Warner Music Group announced the launch of Warner Music African Francophone (WMAFR) on Thursday (October 24).
New venture 'will showcase incredible talent from French-speaking Africa', co-director Yoann Chapalain he said in a statement. “It aims to connect different sounds and regions, increase releases for maximum success and expand the reach of music worldwide.”
The release comes at a time when demand for French-language music is growing. “Since 2019, French-language music streams have increased by 94%” on Spotify, the streaming service famous in a blog post in September.
“All regions of the world are embracing the richness and diversity of the French-speaking music scene,” according to Jeremy Ehrlichhead of music content at Spotify. “There has been a sharp increase in the number of French-speaking music listeners on Spotify.”
Warner Music Africa Francophone will be a partnership between Warner Music Africa, Warner Music France and Africori, a distribution company. WMG previously announced that it acquired a majority stake in Africori in 2022.
The company worked with around 7,000 artists at the time. “African music is booming all over the world and some of our artists are right at the heart of the boom.” Joel KenanCEO of Africori, said in 2022. “Through our partnership, Warner Music has proven to be the perfect home for Africori and our artists going forward. I look forward to continuing to work with them as we break more artists on a global scale.”
WMAFR will be led by Chapalain along with me Marc-André Niang. Chapalain also serves as A&R Manager at Africori and Niang continues as A&R Manager, Francophone African Repertoire at WM France.
“It is important for us to be able to create new synergies to develop and structure the francophone market in Africa,” Niang said in a statement. “While the region is full of culture and talent, the ecosystem faces challenges. Our team will creatively connect and help shape the environment to achieve cross-cultural success.”
Simon RobsonWMG's president of recorded music for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, likened WMAFR to 91 North, a joint venture between Warner Music Canada and Warner Music India launched in 2023.
“There is a strong cultural trade route between France and West Africa,” Robson added. “WM Africa Francophone will help us support artists in this space.”
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/pro/warner-music-africa-francophone-launch-french-speaking-artists/
