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 around the world.
Founded in 1988 by José Da Silva, Lusafrica introduced Cesária Évora to the world. The singer secured numerous awards for her music including a Grammy, four Kora Awards, and two Victoires de la Musique.
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 international artists.
In 2000, the publishing house Africa Nostra was established, developing a catalogue that overlaps with nearly three-quarters of Lusafrica’s collection.
The catalogue is made up of more than 4,000 titles including the entire discography of Cesária Évora, featuring international hits such as Petit Pays, Sodade and Bésame Mucho. It also includes all albums of Polo Montañez including Un Montón de Estrellas and Guitarra Mía.
“Lusafrica and Africa Nostra hold a central position in the spread of Lusophone and African music worldwide,” said a statement.
“Lusafrica and Africa Nostra’s catalogue resonate far beyond the borders of its artists, with particularly strong listening audiences in the United States, France and Latin America and has been steadily growing for years. Their acquisition by Sony Music France and Sony Music Publishing France opens new opportunities to expand their reach and resonance with fans in new markets.”
“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 catalogue. We will continue to honor José Da Silva’s vision and support the artists in reaching new heights.”
Our expertise in developing international audiences will allow listeners worldwide to discover or rediscover this essential world music catalogue
Marie-Anne Robert
“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,” said José Da Silva, founder of Lusafrica. “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 catalogue and our musical identity thanks to over 20 years of collaboration.
“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. Today’s handover marks the end of a cycle, but also the continuity of a musical heritage that is close to my heart.”
“We are extremely enthusiastic about working with Africa Nostra’s repertoire,” said Antoine Dathanat, managing director of Sony Music Publishing France. “Its editorial catalogue 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.”
PHOTO: (L-R) Elodie Da Silva, CEO Lusafrica & Africa Nostra, Matthieu Damade, Catalogue Manager Sony Music France, José Da Silva, founder Lusafrica & Africa Nostra, Marie-Anne Robert, Managing Director Sony Music France, Georges Ouaggini, Finance Director Sony Music France, Antoine Dathanat, Managing Director Sony Music Publishing France (credit: Jules Despretz)
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