Ghana: Tieme Music scores partnership with The Orchard

The deal, which was made public on 16 May, arrives barely a year after Tieme launched operations in Ghana. Founded by Paris-based music producer Franck Osei-Mensah, Tieme’s operations comprise digital streaming as well as distribution and label services. 

A subsidiary of Sony Music, The Orchard is the world’s largest independent music distribution company. The latest development arrives on the heels of its acquisition of London-based electronic and dance music firm Above Board in March.

Tieme’s country manager for Ghana, Charlène Osei-Mensah, told Music In Africa that the arrangement aims to bring the work of its artists to wider audiences while driving global collaborations for them. 

“Our platform is dedicated to the Ghanaian musician. Key among the hurdles that local talents face is securing the right channels to distribute their work. The Orchard boasts a formidable imprint in Africa, and the deal ties in with our overall vision to aid the efforts of local artists in their quest to achieve international notice.”

“Our goal with this partnership is to be able to empower our label services for the artists we are currently working with as well as those who will join us in the future,” Franck Osei-Mensah added. 

Speaking to Music In Africa last month, the company noted that it was inspired by a vision to develop a user-friendly platform, drawing lessons from the behaviours, preferences and obstacles faced by Ghanaian consumers of digital content, while offering a monetisation module and providing legal and easy access to it.

Since opening its Ghana office, Tieme has worked with numerous local artists, notably ‘Cinderella’ hitmaker Beeztrap KOTM, rapper Skyface SWD, who was named Apple Music Next Up Artist in February, and Afro-fusion singer G-West. The company also recently facilitated a collaboration between Jay Bahd and his French counterpart Le Juiice.