Sony Music Publishing UK has made changes in its A&R department with the introduction of a new hire and the promotion of two team members.
ZaZa Kazadi has assumed the role of Senior A&R Manager, while Adrienne Bookbinder has been promoted to Senior A&R Manager, UK & Europe, and Nasra Artan is now Senior European A&R Manager, according to a press release on Wednesday (January 31).
Kazadi and Bookbinder, based in London, will report to David Ventura, President & Co-Managing Director, UK and SVP International, Sony Music Publishing, while Artan will report to both Ventura and Managing Director, Scandinavia and SVP International Johnny Tennander.
Kazadi previously managed artists and producers including ZieZie and Sonzi at Never Dies Management. His past experience also includes two years as A&R Manager at BMG Music Publishing, where he collaborated with K-Trap, TSB, and others.
Since joining Sony Music Publishing, Kazadi has brought on board talents such as producer Jo Caleb, alongside SMP A&R Director Sarah Gabrielli.
Meanwhile Bookbinder, during her tenure, has inked deals with hitmakers like Dom Dolla, Jazzy, ANOTR, Gorgon City, Eli Brown, and more. Her contributions extend to collaborations with Black Coffee, CamelPhat, MK, KUNGS, and Conducta. Prior to SMP, Bookbinder spent seven years at Defected Records and Publishing, facilitating the signings of artists such as Purple Disco Machine and Honey Dijon.
Nasra Artan, over the past year, has supported SMP’s European and International roster, securing signings like Fumes Beats, and facilitated opportunities for DIY creators through international songwriting camps. Artan’s previous experience includes a three-year tenure at Warner Music Norway, concluding as A&R Project Manager.
“Nasra is playing a key role in the European A&R team, Adrienne is now part of this European team, specializing in electronic music, and ZaZa is an experienced A&R with impeccable taste and a powerful network.”
David Ventura, Sony Music Publishing
Commenting on the three appointments, Ventura said: “These new appointments are the confirmation of the SMP A&R department’s evolution and future.”
“Nasra, Adrienne and ZaZa embrace what A&R is in 2024 and we are all looking forward to seeing their achievements in their respective roles. Nasra is playing a key role in the European A&R team, Adrienne is now part of this European team, specializing in electronic music, and ZaZa is an experienced A&R with impeccable taste and a powerful network.”
“Together they represent the creative culture that SMP is building, and we anticipate they will shine in their new roles,” Ventura added.
The news came over two months after Sony Music Publishing UK reshuffled its A&R department, appointing Felix Canetty-Clarke to VP, UK A&R Strategy & International Research; Sarah Gabrielli to Senior Director A&R, UK & Europe; and Saul Fitton to Senior Director of A&R, UK.
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