Sony Music makes an agreement with South African telco

Sony Music has signed an “unprecedented” direct licensing deal with South African telco MTN. The partnership gives MTN access to Sony’s catalogue of local and international recordings. The agreement is currently focused on ringback tones, but the pair were negotiating the extension of the deal to also include full tracks and albums, MTN said in a statement.

“The deal gives MTN customers unprecedented access to caller ring back tones from Sony Music’s illustrious catalogue of both local and international artists, including but not limited to, SA artists Zonke Dikana, AKA, Kurt Darren, and Kaylow, and popular gospel ensemble, Joyous Celebration,” said MTN.

‘We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Sony as it gives expression to our quest to promote and develop music as an art form,” added MTN South Africa sales and marketing executive Larry Annetts.

“The signing of this deal will further provide the customers access to our ubiquitous digital platforms, thereby ensuring that artists widen their revenue streams.

“We have both agreed that Sony will administer all royalties payable to their artists directly as well as those due to the relevant collecting societies in terms of this deal. Sony, as a content provider, have vast experience in this field and are best placed to embark on this important exercise,” added Annetts.

“We are very pleased to be working with MTN on creating another digital outlet for our artists’ recordings that meets the expectations of today’s music fans. We look forward to a great partnership in music with MTN,” said Sony Music Entertainment Africa Managing Director Sean Watson.

Source: musicbusinessworldwide.com