BMG acquires world music record label

The deal, which reportedly involves millions of dollars, sees the label own Ali Farka Touré and Ry Cooder’s 1994 album Talking Timbuktu and the international debut album by Malian recording artist Oumou Sangare.

This comes as part of a cache of recordings from Cuba and West Africa, the strongholds of World Circuit Records, which also worked with Malian musician Fatoumata Diawara and Congolese band Mbongwana Star.

By acquiring the world music label, BMG has also come into ownership of the Buena Vista Social Club (BVSC) album, which is popularly referred to as the most successful world music album ever made.

Following the acquisition BMG will take over World Circuit‘s catalog of recordings and publishing copyrights. Nick Gold, World Circuit's creative head, is to help BMG with new projects.

“BMG’s respect for artists and writers, their vision of the future and the opportunities that lay ahead make it a natural and exciting home for World Circuit," said Gold. "Having been lucky enough to have worked with such amazing musicians and being a part of such timeless recordings, I’m now looking forward to the next chapter in the World Circuit story”.

Speaking about the acquisition, Peter Stack, BMG’s Executive Vice President Global Catalogue Recordings, said: “World Circuit has been a pioneer in recording and marketing outstanding artists and collaborations from around the world.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome World Circuit to BMG and excited to be working with Nick Gold, one of the most inspirational figures in world music. We look forward to continuing and developing the work of this amazing label.”

Several performers from countries including Cuba, Colombia, Spain, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria and Senegal who found fame in the west were signed by World Circuit. Some of the African artists were also instrumental to the label's success, the late Ali Farka Toure's 1993 collaboration with Ry Cooder having given the label its biggest visibility up until that point: Talking Timbuktu won a Grammy and sold a million records. In 2006, World Circuit celebrated its 20th anniversary with a compilation album consisting of songs released over two decades.

A dozen years after that celebration, the new owners of the record label are looking to the future.

“Plans are already well underway for a number of new releases and reissues, and the booming music streaming market is expected to extend the reach of World Circuit’s music even further,” BMG said.