Sony Music Entertainment Africa (SMEA) is a record label, based in Africa,[1] a subsidiary of Sony Music.[2]

Sony Music Entertainment Africa
Parent companySony Music Entertainment
Founded1991 (1991)
Country of originSouth Africa
LocationJohannesburg, South Africa
Official websitestore.sonymusic.co.za

History

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Sony Music in Africa has a rich history intertwined with the global evolution of Sony Music Entertainment. Founded in 1991, Sony Music Entertainment Africa is the local arm of Sony Music, which was established as American Record Corporation in 1929 and later rebranded to Columbia Recording Corporation.[3]

Over the years, Sony Music has expanded its presence in Africa, including South Africa, with offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The company's strategic growth in Africa involves opening offices in key markets like Lagos, Nigeria,[4] and Nairobi, Kenya, to promote local talent globally.[5]

Subsidiaries

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South Africa (Sony Music South Africa)

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South Africa is one of the largest and most influential music markets in Africa. Sony Music South Africa is based in Johannesburg and serves as the hub for Sony Music Africa's operations in the region. The division works with a diverse range of artists across different genres, including amapiano,[6] pop, hip-hop, house, and traditional South African music.[7]

Nigeria (Sony Music West Africa)

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Nigeria is another major music market in Africa, known for its vibrant Afrobeat, Afropop, and hip-hop scenes. Sony Music West Africa, based in Lagos, Nigeria,[8] focuses on discovering and promoting Nigerian talent both within Africa and internationally. The division collaborates with artists, producers, and record labels to develop and distribute music across various platforms.[9] Godwin Tom was appointed as its first managing director.[10]

Kenya (Sony Music East Africa)

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Kenya has a thriving music industry with diverse influences from traditional African music, Afro-fusion, and contemporary pop. Sony Music East Africa,[11] based in Nairobi, Kenya, works with local artists and labels to amplify Kenyan music on both regional and global scales. The division also supports artist development and distribution efforts within the East African region appointing Christine Mosha[12] as its head of marketing.

Ghana

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Ghana has emerged as a significant player in the African music scene,[13] particularly in genres like highlife, hiplife, and Afrobeats. Sony Music Ghana, based in Accra, collaborates with Ghanaian artists, producers, songwriters and music industry stakeholders to showcase the country's musical talent to the world.[14] The division also facilitates partnerships and collaborations between Ghanaian artists and international counterparts.[15]

Patners

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Record Labels

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Artists

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Former Members

Current Members

References

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  1. ^ Barrionuevo, Alexei; Barrionuevo, Alexei (2022-11-18). "Sony Music Africa to Offer Record Deals to Afrochella, Audiomack Contest Winners". Billboard. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  2. ^ Fowler, Andrea (2021-04-15). "Sony Music Africa Launches New Business Skills Programme to Build the Next Generation of Female Music Leaders - Sony Music". Sony Music Entertainment. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  3. ^ "CBS Records Changes Name". The New York Times. 1990-10-16. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  4. ^ Probyn, Justin (2017-02-20). "Why Sony is pursuing music streaming in Nigeria". How we made it in Africa. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  5. ^ "How Sony Music West Africa is Achieving Its Mission of Growth of the African Music Industry". www.turntablecharts.com. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  6. ^ Masia, Gloria (2022-08-26). "TNS Accusses Sony Music Label Of Prioritizing Amapiano - The Yanos Magazine". The Yanos Mag. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  7. ^ "Sony Music Entertainment Africa invests in SA's Young Guns". 2019-08-02. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  8. ^ Aswad, Thania Garcia,Jem; Garcia, Thania; Aswad, Jem (2022-08-19). "Music Industry Moves: Sony Publishing Opens Nigeria Office, Names Godwin Tom Managing Director". Variety. Retrieved 2024-03-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Udugba, Anthony (2022-08-18). "Sony Music opens office in Lagos, appoints Godwin Tom as MD -". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
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  12. ^ "Christine Mosha aka Seven's journey to Sony Africa's top job". The Citizen. 2023-03-08. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  13. ^ "SMP TO LAUNCH GHANA CAMP". HITS Daily Double. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
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