Temi Adeniji appointed to top post at Warner Music Africa

She succeeds Tracy Fraser as Warner Music South Africa managing director and will assume her new role in September, reporting to the company’s senior vice-president for Eastern Europe, Middle East, India and Africa, Alfonso Perez-Soto.

In addition, as senior vice-president of special projects, Adeniji will work closely on a number of international projects with Simon Robson, who is in charge of international recorded music.

The move forms part of Warner Music’s drive to increase support for artists across Africa, building upon Adeniji’s work with Perez-Soto to develop the company’s presence in the region through key deals with regional labels, distributors and digital service providers. This includes landmark licensing deals with African digital music services Audiomack and Boomplay, a pioneering partnership with Nigerian label Chocolate City, and an investment in digital distribution, music rights management and artist development company Africori.

“It’s fantastic that Temi has agreed to this challenge,” Perez-Soto said. “Africa is a key focus for the company in the coming years, and there is no one more qualified and better able to lead our next chapter. We’ve only just scratched the surface when it comes to tapping the potential in Africa. In the coming years, cities such as Dakar, Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi will be increasingly influential hubs in the global music industry, and we want Warner to be at the forefront of that cultural transition.

“I’d like to thank Tracy for all her efforts over the last eight years. She’s played a pivotal role in building our business in South Africa, growing our roster and our team. We’ll miss her, and wish her all the best in her next adventures.”

Adeniji said: “The world is waking up to the rich and diverse talent present in myriad thriving music scenes across the continent. As this increasingly interconnected digital world continues to remove barriers to music discovery, there is no doubt that in the years ahead we will continue to see even more global superstars from Africa.

“Africa stands on the precipice of a significant growth story, and I’m excited to play an important part in guiding our company’s strategy and operations in this region. I have worked closely with our South African team over the past few years, so the opportunity to help steer the next stage of their journey is an honour and privilege.”

Originally from Nigeria, Adeniji holds a degree in political science from Princeton University, a law degree from Columbia Law School, and a masters of law from University College London. She worked for a number of leading international law firms before joining Warner Music.

Meanwhile, over the next few months, Fraser, who has led the affiliate since its founding in 2013, will work alongside Adeniji to support her transition.

“I’d like to welcome Temi to South Africa and Johannesburg,” Fraser said: “I know she is going to do an amazing job on behalf of all our artists. It’s been an immense privilege to lead our team over the last decade, and I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me on that journey.”