NIGERIA (CelebrityAccess) – Warner Music Group (WMG) has today (March 28) announced a new partnership with influential Nigerian record label, Chocolate City.
Under the terms of the new agreement, Chocolate City artists will join Warner Music’s repertoire and will receive support in the form of distribution and artist services via ADA – WMG’s independent label services division.
The deal, which is designed to broaden the reach of Chocolate City’s roster of artists across the world, includes a strategic, reciprocal marketing agreement with WMG South Africa, and will also see WMG financially invest in Chocolate City to assist in its mission of signing and developing promising local talent.
Chocolate City’s artist roster currently includes Femi Kuti, son of Afrobeat trailblazer Fela, M.I. Abaga, Dice Ailes, Nosa, ClassiQ, Ruby Gyang, Blaqbonez, C Kay and Street Billionaires. Its catalog also includes such popular artists as Brymo, Ice Prince and Jesse Jagz.
Chocolate City co-founders Audu Maikori and Paul Okeugo, along with executive vps Jude Abaga and Aibee Abidoye, will continue to lead the company.
Commenting on the deal, Maikori, Group CEO of Chocolate City, said: “At Chocolate City, we have always been passionate about discovering and developing the best talent across Africa and giving them a platform for global growth. The partnership with Warner Music Group is unique in the sense that our clients get the best of both worlds – curated and bespoke services by a highly experienced team across Africa and a dedicated global team to further push their music and their brands.”
Alfonso Perez Soto, EVP, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Warner Music, added: “The music scene in Nigeria is so rich and diverse that it’s important that we develop bespoke entrepreneurial strategies. At the same time, we’ll keep in mind the lessons learned from other emerging markets, for instance Latin America where we successfully broke local artists globally. We have great affinity with Chocolate City’s creative and ambitious approach and we’re excited about Warner’s role in bringing to life their vision of taking their music worldwide.”
Earlier this month, WMG also signed a major licensing deal with popular African streaming and downloading service Boomplay.
