UMG U.K. has made further moves into the urban scene by hiring respected British hip-hop and R&B tastemaker Manny Norté, who has joined Polydor to work across A&R, marketing and promotions. Discussing his new hire, label boss Tom March told us: “There is no one more connected to urban music and culture in the U.K.”

Norté will continue presenting his shows on Global brand Capital Xtra and DJing at club night The Get Down at Tape. His hire follows the launch of an urban division at Island Records (headed up by Alex Boateng), while pop and urban A&R Rich Castillo also joined the Polydor team last year.

March continued: “We are delighted to have Manny join the urban department at Polydor, his knowledge, taste and connections will be a tremendous asset to our artists.”

As a DJ, Norté has toured with Jay Z, Rihanna and Beyonce. His live shows recorded at London’s Jazz Café have featured guests like Roll Deep, Misha B, Lethal Bizzle and many more.