Africori partners with Warner Music

The partnership will see Africori gain global distribution rights through Warner Music’s Alternative Distribution Alliance division (ADA). It will give ADA access to Africori’s network and establish Warner Music in a number of African markets for the first time.

Africori, which also offers music rights management and artist development services, is reportedly the largest digital distribution platform in sub-Saharan Africa. The South Africa-based company boasts more than 6 500 artists and 700 labels.

“We work with incredible artists and have some extremely talented A&Rs spotting fresh new talent; it’ll be really exciting to see them tap into Warner Music’s global network,” Africori CEO Yoel Kenan said. “The music market in Africa is starting to really gain traction and this deal means we’re well-positioned to support our artists as new opportunities open up”.

Warner Music Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa executive vice-president Alfonso Perez Soto said: “I’m delighted that we’ll be working together with Africori, and Yoel Kenan in particular, as they’ve been pioneers – fighting for the interests of artists and the music industry in Africa. We can harness the power of our global network to take their great African music to a truly global audience.”

The deal will support Africori’s distribution services of its current catalogue, which includes music from African artists such as Sho Madjozi, Master KG, Gigi Lamayne, Jux, Elzo Jamdong, Nabila, Nyashinski, Sean Tizzle and $pacely, among others.

Additionally, Africori will have the first option on international licences for all new signings.

This is Warner Music's third major partnership established in Africa since last year when the company inked deals with Nigerian label Chocolate City and Chinese-owned music streaming service Boomplay.