Warner Music Group’s (WMG) Elektra France has signed an exclusive deal for South African artist Master KG’s latest album Jerusalema.
The deal sees Elektra France hold the rights for the album worldwide, excluding Sub Saharan Africa where the rights will be looked after by Warner Music Group’s ADA.
The signing comes through WMG’s partnership with digital music distribution, music rights management and artist development company Africori, and the record label Open Mic Productions where Master KG is signed.
Master KG was born in 1996 in Calais village, Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa.
He rose to fame with his 2018 debut album Skeleton Move, which won him numerous awards including AFRIMMA’s Best Artist and Song of the Year as well as African Musik Magazine Awards’ Best Male Artist.
“Master KG has through Open Mic Productions made an incredible album with Jerusalema and I’m delighted we will be working with him on a global platform.”
Thierry Chassagne, Warner Music France
Thierry Chassagne, President, Warner Music France, said: “Master KG has through Open Mic Productions made an incredible album with Jerusalema and I’m delighted we will be working with him on a global platform.
“Working alongside Africori, Open Mic Productions and our international partners within Warner Music I’m excited to see how this record will travel around the world.”
“This record is shaping to be one of the biggest albums to come from the continent.”
Yoel Kenan, Africori
Yoel Kenan, CEO, Africori, added: “This record is shaping to be one of the biggest albums to come from the continent.
“We are extremely pleased in the way the Warner and Africori teams are working together in implementing a truly global campaign.”
“Our mission is to develop and export the talent from Africa to an intentional audience, so that they can also compete with the best of the world.”
Molau Rammala and Lionel Jamela, Open Mic Productions
The CEOs of Open Mic Productions, Molau Rammala and Lionel Jamela, said: “Our mission is to develop and export the talent from Africa to an intentional audience, so that they can also compete with the best of the world, hence we welcomed this opportunity for Master KG with both hands.
“Since the start of Master KG’s career in 2016, we have always worked consistently hard towards a historical moment like this and we thank God that it came in our lifetime”.
“I am proud of what we’ve produced, so it’s great to see Warner Music put their trust, belief and global footprint in it as well.”
Master KG
Master KG said: “I’ve worked extremely hard on this record together with Open Mic Productions and I believe it’s my best work yet.
“I am proud of what we’ve produced, so it’s great to see Warner Music put their trust, belief and global footprint in it as well.
“I still have a lot offer to my fans all around the world and hope I travel this journey with them by giving them my best music.”Music Business Worldwide