Temi Adeniji has been appointed to the combined role of Managing Director of Warner Music South Africa and Senior Vice President of Strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Adeniji will take up her new role at Warner in September, reporting to Alfonso Perez-Soto, EVP, Eastern Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa, as well as collaborating with Simon Robson, President, International Recorded Music on a number of international projects.
“The world is waking up to the rich and diverse talent present in myriad thriving music scenes across the continent. As this increasingly interconnected digital world continues to remove barriers to music discovery, there is no doubt that in the years ahead we will continue to see even more global superstars from Africa,” Adeniji said.
Adeniji joined Warner Music in 2016 as Director, International Strategy & Operations, and was promoted to VP in 2019 and SVP last year.
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Originally from Nigeria, Adeniji holds a degree in political science from Princeton University, a law degree from Columbia Law School, and a Masters of Law from University College London in the UK. Prior to joining WMG, she worked for several influential firms specializing in international law.
Adeniji will succeed Tracy Fraser, who was WMG’s previous Managing Director of South Africa. Fraser has led the affiliate since its founding in 2013, developing a roster of local artists. She will stay on for several months to support Adeniji in her transition.
The move comes as Warner Music continues to expand in Africa, building upon Adeniji’s work with Perez-Soto to develop the company’s presence in the region through key deals with regional labels, distributors, and DSPs. This included landmark licensing deals with African digital music services Audiomack and Boomplay, a partnership with Chocolate City, one of the top independent record labels in Nigeria, and an investment in digital distribution, music rights management, and artist development company, Africori.
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“It’s fantastic that Temi has agreed to this challenge. Africa is a key focus for the company in the coming years, and there is no one more qualified and better able to lead our next chapter. We’ve only just scratched the surface when it comes to tapping the potential in Africa.
In the coming years, cities such as Dakar, Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi will be increasingly influential hubs in the global music industry, and we want Warner to be at the forefront of that cultural transition,” added Alfonso Perez-Soto.
“Africa stands on the precipice of a significant growth story, and I’m excited to play an important part in guiding our company’s strategy and operations in this region,” Adeniji added. “I have worked closely with our South African team over the past few years, so the opportunity to help steer the next stage of their journey is an honor and privilege.”
