Warner Music South Africa launched

Warner has announced the launch of Warner Music South Africa. The move comes after WMG bought the remaining share of the Warner Music Gallo Africa joint venture it had with the territory’s Gallo Records.

The South African arm will handle international repertoire releases across the African continent while WMG is also looking to invest in domestic talent, according to Billboard.

Billboard also understands that Sony Music will handle distribution for Warner’s South African releases.

Warner Music Gallo Africa GM Tracy Fraser has been named MD of Warner Music South Africa, reporting to SVP international strategy and operations Eliah Seton.

The new label will add two new members of staff to the nine employees that were previously working across the JV.

“We are very excited about the growth potential of the music industry in South Africa,” said president, international, Warner Recorded Music Stu Bergen. “Our commitment to strengthening our geographical reach and global network continues, and we see this investment as another step towards delivering best in class services and driving new opportunities for our extraordinary artists all around the world.”

Eliah Seton added: “Tracy is an expert in the South African market and with her at the helm we are extremely well positioned to expand our business in this culturally rich, diverse and dynamic market.”

Fraser said: “Thanks to the recent launch of legitimate online services combined with the increasing availability of technology and mobile handsets we are experiencing an increasing demand for digital music, while our physical market remains significant.”

Source: Music Week