Symphonic Distribution enters African market

The news comes on the heels of Symphonic’s expansion into Brazil in January. In South Africa, Symphonic has appointed music exec Tamsanqa Ngxeketo as its head of territory to lead a team in South Africa that entails A&R and client marketing services. Ngxeketo’s previous roles have included working as a brand ambassador for M-Audio. He is also the founder of the Unconfined Group record label.

“I am excited to join Symphonic with key personnel aimed at shining a light on new and exciting talent in South Africa and beyond,” Ngxeketo said. Symphonic said it had secured key partnerships and aggregators that focus on African genres like Afrobeats, gqom and gospel.

In Mexico, Symphonic has hired Ariel Etbul to head its operations in the region. Etbul boasts more than 18 years of experience in the music industry.

“I am thrilled to see Symphonic expanding in these very exciting markets,” Symphonic CEO Jorge Brea said. “The individuals we’ve brought on board have a lot of experience in the territories and understand the needs and wants of creators in their respective regions. Having them on board will not only mean a great service offering for creators but it additionally means that we, as a company, will get better by building tools that can help super serve in these markets. What we are doing is only the beginning.”

Etbul said: “Symphonic’s Latin roots and presence is very exciting. My team members and I are thrilled to be a part of this dynamic, growing company. We are excited to show the world what we can do together.”

In October, Symphonic announced that it had inked distribution deals with Nigerian streaming startup MePlaylist. Founded by former music producer Brea in 2006, Symphonic Distribution provides new and established record labels, managers and artists with global digital music and video distribution to hundreds of retail and streaming platforms, playlist pitching, release promotion and a comprehensive suite of label services.

Labels and artists who have had their music and videos distributed through Symphonic include Ozuna, Chris Lake, deadmau5, Stick Figure, Daddy Yankee, Clozee, Yung Joc, Waka Flocka Flame, Laura Marano, Emily Vaughn, Black Thought and The Movement, among others.