, EME is also home to pop star Wizkid, and rapper Skales and now their newest additions star jockey DJ Exclusive who recently singed a deal to be EME's official DJ, Master Kraft- Official producer as well as the respected Ghanaian hip hop act XO Senavoe, who is the label's first international signing. Shaydee and Niyola are now Empire Mates.

'Empire Mates has come a long way, since Banky W, and our first single. The entire continent and the rest of the world have accepted and supported us' a statement from the label reads. 'That support has birthed so many great things, and today, we're happy to announce our expansion, as we take up new talents, new challenges, and seek new ways to deliver beautiful African music to the world'.

'We're excited to have Niyola, Shaydee and DJ XClusive on board EME', 'we're having a fun ride already, as you guys will find out on the new materials coming out next week', says Wizkid, the MOBO award-winning popstar who was discovered and nurtured by EME.

Who is Niyola? 

A smooth and sultry singer, who has one album to her name, and a couple of hit singles that attracted many to her, is the first lady to be signed on the label. Before joining EME, Niyola was an independent artiste, working to establish her recording career and plant her feet firmly in the mainstream.

'I was eagerly searching for a place to call home', the singer comments. 'And after being friends with the EME family for sometime, I realized this is my home, where my heart and my soul is. This is where I want to be'.  Niyola says.