Warner Music Group has launched WM Africa Francophone (WMAFR), which can function in France and French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa.
The brand new enterprise, led by Co-Administrators Marc-André Niang and Yoann Chapalain, arrives as consumption of French-language music rises on Spotify.
Spotify revealed final month that greater than 100 million individuals in non-Francophone international locations are listening to French language music, with streams of such repertoire up 94% since 2019.
WMAFR is a collaboration between Warner Music Africa, Warner Music France and Africori, the distribution, music rights administration and artist growth firm acquired by Warner in 2022.
In accordance with the announcement, the enterprise brings collectively the three entities’ A&R, Digital, and Advertising and marketing groups in order that they’ll “uncover and develop artists, and create ground-breaking cross-cultural collaborations”.
“There’s a powerful cultural commerce route between France and West Africa,” stated Simon Robson, WMG’s President, Recorded Music, Europe, Center East and Africa.
“There’s a powerful cultural commerce route between France and West Africa.”
Simon Robson, WMG
He added: “WM Africa Francophone will assist us assist the artists in that house, simply as our 91 North enterprise is efficiently doing with expertise working the same commerce route between Canada and India.”
Toronto-headquartered 91 North Information was launched by Warner Music Canada and Warner Music India final yr to assist artists of South Asian heritage.
Yoann Chapalain takes up his Co-Director function at WMAFR whereas persevering with his present function as A&R Supervisor at Africori, supporting artists equivalent to Kamo Mphela, Kelvin Momo, Makhadzi, and TitoM & Yuppe.
Niang, in the meantime, will mix his Co-Director function at WMAFR together with his present function as A&R Director, French Talking African Repertoire at Warner Music France.
He has beforehand performed a key function within the administration of artist initiatives equivalent to Himra and Louzio whereas contributing to the strategic strengthening on this area.
“I’m excited concerning the new enterprise, which can highlight unbelievable expertise from Francophone Africa.”
Yoann Chapalain
Yoann Chapalain, Co-Director, Warner Music Africa Francophone, stated: “I’m excited concerning the new enterprise, which can highlight unbelievable expertise from Francophone Africa.
“It goals to attach numerous sounds and areas, elevate releases for max success, and increase the music’s attain globally. I’m grateful to Alfonso Perez Soto and Yoel Kenan for pushing this initiative ahead.”
“Our staff will join creatives and assist form the surroundings to drive cross-cultural success.”
Marc-Andre Niang
Marc-Andre Niang, Co-Director, Warner Music Africa Francophone, added: “It’s vital for us to have the ability to create new synergies for the event and construction of the Francophone market in Africa.
“Whereas the area is steeped in each tradition and expertise, the ecosystem faces challenges. Our staff will join creatives and assist form the surroundings to drive cross-cultural success.
“I wish to thank Alain Veille, Alassane Konaté, and Temi Adeniji for giving us this chance to take French-speaking African artists to the world stage.”Music Enterprise Worldwide
