Sony/ATV signs Afrika Bambaataa outside North America

Afrika Bambaataa

Hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa has signed a long-term, worldwide publishing deal (excluding North America) with Sony/ATV.

The agreement covers the entire songwriting catalogue and future work of Bambaataa.

Yasmin Lajoie, Sony/ATV catalogue A&R, said: “It’s such an honour to welcome Bam to the Sony/ATV family. We are looking forward to working with him, not only helping preserve his legacy by introducing his songs to a new generation of music lovers, but also setting up collaborations and assisting Bam with exciting new creative projects.”

Guy Moot, Sony/ATV UK managing director and president, European creative, said: “It is great to welcome to Sony/ATV one of the founders of hip hop and a true music legend. His impact on music over the last three decades has been immeasurable and he continues to remain hugely influential.”

Bambaataa added: “I am excited to team up with Sony/ATV Music Publishing and look forward to the future of many more spectacular, creative, mind blowing, positive events to happen from being with a company like this.

“With so many great artists they already represent throughout the world, I will be following the greatness of many Motown groups that Sony/ATV looks after as well as the great Sly And The Family Stone, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Temptations, Diana Ross And The Supremes, Michael Jackson and many more.

“Respect to all the hard workers and staff at Sony/ATV Music Publishing and let’s rejoice and give the world more peace, unity, love and fun in music and dance.”

Bambaataa’s debut as a record producer was in 1980 with Soul Sonic Force’s Zulu Nation Throwdown.

Two years later he became a recording artist after signing to Tommy Boy Records, which released his debut single Jazzy Sensation in 1982.

It was followed the same year by the influential single Planet Rock, credited to Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force.

It reached No.4 on Billboard’s R&B chart and has since been revived a number of times, by Paul Oakenfold who remixed it for the 2001 film Swordfish and by LL Cool J who sampled it on Control Myself. It has also been remixed by Bambaataa himself.

Last year Bambaataa took part in a tour with Mos Def to mark 40 years of hip hop culture.

His work was also celebrated in an exhibition at the British Library and he was the subject of a talk at BFI in London’s Southbank.Music Business Worldwide

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