Warner Music Group (WMG) has finalized the full acquisition of Africori, a leading African music company specializing in distribution, rights management, and artist development. This strategic move strengthens WMG’s presence in the rapidly growing African music market, building upon existing partnerships with key players like Chocolate City and WCB-Wasafi.
“We’ve demonstrated that investing in and collaborating with local partners can unlock tremendous value for artists,” said Temi Adeniji, Managing Director of Warner Music Africa. “By nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within the African music industry, we’ve been able to connect African talent with global audiences through international remixes and collaborations.”
The partnership between WMG and Africori began in 2020 when Africori secured global distribution rights through Warner Music’s Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA), marking WMG’s initial entry into key African markets. In 2022, WMG acquired a majority stake in Africori, allowing the company to continue operating independently under the leadership of CEO Yoel Kenan.
“Africori will continue to operate as a standalone entity,” confirmed WMG in a recent announcement. Kenan will remain CEO, reporting directly to Adeniji.
Founded in 2009, Africori boasts an impressive roster of artists, including Kelvin Momo, Master KG, Nkosazana Daughter, Oscar Mbo, and TitoM & Yuppe, and manages one of the largest independent song catalogs in Africa.
This acquisition underscores WMG’s commitment to investing in and supporting the growth of the African music industry, positioning the company for continued success in this dynamic and increasingly influential market.
