Ingrooves Music Group acquires SA-based Electromode

The deal marks Ingrooves’ entrance into Africa’s growing music market, which is being transformed through increased access to and adoption of music streaming services.

Electromode managing director, Chris Ghelakis will continue to lead the Johannesburg team and will work closely with the Ingrooves Music Group global music network to elevate engagement, identify new audiences, and build African artists and label brands around the world.

“Music consumption in Africa continues to increase year over year and has become one of the most exciting growing music markets in the world,” Ingrooves Music Group CEO Bob Roback said. “Chris and his team have built one of the most vibrant independent music distributors in Africa and we are thrilled for him to be leading our expansion into the region. We look forward to growing artists in Africa and introducing African artists to new audiences around the world.”

Ghelakis said: “Ingrooves has the same kind of independent spirit that we have fostered over the last two decades at Electromode. Their technology platform is second to none and their expertise around the globe make them a perfect fit for our artists and labels as we look to expand their audiences. Ingrooves will help us open the door for many South African and African artists to be introduced to new global audiences, while growing and developing some of the great new and established independent artists creating music in Africa.”

Electromode is home to some of South Africa's most popular and chart-topping independent music artists. With an overall catalogue of more than 30 000 songs, Electromode boasts about 200 artists and associated labels including South African record producer DJ Maphorisa’s label, New Money Gang (Scorpion Kings, Mas Musiq, Tyler ICU, Daliwonga), Piano Hub (Kabza De Small, Kelvin Momo), Ambitious Entertainment (Blaq Diamond, Miss Pru, Malome Vector, Cici, La Sauce, Loyiso) and Spirit Music (Benjamin Dube, Omega, Women in Praise).

Over the last 12 months, Ingrooves has expanded its presence in South America, Asia, Europe and Australia with new offices in Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Turkey and Spain.