Independent Belgium-born music publisher Strictly Confidential has signed a number of new agreements.
Firstly, UK artist Ghostpoet (pictured) has agreed a long-term, global publishing deal with Strictly Confidential.
In addition, the company has inked deals with Ugandan record labels Nyege Nyege Tapes & Hakuna Kulala to launch new publishing divisions.
Ghostpoet (Obaro Ejimiwe) has received two Mercury Prize nominations and released his fifth album I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep earlier this year.
Founded by Burundi born Derek Debru and the Greek-Armenian ethnomusicologist Arlen Dilsizian, the Ugandan label Nyege Nyege Tapes and its sister imprint Hakuna Kulala specializes in progressive electronic music from East Africa and has been home to a wide range of artists, including MC Yallah and DJ Diaki among others.
Established in 1987 by [PIAS] co-founders Michel Lambot and Kenny Gates with Pierre Mossiat, Strictly Confidential has affiliated companies and operations in Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom and is a full-service music publishing company, overseeing both rights management and creative development for the songwriters and composers it represents.
“This new agreement will allow us to maximise the commercial opportunities available to our songwriters while expanding the global reach of the music we represent.”
Derek Debru, Nyege Nyege Tapes & Hakuna Kulala
Derek Debru, co-founder of Nyege Nyege Tapes and Hakuna Kulala said: “We have always believed in building partnerships that add value to the work we do.
“The team at Strictly Confidential are passionate and have shown genuine interest and understanding of the music we release through Nyege Nyege Tapes and Hakuna Kulala.
“This new agreement will allow us to maximise the commercial opportunities available to our songwriters while expanding the global reach of the music we represent.”
“The signing of an agreement with Derek and Arlen to create a music publishing arm for their hugely successful labels is a game changer for Strictly Confidential.”
Pierre Mossiat, Strictly Confidential
Pierre Mossiat, Managing Director of Strictly Confidential added: “The signing of an agreement with Derek and Arlen to create a music publishing arm for their hugely successful labels is a game changer for Strictly Confidential and allows us to work with the amazing African artists, songwriters and composers they discover and nurture.
“We are also delighted to be working with Ghostpoet who is an incredible talent.”Music Business Worldwide
