Today, March 28, Nigerian foremost music label has revealed an innovative deal with American multinational record label, Warner Music Group.
According to press materials sent to NET, the partnership will dramatically grow the reach of African artists around the world and will create new opportunities for global superstars in the region. Chocolate City will continue to be led by Co-Founders Audu Maikori and Paul Okeugo and EVP of Imprints, Jude Abaga and EVP of Recorded Music Aibee Abidoye.
Furthermore, the terms of the new deal will have artists on the Chocolate City roaster; Femi Kuti, hip-hop artist, and record producer M.I. Abaga, Afro beats sensation Dice Ailes, Nosa, ClassiQ, Ruby Gyang and promising new acts Blaqbonez, C Kay and Street Billionaires join Warner Music’s repertoire, and receive the support of the company’s wide-ranging global expertise, including distribution and artist services via ADA – WMG’s independent label services division.
The Chocolate City team will continue to develop local artists and support the management of WMG’s global superstars across Sub Saharan Africa, including a strategic, reciprocal marketing agreement with WMG South Africa. WMG will also provide financial support for Chocolate City to help achieve its mission of signing and developing the best local talent in this fast-growing market.
Speaking on the partnership, Audu Maikori, Group CEO of Chocolate City, comments: “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, Executive Vice President, Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Warner Music, says: “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 a 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.”
Today’s news follows the recently announced deal for WMG’s repertoire to be distributed by local streaming service Boomplay.