In a major move to amplify the voices of Africa and its diaspora, Warner Music Group (WMG) has joined forces with Ghanaian indie label Small World Records. Spearheaded by SmallGod, a dynamic entrepreneur with a rich background in marketing, promotion, and A&R, Small World Records is set to collaborate with WMG, ADA, and Warner Chappell Music, propelling the careers of its artists and writers to new heights.
SmallGod, who initially ventured into the music industry through running the Ghanaian nightclub Basement, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s potential to break boundaries and resonate across continents. The strategic alliance with WMG aims to create a symphony of boundless diversity, innovation, and passion, uniting cultures through the universal language of music with a core focus on Africa.
The inaugural release under this groundbreaking partnership will be “Fallen Angel” by SmallGod and Black Sherif, promising to set the stage for a new era of musical collaboration and discovery.
Max Lousada, CEO of Recorded Music at Warner Music Group, lauded SmallGod as a tastemaker, marketeer, and visionary, expressing excitement about championing the incredible African talent discovered through this collaboration. The partnership signifies a commitment to providing artists with the support and services needed to make a significant impact on the global stage.
In a separate development, Sony Music Publishing UK has undertaken a strategic restructuring, promoting key talents in its A&R department across the UK and Europe. Felix Canetty-Clarke, Sarah Gabrielli, and Saul Fitton now hold elevated roles, driving opportunities for the company’s songwriters and advancing creative strategy.
Meanwhile, SoundCloud has unveiled revamped official charts in the U.S. and UK, featuring a rejuvenated “New & Hot” chart and a brand-new “Next Pro” chart highlighting emerging talent. The charts, updated regularly, aim to spotlight the diversity of musical genres, including Rap, Pop, R&B, and Electronic.
In other industry news, Downtown Music Holdings bids farewell to Chief Commercial Officer Tracy Maddux, who steps down from his role after 23 years with the company. Maddux will continue to contribute as a consultant and advisor, offering insights to support key strategic initiatives throughout 2024.
Additionally, Warner Chappell Music (WCM) announces the promotion of A&R executive BJ Hill to Senior VP of A&R. With a decade of unwavering support for artists like Lady A and Dan + Shay, Hill’s promotion reflects his exceptional ear for talent and dedication to the growth of Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
As the music industry undergoes transformative collaborations and strategic advancements, these developments underscore a vibrant and dynamic landscape, with Africa taking center stage in the global musical conversation.