Warner Music Group (WMG) has entered into an exciting new partnership with Small World Records, a renowned label and publisher founded by Ghanaian music entrepreneur and artist SmallGod. As reported on Xttrawave, Warner Music Group holds its esteemed position as one of the “Big Three” major record labels alongside Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment due to its extensive and influential presence in the global music industry.
Under this groundbreaking agreement, Small World Records will collaborate on a global scale with teams from Warner Music, ADA, and Warner Chappell Music. The primary objective of this collaboration is to elevate Small World Records’ roster of artists and writers to a global audience, a goal firmly embraced by both parties.
Beyond the global outreach, WMG and Small World Records are committed to discovering, nurturing, and amplifying a new generation of African musical talent. SmallGod will maintain his pivotal role in leading Small World’s operations, now with added support from the powerhouse that is WMG.
Max Lousada, the CEO of Recorded Music at Warner Music Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “At Warner Music, we want to be at the forefront of culture and partner with the industry’s brightest and most innovative minds. SmallGod is a brilliant tastemaker, marketeer, and visionary, and working with him will allow us to champion the incredible African talent he discovers. We will work with his artists to give them the support and services they need to break onto the world stage.”
The inaugural release under this collaboration will be “Fallen Angel” by SmallGod and Black Sherif, a highly anticipated project that embodies the spirit of this partnership.
SmallGod’s journey in the music industry began with the Ghanaian nightclub Basement in 2003. Through this establishment, he forged connections with artists and ventured into artist management, ultimately signing talents like Black Prophet, J-Town, Wavy The Creator, and Eugy Official. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own independent record label and publishing company, Nasecworld, before the birth of Small World Records.
Notably, SmallGod is not confined to the music realm alone. He is a fashion enthusiast and has collaborated with local and diaspora fashion brands, further showcasing his versatility. Recently, he unveiled SmallWorld Studios, his first studio facility in Accra, Ghana, setting the stage for more creative endeavors.
SmallGod himself shared his vision for Small World Records, stating, “Our mission at Small World Records is to amplify the voices of Africa and its diaspora. This resounding partnership with Warner Music Group will help deliver this mission by empowering emerging African artists, breaking boundaries, and resonating across continents.”
Shani Gonzales, Managing Director of Warner Chappell Music UK, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Over the last few years, Warner Chappell Music UK has become a real hub for amazing African music and artists. This new deal with Small World will give us even more access to the phenomenal talent coming through. Working alongside SmallGod, we can put these up-and-coming writers and artists in rooms with some of the world’s biggest stars.”
Trenton Harrison-Lewis, SVP Artist and Label Development at ADA and Warner Music UK, emphasized the potential of this partnership in connecting Small World Records’ artists with a global audience and expanding their international presence.
SmallGod’s impressive collaboration albums, “Building Bridges” (2021) and “Connecting The Dots” (2022), showcased his unique ability to blend traditional African music with a contemporary sound, connecting African music with the worldwide diaspora. These projects featured collaborations with a diverse array of artists, further solidifying Small World Records’ position on the global music stage.
