Happy anniversary to Janelle Monae and her crew! The "Yoga" singer's indie record label turned 1 earlier this week, and Monae and her Wondaland artists—including Deep Cotton, Roman GianArthur and Mr. "Classic Man" himself, Jidenna—got together to toast to an amazingly successful first year.
Several Wondaland artists performed at the party, which was hosted by Google Play, including Jidenna, whose success this year went beyond the flourishing label: The "Long Live the Chief" artist was nominated for his first Grammy, along with labelmate GianArthur, for "Classic Man." After learning of the nom, the oh-so-stylish Nigerian-American performer hopped on Twitter to express his excitement:
Our 1st Grammy Nomination. I'm honored! I guess I need to start looking for a date now.
— Jidenna (@Jidenna) December 7, 2015
Jidenna also won best new artist at the 2015 Soul Train Awards and recently dropped the video for his latest single, "Long Live the Chief." In addition to applauding the excitement moments Jidenna and her label have experienced this year, Monae has been gearing up for her big-screen debut. Moonlight is being put together by Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment company—the same company that introduced the critically acclaimed 12 Years a Slave. The "Tightrope" singer was cast alongside Naomi Harris, and the film, an adaptation of the play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, is slated to drop fall 2016. Busy year. And all the more reason to celebrate milestones and accomplishments. Monae took to Instagram to acknowledge the grind of her team and their supporters, saying:
"Last night we celebrated @Wondaland Records 1 year anniversary. Thank you to @Epic Records and @LaReid for believing in our indie label enough to help us bring wings and legs to our ideas! Thank you to the entire Wondaland staff (management and records) who work so hard to make this ship sail night and day. Beyond thankful for @googleplay sponsoring this special moment and helping bring together all our creative ideas. Thank you to our visionary artists' @stbeautyband @jidenna and @romangianarthur @deepcotton blessing us with your gifts last night! And a huge thank you to our fam and friends (YOU) who buy and support our product time and time again. We are just getting started. Here's to the future. -JM"
