TuneCore, a Believe distribution service, has launched operations in Africa. In December, the company confirmed that it had surpassed the $2 billion total milestones of paying independent artists since its founding 15 years ago.
TuneCore, a Believe distribution service, has launched operations in Africa. TuneCore is a digital distribution, publishing and licensing service founded in Brooklyn, New York in 2005.
Johannesburg-based Jade Leaf has been appointed Southern Africa’s TuneCore chief and will share responsibility for key countries in East Africa with Lagos – based Chioma Onuchukwu, who has been appointed TuneCore chief for West Africa.
Both Leaf and Onuchukwu will work under Fariyal Khan-Thompson, vice-president of the International TuneCore.
TuneCore says there will be an increase in music releases worldwide in 2020 among African artists using the service, such as Kofi Mol from Ghana and a small doctor in Nigeria, Spoegwolf from South Africa, Mpho Sebina from Botswana and Fena Gittu from Kenya.
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In December, the company confirmed that it had surpassed the $2 billion total milestones of paying independent artists since its founding 15 years ago.
TuneCore expanded to India, Russia and Brazil last year, this year to LATAM, Southeast Asia and now Africa.
Based in Nigeria, Onuchukwu will oversee countries in West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. She will also look after Tanzania and Ethiopia in East Africa.
The territory of the Jade Leaf includes Southern Africa, in countries like South Africa, where she resides, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Lesotho. She will also manage TuneCore operations in the East African countries of Kenya and Uganda.
Prior to joining TuneCore, Onuchukwu was the Marketing Manager at uduX, a Nigerian-based music streaming site. There, she worked directly with famous African artists such as Davido, Yemi Alade, Patoranking, Kizz Daniel and many more.
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Previously, Leaf worked as a marketing manager for youth and music channels at Multichoice, Africa’s largest pay-TV operator, where she headed the brand re-imaging and marketing efforts for music TV company Channel O.
Prior to that, she worked at Sony Music Entertainment Africa, focusing on African artists and content, as well as numerous marketing campaigns and projects for local and international artists.
Onuchukwu said: “I am delighted to join a prestigious, independent music distribution authority, especially in an era of incredible musicianship in Africa, where we are gaining global recognition.”
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“I look forward to collaborating and supporting local artists.”
Leaf added: “I am incredibly happy to join the team at a time when global freedom of speech and entitlement is at stake.”
“TuneCore opens up a potential world for independent artists at every level of their artistry.”
“Africa is home to a wide variety of artists who seek reliable delivery service, who can understand local needs and ultimately provide the opportunity to turn their art into a business success.”
Khan-Thompson said: “Africa is a very exciting music market with a lot of growth potential.
“By hiring Jade and Chioma to lead our efforts, TuneCore is well-positioned to increase opportunities for independent artists across the continent.”
“Both Chioma and Jade have a wealth of experience and a genuine interest in helping artists’ dreams come true. I can not be happier to have two incredible women representing the TuneCore brand on the continent.”
