IDOL announces deals with Yemi Alade and Afro B

completemusicupdate.com:

Music distributor IDOL has announced two new artist services deals.The first is with Nigerian afropop artist Yemi Alade and the label she runs, Effyzzie Music.

IDOL will work with Alade on the release of her upcoming seventh studio album. And the second is with London-based afrowave artist and Capital Xtra DJ Afro B.

IDOL will work with him on a number of single releases ahead of a new album next year.Thibaut Mullings, the firm’s Head Of Label Development And A&R for Africa, says that the company has now spent half a decade “laying the groundwork” to support artists and genres from Sub-Saharan Africa.

That has involved “strengthening our position across the territory and exploring the diversity of the Sub-Saharan markets through conferences, festivals, studio sessions, business discussions and new partnerships”.“We are now reaching a stage”, he adds, “where IDOL’s selectivity, local appeal and international reach are producing results for our partners as well as attracting African artists with global ambition”.The new deals also come as IDOL appoints Christophe Mauberqué to the role of Head Of International A&R, with the task of continuing to drive IDOL’s “business development in territories outside of Europe”.Says IDOL President Pascal Bittard: “We are delighted to welcome Afro B and Yemi Alade into our diverse, international roster.