Warner Music Group has launched WM Africa Francophone (WMAFR), which will operate in France and French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa.
New venture led by joint directors Marc Andrenan and Yoann Chaparranwhich comes as French-language music consumption increases on Spotify.
Spotify revealed last month that more than 100 million People in non-francophone countries are listening to French music and streams of these tracks are increasing 94% Since 2019.
WMAFR is a collaboration between Warner Music Africa, Warner Music France and Africori, the distribution, music rights management and artist development company acquired by Warner in 2022.
According to the announcement, the joint venture brings together the A&R, digital and marketing teams of the three entities so that they can “discover and develop artists and create groundbreaking cross-cultural collaborations.”
“There is a strong cultural trade route between France and West Africa,” said Simon Robson, WMG’s president of recorded music for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“There was a strong cultural trade route between France and West Africa.”
Simon Robson, WMG
He added: “WM Africa Francophone will help us support artists in the field, just as our 91 North project successfully helped talent working on similar trade routes between Canada and India.”
Headquartered in Toronto 91 North Records Launched last year by Warner Music Canada and Warner Music India, it aims to support South Asian artists.
Yoann Chapalain serves as co-director of WMAFR while continuing as Africori’s A&R manager, supporting artists such as Kamo Mphela, Kelvin Momo, Makhadzi and TitoM & Yuppe.
At the same time, Niang will combine his co-director position at WMAFR with his current position as A&R director of African French-language repertory at Warner Music France.
Previously, he played a key role in the management of artist projects such as Himra and Louzio, while contributing to the strategic strengthening of the region.
“I’m excited about this new venture, which will attract exceptional talent from Francophone Africa.”
Yoann Chaparran
Yoann Chapalain, co-director of Warner Music Africa’s French-speaking Africa, said: “I’m excited about this new venture, which will attract outstanding talent from French-speaking Africa.
“Its goal is to connect different sounds and regions, elevate releases for maximum success, and expand the music’s global reach. I thank Alfonso Pérez Soto and Joel Kenan for driving this initiative development.
“Our team will connect creatives and help shape the environment to drive cross-cultural success.”
Marc Andrenan
Marc-Andre Niang, co-director of Warner Music Africa’s French-speaking Africa, added: “It is important for us to be able to create new synergies for the development and structure of the French-speaking African market.
“While the region is rich in culture and talent, the ecosystem faces challenges. Our team will connect creatives and help shape the environment to drive cross-cultural success.
“I would like to thank Alain Veille, Alassane Konaté and Temi Adeniji for giving us this opportunity to bring African French-speaking artists to the world stage.”global music business
