Warner Music Group has launched WM Africa Francophone (WMAFR) to operate in France and Francophone sub-Saharan Africa.
The new venture, led by co-directors Marc-Andre Nihan and Yoann Chapalain, comes as consumption of French-language music on Spotify increases.
Spotify revealed last month that more than 100 million people in non-French-speaking countries listen to French-language music, and that streaming of such repertoire has increased by 94% since 2019.
WMAFR is a collaboration between Warner Music Africa, Warner Music France and Africoli, the distribution, music rights management and artist development company acquired by Warner in 2022.
According to the announcement, the venture will bring together the A&R, digital and marketing teams of the three organizations, enabling them to “discover and develop artists and create groundbreaking cross-cultural collaborations.”
“There are strong cultural trade routes between France and West Africa,” said Simon Robson, WMG’s President of Records and Music for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“There are strong cultural trade routes between France and West Africa.”
Simon Robson, WMG
He added: “WM Africa Francophone is committed to supporting artists in the sector in the same way that our 91 North business is successful with talent working on similar trade routes between Canada and India.” “It will be helpful," he added.
Toronto-based 91 North Records was created last year by Warner Music Canada and Warner Music India to support artists of South Asian descent.
Yoann Chapalain has taken on the role of Co-Director of WMAFR while continuing in his current role as A&R Manager at Africori, supporting artists such as Kamo Mphela, Kelvin Momo, Makhadzi, TitoM & Yuppe and more.
Meanwhile, Niang will combine his role as co-director at WMAFR with his current role as A&R director for Francophone Africa repertoire at Warner Music France.
He has previously played key roles in managing artist projects such as Himra and Louzio, contributing to the strategic strengthening of the region.
“We are excited about our new venture, which spotlights the incredible talent of Africa’s Francophone world.”
Yoan Chaparen
Yoann Chapalain, co-director of Warner Music Francophone Africa, said: “We are excited about our new venture, which spotlights the incredible talent of Francophone Africa.
“We aim to connect diverse sounds and regions to maximize the success of our releases and expand the reach of our music globally. We would like to thank Alfonso Pérez Soto and Yoel Kenan for driving this initiative forward. Thank you.”
“Our team brings creators together and helps create an environment that fosters cross-cultural success.”
marc-andre nihan
Marc-Andre Niang, Co-Director, Francophone Africa, Warner Music, added: “It is important that we can create new synergies in the development and structure of Africa’s French-speaking markets.
“The region is rich in culture and talent, but the ecosystem faces challenges. Our team connects creatives and helps shape an environment that fosters cross-cultural success.
“I would like to thank Alain Weil, Alassane Konate and Temi Adeniji for this opportunity to bring French-speaking African artists to the world stage.” World Music Business
