This partnership of both recording labels was announced through a statement on Thursday the 28th of March by the CEO of Chocolate City, Audu Maikori. The Nigerian label Co-founder expressed excitement over the deal, stating that a partnership such as this one will give Chocolate city’s clients the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds.
“At Chocolate City, we have always been passionate about discovering and developing the best talent across Africa and giving them a platform for global growth… The partnership with Warner Music Group is unique in the sense that our clients get the best of both worlds — curated and bespoke services by a highly experienced team across Africa and a dedicated global team to further push their music and their brands.” said Audu Maikori, CEO Chocolate City Group CEO
With this partnership, artistes under Chocolate City such as MI Abaga, Femi Kuti and more, will join WMG’s repertoire and receive the support of the company’s distribution and artist services via its independent label services division ADA.
Speaking about the deal, Warner Music group Music executive VP of Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa Alfonso Perez Soto revealed that they consider the musical content coming out of Nigeria very rich and they’re looking forward to being a part of the growth that takes great African talent worldwide through the collaboration. He said;
“The music scene in Nigeria is so rich and diverse that it’s important that we develop bespoke entrepreneurial strategies, …At the same time, we’ll keep in mind the lessons learned from other emerging markets, for instance Latin America where we successfully broke local artists globally. We have great affinity with Chocolate City’s creative and ambitious approach and we’re excited about Warner’s role in bringing to life their vision of taking their music worldwide.”
Chocolate City co-founders Audu Maikori and Paul Okeugo, alongside executive VPs Jude Abaga and Aibee Abidoye, will continue to lead the company which is home to over 10 signed artistes including MI Abaga, Femi Kuti, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Brymo, Dice Ailes, Nosa, ClassiQ, Ruby Gyang, Blaqbonez, C Kay and Street Billionaires.
Warner Music Group is one of the “big three” recording companies and the third largest in the global music industry, after Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment.