Sony, CSA embark on joint venture

Davin Phillips, executive director of the CSA

The collaboration plays off the strengths of both companies in developing a 360 solution for artist support and brand integration, further affording artists greater influence in the creative economy.

“We’re excited about the partnership. There has never been a service dedicated to commercialising opportunities for artists in the African music industry outside of traditional channels, and this venture does just that. CSA has a great track record working with some of the world’s biggest brands and entertainers, while Sony Music Entertainment Africa is at the forefront of the music culture on the continent, from developing new voices into household names and as well as taking established artists to the next level in their careers,” comments SMEA MD Sean Watson.

Artists on the SMEA roster include Kwesta, Mlindo, AKA, Shekhinah, Distruction Boyz, DJ Maphorisa, Ndlovu Youth Choir, amongst many others, and the CSA’s talent division works with the likes of NBA basketball player, Emmanuel Mudiay, Djimon Hounsou and Bonang Matheba.

The CSA has offices in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Los Angeles and Lagos and its brand consulting division has successfully launched Cîroc Vodka across Africa, and worked with brands such as Budweiser and Vodacom.

“The joint venture has been years in the making and historically we have had a great relationship with Sony, who represent some of the continent’s biggest artists,” says CSA executive director Davin Phillips. “We’re thrilled about the partnership which intends reworking the entertainment marketplace for Africa, connecting artists across the continent and unlocking the ambitions of the creative industry. We look forward to working with Sony to ring-fence further brand opportunities, with artist interests at the forefront.”