Gamma, the billion-dollar-backed company launched by Larry Jackson in March is expanding “its commitment to Africa and the Middle East” with the addition of two senior music industry executives.
According to MBW The appointments include 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.
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.
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.
