Warner Music Africa (formerly Warner Music South Africa) is a music corporation of the global record label Warner Music Group, founded on 5 December 2013.[1] with its South Africa arm managing artist development, marketing, and distribution for Warner Music artists in Africa, with its corporate headquarters located in 1 Saxon Rd, Hyde Park, Sandton, 2196, Johannesburg, South Africa.
 2022 logo | |
| Industry |
|
|---|---|
| Predecessors |
|
| Founded | 5 December 2013 |
| Headquarters | 1 Saxon Rd, Hyde Park, Sandton, 2196, , South Africa |
Area served | Africa |
Key people | Temi Adeniji (MD.) |
| Services | Music publishing, Music distribution, Music recording, Brand strategy |
| Parent | Warner Music Group |
| Website | warnermusic |
Overview edit
Warner Music South Africa was founded on 5 December 2013, following the buyout of Gallo Records share of the joint venture Warner Music Gallo Africa as a division of Warner Music Group. Following the launching of the imprint, WMG appoints the former Warner Music Gallo Africa general manager Tracy Fraser,[1] as the managing director of Warner Music South Africa. Tracy participated in the signing of Josh Kempen,[2] Locnville, Mango Groove, Janie Bay,[3] Dr Bone, Zahara,[4] Julanie J,[5] Masandi,[6] Faith K, CKay,[7] and Diamond Platnumz, with a 360 partnership deal between WMG, and WCB Wasafi.[8] Tracy stepped down from her position in 2021.
On 22 March 2021, Temi Adeniji was appointed by WMG with the combined role of managing director of Warner Music South Africa and SVP, Strategy, of Sub-Saharan Africa.[9] Temi participated in the signing of Kiddo CSA,[10] Sizwe Alakine,[11] and Rouge.[12] On 16 September 2021, Temi participated in the buying of Coleske, one of South Africa largest independent label.[13] According to Unorthodox Reviews, prior to May 2022, Warner Music South Africa began operating as Warner Music Africa.[14] The news was broken by Temi Adeniji, at an exclusive launch held on 11 May 2022 at Warner Music offices in Hyde Park. On 23 June 2022, Warner Music Africa launched a brand strategy division.[15]
The brand strategy division of Warner Music Africa was led by the entertainment lawyer Thembi Mpungose-Niklas,[15] who was appointed. Thembi is to report directly to WMA managing director and senior vice-president of special projects in sub-Saharan Africa Temi Adeniji.[15] On 5 July 2022, Warner Music Group, Blavatnik Family Foundation, and Social Justice Fund announce the launch of the SJF Repertoire Fund, an eight-year $10M initiative that allows WMG employees in participating regions to get involved, making Warner Music Africa, one of its team to receive $1M to be disbursed in Sub-Saharan Africa, by nominating local organizations for grants from $5,000-$15,000 USD.[16]
In the inaugural cycle of SJF Repertoire Fund in Sub-Saharan Africa, we were very deliberate in finding organizations not only reflective of the focus pillars but also across various countries to reflect the diversity of the continent.
- Temi Adeniji[16]
Warner Music Africa announced its first set of SJF Repertoire Fund grantee partners for Sub-Saharan Africa, would include organizations across Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.[16] On the same day, Warner Music Africa approved grants to the following African organizations, including African Leadership Academy (South Africa), African Digital Media Institute (Kenya), AgroEknor Farmers Education & Empowerment Program (Nigeria), ArtNg (Nigeria), Edugrant (Nigeria), Fair Justice Initiative (Ghana), Kids Haven (South Africa), Rele Arts Foundation (Nigeria), The Sarz Academy Academy Foundation (Nigeria), The Tag Foundation (South Africa), The Tomorrow Trust (South Africa), Zoma Museum (Ethiopia), and WeThinkCode_ (South Africa).[16]
Warner Music Gallo Africa edit
In 2006, Johnnic Communications (Gallo's parent company, which changed its name to Avusa in November 2007) entered a joint venture with the South African division of Warner Music Group and established Warner Music Gallo Africa. The Gallo Record Company's entire music archive digitally available for the first time. These include rare pressings as well as classic hits by artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Letta Mbulu, Spokes Mashiyane, Lucky Dube, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and others. The joint venture ended in December 2013.[17]
Partnerships edit
Flume edit
On 22 August 2019, WM South Africa announce a partnership deal with Flume, a digital marketing agency.[18]
WCB Wasafi edit
On 18 May 2022, Warner Music Group announced a new 360 partnership deal with Diamond Platnumz and his leading independent record label WCB Wasafi.[8] The new deal will see WCB Wasafi incorporated into Warner Music South Africa and Ziiki Media.[19]
Lacuna Creative Studios edit
On 15 July 2023, Warner Music Africa announces a partnership with Lacuna Creative Studios, to oversee the post-production of Inkabi Zezwe six-part documentary series of the making of Sjava and Big Zulu’s Ukhamba studio album.[20]
Managing directors edit
- Tracy Fraser (2013-2021)[citation needed]
- Temi Adeniji (2021-present)[citation needed]
Artists edit
- Josh Kempen[21]
- Locnville[22]
- Janie Bay[23]
- Mango Groove[24]
- Dr Bone[25]
- Zahara[26]
- Julanie J[27]
- Masandi[28]
- Faith K[29]
- CKay[30]
- Diamond Platnumz[31]
- Kiddo CSA[32]
- Rouge[citation needed]
- Sizwe Alakine[citation needed]
- Superstar Ace[33]
- Ash[34]
- Mvzzle[35]
- pH Raw X[36]
- BigStar Johnson[37]
- Zandie Khumalo[38]
- CampMasters[39]
- Inkabi Zezwe
- Joeboy[40]
Selected discography edit
Singles, Albums and Eps, released through Warner Music Africa:
Singles edit
| Artist | Title | Year | Album | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CKay | "Felony" | 2020 | Boyfriend | 12 February 2021 |
| "Skoin Skoin" | 2021 | |||
| CKay & Payal Dev | "Kiss Me Like You Miss Me" | Non-album single | ||
| CKay | "Emiliana" | Sad Romance | 23 September 2022 | |
| "By Your Side" | ||||
| "Maria" | 2022 | Non-album single | ||
| "Watawi" | Sad Romance | 23 September 2022 | ||
| "You" | ||||
| "Mmadu" | ||||
| "HALLELUJAH" | 2023 | Sad Romance (Deluxe) | 16 June 2023 | |
| "nwayi" | ||||
| Inkabi Zezwe | "Umbayimbayi" | Ukhamba | 24 March 2023 | |
| CKay | "IS IT YOU?" | 2024 | TBA | 26 January 2024 |
| "MYSTERIOUS LOVE" | ||||
| Joeboy | "Osadebe"[41] | TBA | 16 February 2024 |
References edit
- ^ a b Smirke, Richard (5 December 2013). "WMG Launches Warner Music South Africa (Exclusive)". Billboard. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Josh Kempen – The River". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Warner Music South Africa is proud to present Janie Bay's latest single 'Die Heelal' ft. Early B". SA Music News Magazine. 11 October 2019. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Zahara lands new Warner Music deal". The Citizen. 5 July 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Julanie J releases her sophomore single 'Sandkastele' via Warner Music and it's a smash!". SA Music News Magazine. 7 October 2019. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Masandi Signs To Warner Music South Africa". slikouronlife.co.za. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ Alake, Motolani (27 November 2020). "Warner Music Group South Africa announces the signing of Nigerian star, Ckay". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ a b "Diamond Platnumz signs 360 partnership deal with Warner Music Group". GRUNGECAKE. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Temi Adeniji appointed MD of Warner Music South Africa and SVP, Strategy, Sub-Saharan Africa". Music Business Worldwide. 22 March 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Kiddo CSA signs Warner Music South Africa deal". Music In Africa. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Sizwe Alakine signs Warner Music South Africa deal". Music In Africa. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Rouge inks Warner Music South Africa deal". Music In Africa. 3 May 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Warner Music South Africa acquires local independent label Coleske". Music Business Worldwide. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ Ackah, Kojo (17 May 2022). "Warner Music South Africa is Now Officially Warner Music Africa". Unorthodox Reviews. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
- ^ a b c Shumba, Ano (23 June 2022). "Warner Music Africa adds brand strategy division". Music In Africa. Archived from the original on 23 June 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
- ^ a b c d Adesina, Michael. "Warner Music Group, BFF SJF announces grantees in Africa". P.M. News. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
- ^ "WMG Warner Music Group Launches Warner Music South Africa". WMG Official Website. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Flume partners with Warner Music SA". Media Update. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "WMG Warner Music Announces Partnership with Diamond Platnumz and WCB-Wasafi". WMG Official Website. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Warner Music Africa". www.africa.com. 15 July 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ^ "Josh Kempen". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Locnville". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Janie Bay". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Mango Groove". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Dr Bone". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Zahara". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Julanie J". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Masandi". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Faith K". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "CKay". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Diamond Platnumz". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Kiddo CSA". Warner Music South Africa. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Superstar Ace". Warner Music South Africa. Warner Music Africa. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ "ASH". Warner Music South Africa. Warner Music Africa. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ "Mvzzle". Warner Music South Africa. Warner Music Africa. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ "pH Raw X". Warner Music South Africa. Warner Music Africa. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ "BigStar Johnson". Warner Music South Africa. Warner Music Africa. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ "Zandie Khumalo". Warner Music South Africa. Warner Music Africa.
- ^ "CampMasters". Warner Music South Africa. Warner Music Africa.
- ^ Communications, W. M. G. (2 February 2024). "JOEBOY AND HIS YOUNG LEGEND LABEL SIGN DEAL WITH WARNER MUSIC". Warner Music Group. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
- ^ "Joeboy Marks New Career Phase With "Osadebe" - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 23 February 2024.