SA: Gallo partners with Sony Music Publishing

GMP, which is home to a number of legendary South African songwriters, is the publishing arm of one of Africa’s largest and oldest labels, Gallo Record Company.

The deal will see SMP provide its services to GMP’s extensive catalogue of songs to create new opportunities on a global scale. Gallo-published songwriters will get a chance to collaborate with their counterparts at SMP and get their songs promoted internationally.

SMP will provide its administration services to help collect, distribute and advance royalty payments. It will also offer sync services to create placement opportunities and licensing for GMP’s songs for film, TV and commercials.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome GMP to the SMP family,” SMP international president Guy Henderson said. “With its tremendous roster of writers, the history of Gallo is the history of South African music.

“Having started my career at Gallo many years ago, I’m thrilled to be reunited with celebrated works from the likes of Lucky Dube, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Stimela, Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse, Caiphus Semenya and so many others”.

Gallo Music Group general manager Rob Cowling said: “We are very excited to announce this partnership, which has been a long time in the making. We feel our vast catalogue and administration of this rich African heritage of songs outside of Africa’s borders is in good hands with SMP.

“Their extensive network of professionals and systems, as well as a UK team with some African roots and a knowledge of the content, will be a valuable asset in managing GMP’s works and driving revenues for our composers and their beneficiaries.”