Virgin Music Group has appointed Nick Ghelakis and Nicole Thomas as Co-Country Managers of Virgin Music Group, South Africa.
The executives will lead the organization’s expansion in the region following the passing of Chris Ghelakis, described as one of the most successful independent music executives in South Africa and former Managing Director of VMG South Africa.
Ghelakis’ distribution company, Electromode, was acquired by Ingrooves in 2021 and began rebranding as Virgin Music Group in late 2023.
Virgin Music Group South Africa is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.
South Africa is the largest market in the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region, which was the fastest-growing music region in 2023, according to IFPI. (It was also the fastest-growing music region in 2022.)
Recorded music revenues in Sub-Saharan Africa grew by 24.7% in 2023 driven by a 24.5% rise in paid streaming revenues.
South Africa contributed 77% of the regions revenues last year after growth of 19.9%.
Like his father before him, Nick Ghelakis began his career as an artist, winning a South African Music Award (SAMA) when he was 19.
After studying Accounting at the University of South Africa, he began working as a studio engineer and also spent time in London working for professional services firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
In 2010 he began a lengthy tenure as a digital marketer at his father’s comapny Electromode in Johannesburg.
Nicole Thomas most recently served as General Manager of Electromode, a position she has held since 2017, transitioning to Ingrooves Africa in 2021 and then Virgin Music Group last year.
Prior to Electromode, Thomas worked in studio management at Johannesburg’s SCR Studios, overseeing client relations, marketing and promotions, business development and operations.
In an earlier stint at Electromode, Thomas served as executive assistant to Electromode founder Chris Ghelakis. She began her career in finance for Primedia Music in 2001.
“I am so proud to be continuing my father’s legacy here in South Africa.”
Nick Ghelakis
“I am so proud to be continuing my father’s legacy here in South Africa,” said Ghelakis.
“Working with Nicole and the incredible global team at Virgin Music Group will empower us to nurture and help so many African artists attain their dreams on the international stage.”
“I’m looking forward to working with JT, Nat Pastor, Michael Roe and the rest of the Virgin Music Group team to create the very best opportunities both for our local artist community as well as the amazing repertoire we work with around the world.”
Nicole Thomas
Nicole Thomas added: “Working alongside Nick Ghelakis to carry on the legacy of his father Chris Ghelakis and his great company Electromode, which is now further empowered by Virgin Music Group, one of the most respected music business brands in the world, is really a dream come true.
“I’m looking forward to working with JT, Nat Pastor, Michael Roe and the rest of the Virgin Music Group team to create the very best opportunities both for our local artist community as well as the amazing repertoire we work with around the world.”
“Nick and Nicole have deep ties to the creative community along with the ambition and vision to create opportunities for local artists around the world.”
Michael Roe, Virgin Music Group
Michael Roe, Managing Director of Virgin Music Group Africa, Middle East, and Asia (AMEA), said: “South Africa is without a doubt one of the most exciting music markets in the world.
“Nick and Nicole have deep ties to the creative community along with the ambition and vision to create opportunities for local artists around the world. Our South African business is in good hands under their leadership.”
“Their leadership ensures continuity as we continue to grow this hugely important music market both within the country and around the world.”
JT Myers, Virgin Music Group
JT Myers, Co-CEO of Virgin Music Group, said: “Nicole and Nick both bring with them decades of experience in the South African music market, characterized by a fierce devotion to local artists and a real vision to spread the country’s incredible music far beyond its own borders.
“Their leadership ensures continuity as we continue to grow this hugely important music market both within the country and around the world.”
Virgin Music Group says that its division in South Africa has had ‘”incredible success” over the past 12 months. The company collaborated with partners Dlala Records, releasing the hit song last year, iPlan by Dlala Thukzin featuring Sykes & Zaba, which reached No.1 on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube in South Africa for ten consecutive weeks driving more than 50 Million streams globally.
Another successful release highlighted by Virgin Music Group in the territory was Mina Nawa by Soa Mattrix featuring Happy Jazzman & Emotionz DJ, remixed by French DJ Francie Mercier for the European market. It was also remixed by UK DJs Black House.
Elsewhere, Chef 187 achieved over 100 million plays on Boomplay.
Music Business Worldwide