Warner Music Africa (WMA) is making a big move in Nigeria. In a strategic visit to Abuja, their A-team, including Alfonso Perez-Soto (Warner Music’s Emerging Markets President) and Temi Adeniji (WMA’s Managing Director), met with key government figures. This high-level huddle is a clear sign of WMA’s commitment to empowering Nigeria’s booming creative sector, further solidified by their plans to open a Lagos office.
The meetings included heavyweights like Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa and Special Advisor to the President Adeagbo Ayomide. These discussions highlight WMA’s long-term vision for Nigeria, which began in 2017. They’ve already shown their dedication through investments in Chocolate City, Africori, and Ziiki Media.
Philanthropy is another pillar of WMA’s Nigerian strategy. Their Warner Music Group / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund has pumped over $400,000 into the scene through initiatives like funding The Sarz Academy (a music production incubator) and West African vocational programs.
Temi Adeniji and Alfonso Perez-Soto deserve a shoutout for their leadership. They’ve been at the forefront of pushing Warner Music’s global Afrobeats agenda, with acts like CKay (whose monster hit “Love Nwantiti” just went 8x platinum in the US!) thriving under their watch.
The latest addition to the WMA fam is 26-year-old singer-songwriter Joeboy, a two-billion-stream powerhouse. Interestingly, Joeboy’s new label Young Legend will partner with WMA for global distribution, showcasing their commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
The real kicker? Warner Music Africa is setting up a creative hub in Lagos. This hub will be a game-changer, providing A&R, marketing, and operational expertise directly to Nigerian artists and labels.
As WMA strengthens its Nigerian foothold, their mission to amplify African voices on the global stage remains constant. This commitment to innovation and inclusivity positions them as a key player in Africa’s ever-evolving music industry.
