Back in March, Larry Jackson, the US-based A&R impresario, and a former Global Creative Director at billion-dollar-backed company counts a high-profile list of financial supporters including Todd Boehly’s Eldridge Industries, as well as his former employer – Apple – plus A24.
Gamma’s first acquisition was named as Roy LaManna-founded distribution and services company Vydia, which has previously worked with artists including Akon, Kanye West, Mr Eazi, and Anuel AA.
We also learned that, amongst a slate of initial deals struck by gamma, was a partnership with Snoop Dogg, which saw the Death Row Records catalog returned to all streaming services worldwide following a week-long exclusive on TikTok.
Today (May 3), MBW can reveal gamma’s next move, and it’s a big one: the company is expanding its operations into two key emerging markets – Africa and the Middle East.
Leading gamma’s expansion is music industry veteran
“Africa and the Middle East are vital to gamma’s long-term vision and success”. Larry Jackson According to Larry Jackson, “Africa and the Middle East are vital to gamma’s long-term vision and success”. He added: “These regions have historically been underappreciated wellsprings of rich musical talent spanning multiple genres, cultures, and styles just waiting to be introduced to the rest of the world. “gamma is an unconventional company and we pride ourselves in taking an unconventional approach to unlocking value for all artists, worldwide.” According to gamma, in her role as Special Advisor, Campbell will “create the pathways needed to make immediate headway across the continent”. Campbell is the founder of the non-profit organization Fashion For Relief, which helps develop alternative industries such as fashion, tech, business, entertainment, and arts in emerging markets from Africa to India to the Middle East. She also launched The Emerge Initiative, supporting artists across Africa and the Diaspora with a platform of support via mentoring and training opportunities, as well as different creative industries and educational institutes. Meanwhile, Dlamini, who brings more than 24 years of experience in the music business across the African continent, is described by gamma as “one of the founding fathers of Africa’s modern music industry”. He is the former CEO of [embedded content] Said gamma Co-founder & CEO Larry Jackson: “Naomi sits at the distinct intersection of fashion, philanthropy, music and more.” He added: “Her existing relationships with world leaders coupled with her intimate knowledge of entertainment’s cultural and economic impact is a win-win opportunity for both gamma and the region at large.” Continued Jackson: “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have leading our artist empowerment effort in Africa and the Middle East than Sipho. “He is the No.1 market leader in the No.1 rising market in the world. His proven track record blending street-level connection to culture with board-level business savvy is exactly what both gamma and the region at large needs to realize our full potential.” “Elevating the cultural and artistic richness of artists in Africa and the Middle East has been a passion of mine over my entire career.” Naomi Campbell Naomi Campbell said: “Elevating the cultural and artistic richness of artists in Africa and the Middle East has been a passion of mine over my entire career. “gamma is a special company with a unique mission that I’m proud to support and help advance throughout the region.” “gamma is precisely the right vision at the right time for Africa and the Middle East.” Sipho Dlamini Dlamini added: “gamma is precisely the right vision at the right time for Africa and the Middle East. It’s important to understand and differentiate between the many markets that make up this region, which Larry and the team at gamma understand intimately. “I’ve dedicated my life to making talent more available and accessible in all formats, from TV to live events, to digital platforms. Working with gamma to blend these formats into a true artist-first experience is a dream opportunity that I’m looking forward to making a reality.” “African tastemakers are acquiring more influence worldwide while maintaining the authenticity of the culture and that feel-good energy afro-beat embodies.” June Saba, Vydia Vydia Label and Artist Relations Manager, June Saba said: “It has been exciting to see influential leaders and high-growth labels in Africa, such as Mr. Eazi’s emPawa Africa and Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, expand their business opportunities independently with the right capital investments and infrastructure support provided by Vydia. “African tastemakers are acquiring more influence worldwide while maintaining the authenticity of the culture and that feel-good energy afro-beat embodies.” “Sipho has always been a great asset and supporter of our independent operations providing insight on navigating the maze that is taking African Music to the world.” Mr. Eazi Mr. Eazi, artist and founder of emPawa Africa, said: “Sipho has always been a great asset and supporter of our independent operations providing insight on navigating the maze that is taking African Music to the world. “I am most excited as I think that in this role he can bring all the experience and I trust that he will have the necessary freedom to make those non-conventional but much needed deals to bring value not just to Vydia but all the independent artists and labels he will work with.”Music Business Worldwide
