France-based digital distribution company IDOL has recently struck artist services deals with two talented musicians: Nigerian singer Yemi Alade and British-Ivorian DJ Afro B.
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — France-based independent digital distribution company IDOL has recently inked global artist services deals with Nigerian singer Yemi Alade and British-Ivorian DJ Afro B.
Yemi Alade, in collaboration with her Effyzzie Music Group, has joined forces with IDOL for her upcoming seventh studio album, set to be released later this year. Similarly, Afro B has secured a deal with IDOL that will lead to the release of several singles this year, building up to his fourth album scheduled for 2024.
Notably, this upcoming album will feature exciting collaborations with renowned artists such as Stefflon Don, Will.i.am, Pitbull, and more.
Under these partnerships, IDOL will oversee worldwide digital distribution for all upcoming releases, working closely with the artists’ teams to strategize, handle global marketing, coordinate international efforts, develop audiences, and effectively manage channels.
Facilitating these deals is IDOL’s head of label development and A&R for Africa, Thibaut Mullings, based in Johannesburg. With half a decade of experience laying the groundwork in Southern Africa and exploring the diverse sub-Saharan markets, Mullings has played a pivotal role in IDOL’s success.
His expertise has also contributed to the development of the Ghanaian hip hop collective SuperJazzClub, which recently captivated London’s Soho House with a performance to remember. The group has plans to release a new EP by the end of 2023.
IDOL takes pride in its commitment to promoting diverse genres originating from sub-Saharan Africa, a region that experienced remarkable music market growth of 34.7% in 2022, as reported by IFPI, solidifying it as the fastest-growing area in recorded music revenues.
Furthermore, IDOL has named Christophe Mauberqué as head of international A&R to drive business development in territories outside of Europe.
Mauberqué brings 15 years of experience in A&R, distribution, and label services, having previously served as a senior label manager at !K7 Music and as A&R and label manager for the French independent distributor La Baleine (now known as Bigwax).
“I’ve followed IDOL’s international expansion with great interest in recent years and I’m beyond excited to join the company at such a key moment of its development. By sharing the same ethos of quality over quantity, as well as championing 100% self-funded independence, the team and I will work closely to continue broadening IDOL’s global presence.”
Both Yemi Alade and Afro B’s addition to IDOL’s diverse, international roster aligns with the company’s strong ties to the sub-Saharan region and their mission to expand their global presence.
Pascal Bittard, IDOL’s president, expresses excitement about the future collaboration with these talented artists and their teams, as well as the growth opportunities ahead, in partnership with Christophe Mauberqué.
“We are delighted to welcome Afro B and Yemi Alade into our diverse, international roster. IDOL has close ties to the sub-Saharan region, and we’re glad to be furthering our global reach with the addition of two highly talented artists. I look forward to working closely with the artists and their teams over the coming months, as well as with Christophe as we continue on this exciting period of growth.”
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