African Telecoms giant, MTN, has announced a content agreement deal with Sony Music.
“The deal gives MTN customers unprecedented access to caller ring back tones from Sony Music’s illustrious catalogue of both local and international artists including but not limited to, SA artists, Zonke Dikana, AKA, Kurt Darren and Kaylow and popular gospel ensemble, Joyous Celebration,” MTN said in a statement.
“The signing of this deal will further provide the customers access to our ubiquitous digital platforms, thereby ensuring that artists widen their revenue streams. We have both agreed that Sony will administer all royalties payable to their artists directly as well as those due to the relevant collecting societies in terms of this deal. Sony, as a content provider, has vast experience in this field and is best placed to embark on this important exercise,” said Larry Annetts, Sales and Marketing executive for MTN South Africa.
‘We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Sony as it gives expression to our quest to promote and develop music as an art form,” He added
“We are very pleased to be working with MTN on creating another digital outlet for our artists’ recordings that meets the expectations of today’s music fans. We look forward to a great partnership in music with MTN,” said Sony Music Entertainment Africa managing director Sean Watson.
The deal was a culmination of nine months of talks between MTN and Sony Music, the statement said.
It is not yet clear whether this deal will cover Nigeria.
