Warner Music has announced the launch of an exciting new venture, WM Africa Francophone (WMAFR), which will operate in France and French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa. The venture is a collaboration between WM Africa, Africori, and WM France, and is led by Co-Directors Marc-André Niang and Yoann Chapalain.
The venture brings together the three entities’ A&R, Digital, and Marketing teams so that they can discover and develop artists, and create ground-breaking cross-cultural collaborations. This development also enables Warner Music to expand its operations in Francophone Africa, serving local artist communities there and connecting them to its global network.
Chapalain takes up his Co-Director role at WMAFR while continuing his current role as A&R Manager at Africori, supporting artists such as Kamo Mphela, Kelvin Momo, Makhadzi, and TitoM & Yuppe.
Niang will combine his Co-Director role at WMAFR with his current role as A&R Director, French Speaking African Repertoire at Warner Music France. He has previously played a key role in the management of artist projects such as Himra and Louzio while contributing to the strategic strengthening in this region.
Yoann Chapalain, Co-Director, Warner Music Africa Francophone, says: “I’m excited about the new venture, which will spotlight incredible talent from Francophone Africa. It aims to connect diverse sounds and regions, elevate releases for maximum success, and expand the music’s reach globally. I’m grateful to Alfonso Perez Soto and Yoel Kenan for pushing this initiative forward.”
Marc Andre Niang, Co-Director, Warner Music Africa Francophone, adds: “It’s important for us to be able to create new synergies for the development and structure of the Francophone market in Africa. While the region is steeped in both culture and talent, the ecosystem faces challenges. Our team will connect creatives and help shape the environment to drive cross-cultural success. I want to thank Alain Veille, Alassane Konaté, and Temi Adeniji for giving us this opportunity to take French-speaking African artists to the world stage.”
Simon Robson, President, Recorded Music, Europe, Middle East and Africa, WMG, concludes: “There’s a strong cultural trade route between France and West Africa. WM Africa Francophone will help us support the artists in that space, just as our 91 North venture is successfully doing with talent working the similar trade route between Canada and India.”
Earlier last month, Spotify revealed that more than 100 million people in non-Francophone countries are listening to French language music, with streams of such repertoire up 94% since 2019, highlighting the potential audience for artists from the region.
The launch of WMAFR underlines Warner Music Group’s continued commitment to Francophone Africa. The Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund recently awarded grants to three Ivory Coast-based organizations: The African Children Welfare and Minorities Almsgiving (ACWAMA) Foundation, which helps women and children across Africa; The Boost initiative by Salon des Industries Musicales d’Afrique Francophone (SIMA); and COSCI, which provides access to music education for all and aims to create a classical music school in West Africa. These donations will help the organizations provide specialist education for local communities, empowering the next generation of music professionals.
