Gresham expands into Niger, Benin, Nigeria, Ghana and Togo

GRM is the newest addition to the Gresham Music Group portfolio. It was launched in 2020 to support creators and music copyright holders, offering direct licensing for broadcast, public performance, mechanical reproductions and neighbouring rights.

GRM says its rights holders will now have more to leverage on in the new markets through the collaboration with PurpleBlue, which will oversee rights matters for GRM in the region. PurpleBlue, which was founded by Dr Chinedu Chukwuji, will also exploit Gresham Music Group’s global infrastructure for sound recordings and musical works.

“We are thrilled to finally work with Chukwuji and PurpleBlue Entertainment in West Africa,” GRM managing director and co-founder Andrew Mitchley said. “There are tremendous growth opportunities on the African continent and having the market intel and expertise of PurpleBlue is invaluable. It is our mission to ensure that creators associated with our companies realise the greatest value for their works around the world.”

Chukwuji said: “We are also excited to be working with GRM, a world-class music licensing company and the incredible team led by Andrew Mitchley. The mission is the same, the goal is the same. It is all about our creators and right holders receiving the best reward for the exploitation of their works here in Africa and across the world”.

Gresham Music Group launched GRM in Africa last year in partnership with SESAC, The Harry Fox Agency, SUISA Digital Licensing and Mint Digital Services. The music rights service represents SESAC and the Harry Fox Agency in sub-Saharan Africa while jointly working with SUISA Digital Licensing. Mint Digital Services does the data administration.

Gresham Music Group was founded by David Gresham in 1972 and is one of the biggest independent music companies in Africa.