Gamma, the billion-dollar-backed company launched by Larry Jackson in March, says that it has expanded “its commitment to Africa and the Middle East” with the addition of two senior music industry executives.
The appointments include legendary Nigerian songwriter and recording artist Larry Gaaga joining as Vice President/General Manager of Africa, and respected Arab artist and DJ, Dany Neville taking the role of Vice President, A&R, Middle East.
Gaaga will be based in Lagos and Neville in Dubai.
Today’s news comes three months after MBW revealed that Jackson’s company is expanding its operations into Africa and the Middle East.
Leading gamma’s expansion is music industry veteran Sipho Dlamini, who joined the company as President, Africa & Middle East.
The company’s expansion into Africa is also being driven by international supermodel and UN Commonwealth Ambassador, Naomi Campbell. In an expansion of her role as a key advisor to gamma, Campbell is now named as the firm’s Special Advisor, Africa & Middle East.
Jackson, the US-based A&R impresario and a former Global Creative Director at Apple, counts a high-profile list of financial supporters at gamma, including Todd Boehly’s Eldridge Industries, as well as his former employer – Apple – plus A24.
Most recently, Gaaga was Vice President of Def Jam Africa, where he led the label’s A&R division. In his new role, Gaaga will oversee gamma’s operations across the entire African continent.
According to gamma, Gaaga’s primary focus will be on “providing strategic direction for long-term success, driving revenue growth, and expanding market reach across Africa”.
Gamma says that he will “spearhead initiatives to develop local talent, ensuring their success both domestically and on the global stage through collaborations and partnerships with the wider group”.
Naomi Campbell, a prominent figure in the global entertainment community and Special Advisor to gamma, played a crucial role in fostering the partnership between Gaaga and the company.
“Larry’s appointment exemplifies the spirit of artistic empowerment. I am thrilled to have played a part in bringing his visionary talents to this artist-first platform.”
Naomi Campbell
“Artistic brilliance knows no bounds,” said Campbell. “Larry’s appointment exemplifies the spirit of artistic empowerment. I am thrilled to have played a part in bringing his visionary talents to this artist-first platform.”
“I am honored and excited to take on the role of Vice President/General Manager of Africa,” said Gaaga. “This presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of the entertainment industry across the continent, promoting local talent and showcasing the incredible creativity and diversity of our artists to the world.”
“I am honored and excited to take on the role of Vice President/General Manager of Africa.”
Larry Gaaga
Meanwhile, artist and DJ, Dany Neville has joined gamma as Vice President of A&R, Middle East.
From launching the region’s first urban radio show in 2000 to collaborating with artists like Snoop Dogg, T Pain, Kymani Marley, Kid Ink and DJ Snake among others, gamma says that “his journey has been replete with groundbreaking milestones”.
Neville’s achievements include performing at the MTV Music Awards, winning awards such as Time Out’s Best UAE DJ, and becoming the first UAE-born DJ to play at Tomorrowland.
“This is a unique opportunity to showcase the talent and culture of the Middle East to the world.”
Dany Neville
“This is a unique opportunity to showcase the talent and culture of the Middle East to the world,” said Neville.
“gamma. is a unique company with the right tools and people needed to elevate this region to even greater heights in the world of music and entertainment.”
“Both Larry and Dany have the historical background and cultural fluency critical to establishing the relationships and resources necessary for us to succeed.”
Sipho Dlamini, gamma
Sipho Dlamini, President, Africa & Middle East, gamma, said: “gamma’s mission is to both nurture talent local to Africa and the Middle East into global superstars, as well as to open the continent for Western artists to reach new fans and opportunities.
“Both Larry and Dany have the historical background and cultural fluency critical to establishing the relationships and resources necessary for us to succeed.”
“Larry and Dany’s extensive experience, deep understanding of the local music landscapes, and relentless passion for nurturing talent are welcome additions to the gamma family.”
Larry Jackson
Larry Jackson, gamma Co-founder & CEO, said: “Larry and Dany’s extensive experience, deep understanding of the local music landscapes, and relentless passion for nurturing talent are welcome additions to the gamma. family.
“Together, they will strengthen our market presence and drive significant growth across Africa and the Middle East.
In March, gamma’s first acquisition was named as Roy LaManna-founded distribution and services company Vydia, which has previously worked with artists including Akon, Kanye West, Mr Eazi, and Anuel AA.
We also learned that, amongst a slate of initial deals struck by gamma, was a partnership with Snoop Dogg, which saw the Death Row Records catalog returned to all streaming services worldwide following a week-long exclusive on TikTok.Music Business Worldwide