Gallo Music Publishers & Sony Music Publishing sign partnership agreement
Gallo Music Publishers and Sony Music Publishing South Africa have signed a worldwide agreement.
Gallo is the publishing unit of Gallo Record Company, one of Africa’s largest and oldest independent major labels.
Sony will “create new opportunities for Gallo’s compositions on an international scale,” according to a statement.
Works by Lucky Dube, multi Grammy-award winning group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, mbaqanga supergroup Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens are a part of Gallo Music Publishers’ catalog. .
Gallo published songwriters will now have the opportunity to collaborate with SMP’s roster of songwriters, and have their songs promoted overseas, adds the statement.
SMP will also “provide its administration services to collect, distribute, and expedite royalty payments across the world, in addition to providing sync services, creating placement opportunities for GMP’s songs as well as licensing its music for film, television and commercials.”
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Gallo Music Publishers to the Sony Music Publishing family. With its tremendous roster of writers, the history of Gallo is the history of South African music,” stated Guy Henderson, President, International, Sony Music Publishing.
“Having started my career at Gallo many years ago, I’m thrilled to be reunited with celebrated works from the likes of Lucky Dube, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Stimela, Sipho Mabuse, Caiphus Semenya and so many others. Together, with Sony Music Publishing’s great roster of writers, we look forward to taking the best of African music to the rest of the world.”
Rowlin Naicker, Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing South Africa, added: “Gallo Music Publishers’ catalog is synonymous to South Africa’s musical heritage, and we are proud to have this invaluable catalogue added to our roster.
“There are still many stories to tell – together with our global network, we are confident we will find great opportunities for GMP’s musical gems,.”
Rob Cowling, General Manager of Gallo Music Group said: “We are very excited to announce this partnership which has been a long time in the making.
“We feel our vast catalog and administration of this rich African heritage of songs outside of Africa’s borders is in good hands with Sony Music Publishing. Their extensive network of professionals and systems as well as a UK team, with some African roots and a knowledge of the content, will be a valuable asset in managing GMP’s works and driving revenues for our composers, and their beneficiaries.”
Source: MuseAfrica.com
