Sony Music France and Sony Music Publishing France have acquired Lusafrica and Africa Nostra, a long-established label and publishing house dedicated to promoting Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) and African artists worldwide.

Founded by José da Silva in 1988 and now led by his daughter Elodie Da Silva (CEO Lusafrica & Africa Nostra), Paris-headquartered Lusafrica introduced Cape Verdean superstar Cesária Évora to the world.

Nicknamed the “barefoot diva,” Cesária Évora gained fame later in life, securing numerous awards for her music, including a Grammy, four Kora Awards, and two Victoires de la Musique. Cesária Évora’s discography is certified gold in France.

Publishing house Africa Nostra was established by Lusafrica in 2000. According to the press release issued by Sony Music on Wednesday (July 2), the Africa Nostra catalog overlaps with nearly three-quarters of Lusafrica’s recorded music collection.

According to Sony Music, with a catalog made up of over 4,000 titles, Lusafrica and Africa Nostra “hold a central position in the spread of Lusophone and African music worldwide”.

Commenting on the deal, José Da Silva noted that “since it was founded in 1988, Lusafrica has played a key role in spreading African, Latin and Portuguese music around the world, not least through the incredible career of Cesária Évora”.

He added: “Today’s handover marks the end of a cycle, but also the continuity of a musical heritage that is close to my heart.”

The confirmation of the acquisition arrives two and a half weeks after Rob Stringer, the Chairman of Sony Music Group and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, updated investors on the music company’s performance and strategy.

Stringer revealed during the presentation that Sony has “completed more than 60 investments in the past year alone” and spent “over $2.5 billion for frontline, catalog, as well as creative and service ventures with outside entrepreneurs across a vast number of territories”.

He also highlighted Sony Music’s expansion in high-growth markets across Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

According to Sony Music, the Lusafrica and Africa Nostra catalog “resonate[s] far beyond the borders of its artists”, with “particularly strong” audiences in the United States, France, and Latin America.

Music featured in the catalog includes the entire discography of Cesária Évora, with hits such as Petit Pays, Sodade, Bésame Mucho; and all albums of Polo Montañez including Un Montón de Estrellas, and Guitarra Mía.

The press release noted that Sony Music’s acquisition of Lusafrica and Africa Nostra “opens new opportunities to expand their reach and resonance with fans in new markets”.

“We are committed to preserving and developing the legacy built by Lusafrica, by establishing bridges between markets and generations, for the benefit of artists and fans.”

Marie-Anne Robert, Sony Music France

“We are thrilled to welcome Lusafrica into our Sony Music family,” said Marie-Anne Robert, Managing Director of Sony Music France.

“We are committed to preserving and developing the legacy built by Lusafrica, by establishing bridges between markets and generations, for the benefit of artists and fans.

“Our expertise in developing international audiences will allow listeners worldwide to discover or rediscover this essential world music catalog. We will continue to honor José Da Silva’s vision and support the artists in reaching new heights.”

“Almost 40 years after the creation of Lusafrica, I decided to hand over our label to Sony Music France, a long-standing partner with whom we share a strong history.”

José Da Silva, Lusafrica

José Da Silva, founder of Lusafrica, said: “Almost 40 years after the creation of Lusafrica, I decided to hand over our label to Sony Music France, a long-standing partner with whom we share a strong history.

“It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was an obvious one. Over time, I felt that I no longer had the energy to support Lusafrica as I would have liked. However, I’m convinced that it was the best decision: Sony Music France and Sony Music Publishing have the resources and know-how to continue this adventure, and above all, they know our catalog and our musical identity thanks to over 20 years of collaboration.”

“These works hold tremendous potential for covers and reinterpretations, especially among the younger generation.”

Antoine Dathanat, Sony Music Publishing France

Antoine Dathanat, Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing France, said: “We are extremely enthusiastic about working with Africa Nostra’s repertoire. Its editorial catalog is rich and diverse, featuring iconic titles with an international footprint.

“These works hold tremendous potential for covers and reinterpretations, especially among the younger generation. By integrating Africa Nostra, we enhance our ability to bring these musical treasures to an international audience eager to discover or rediscover timeless classics.”

After producing Cesária Évora and other Cape Verdean Lusophone artists such as Lura, Lusafrica diversified by signing African artists including Bonga and Boubacar Traoré, and Latin American artists such as Polo Montañez.

Montañez gained international recognition with his hit Un Montón de Estrellas, which earned him a nomination for a Latin Grammy award in 2003.

The track enjoyed widespread radio airplay in Cuba and was later covered by numerous international artists, including Pedro Alonso, the actor from the series Casa de Papel.Music Business Worldwide