Warner Music Gallo Africa has struck a strategic partnership with iO global which promises to pump the major’s music across African mobile networks.
Through the agreement, unveiled today, iO global, a global provider of integrated digital retail solutions, will distribute WMGA’s audio content through its network of third-party wireless operators and mobile service providers in Africa.
The partnership will encompass digitized music in an array of mobile formats, including full tracks, album bundles and ringtones.
The pact will roll initially focus on sub-Saharan African, rolling out first in South Africa and Nigeria from March.
“Wireless technology offers us the chance to extend the reach of new music experiences in emerging African markets,” comments WMGA CEO Ivor Haarburger in a statement. “iO global’s impressive client base along with their commitment to promoting legitimate, pan-regional mobile music services make them an important partner for us on this continent.”
Haarburger played a central role in the creation of the WMGA joint venture in May 2006, which brought together Warner Music International with South African publishing and entertainment company Johncom and its subsidiary Gallo Music, a leading independent label whose 80-year-old archive includes works by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lucky Dube, Pro-Kid.
