Gresham Rights Management expands into five new markets in West Africa

Andrew Mitchley, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Gresham Rights Management, and Chinedu Chukwuji, CEO, PurpleBlue Entertainment Solutions

Johannesburg-based music licensing company Gresham Rights Management (GRM) and Nigeria-based entertainment agency PurpleBlue Entertainment (PBE) have teamed up to launch Gresham Rights Management West Africa.

GRM was launched in 2019 to service music copyright owners and creators with direct licensing methods for broadcast, public performance, mechanical  reproductions and neighboring rights.

GRM is the newest music company in the Gresham Music Group portfolio.

Established in 1972 by David Gresham, Gresham Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in Africa.

Gresham Music joined forces with SESAC, The Harry Fox Agency, SUISA Digital Licensing and Mint Digital Servicesto launch a new music rights service in Africa last year.

GRM serves as the exclusive representative for both SESAC and The Harry Fox Agency in sub-Saharan Africa with a joint licensing operation with SUISA Digital Licensing, which includes data administration by Mint Digital Services.

According to GRM, its principal rightsholders will now have “extra music muscle on the ground” in markets including Niger, Benin, Nigeria, Ghana and Togo, through the new collaboration with PBE.

PBE was founded by former COSON CEO Dr. Chinedu Chukwuji and is based in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm will oversee rights matters for GRM in West Africa. 

PurpleBlue Entertainment will also tap into the Gresham Music Group’s global infrastructure for sound recordings and musical works.

“There are tremendous growth opportunities on the African continent  and having the market intel and expertise of PBE is invaluable.”

Andrew Mitchley, Gresham Rights Management

Andrew Mitchley, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Gresham Rights Management, said: “We are thrilled to finally work with Dr. Chukwuji and  PurpleBlue Entertainment in West Africa.

“There are tremendous growth opportunities on the African continent  and having the market intel and expertise of PBE is invaluable. It is our mission to ensure that creators associated  with our companies realize the greatest value for their works around the world.“ 

“It is all about our creators and rightholders receiving the best reward for the exploitation of their works  here in Africa and across the world.” 

Chinedu Chukwuji, PurpleBlue Entertainment Solutions

Chinedu Chukwuji, CEO, PurpleBlue Entertainment Solutions, added: “We are also excited to be working with Gresham Rights Management, a world class music licensing company and the incredible team led by Mr. Andrew Mitchley.

“We are equally excited about the huge possibilities and  opportunities that are before us for the benefits of our rightholders. The mission is the same, the goal is the same.

“It is all about our creators and rightholders receiving the best reward for the exploitation of their works here in Africa and across the world.” Music Business Worldwide