Sony Music Publishing has expanded its African operations with the establishment of a new office in Lagos, Nigeria.
Music Business Executive, Godwin Tom will head Sony Music Publishing’s Nigeria division Managing Director. In his role, Tom is expected to expand the company’s global reach and support the region’s growing roster of songwriters and composers. He will report to Guy Henderson, president of SMP, international.
With over two decades of experience, Tom has a deep understanding of the African music industry and has fostered relationships with top stakeholders in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, according to SMP.
Most recently, Godwin was CEO of talent management company iManage Africa, where he worked alongside top talent including Wizkid, Davido, Waje, MI, Wande Coal, Ice Prince, Bez, Show Dem Camp, Beverly Naya, Yung6ix, Jessy Jagz, Rooftop MCs, Solid Star, Ayo Jay, Ikon, and many others.
Over the last few years, Godwin has also supported the development of future industry leaders through the Music Business Academy for Africa, an e-learning platform dedicated to training the next generation of music and entertainment professionals.
“I am honoured and humbled by the opportunity to work for the number one music publisher in the world,” Tom said. “Africa has so much talent, culture and uniqueness to share with the rest of the world and I am excited to be a part of the incredible global network of teams that will help build a home for Africa’s best songwriters.”
“It is a real pleasure to be able to announce the appointment of Godwin Tom as the managing director of our start-up company in Nigeria,” Henderson said. “As Sony Music Publishing enters West Africa, Godwin’s wealth of experience and knowledge of the market, as well as his background in music industry education make him the perfect leader for our business.
“Together with our talented team in South Africa, Sony Music Publishing looks forward to an ongoing acceleration in its global African footprint.”
