DRC: Ferre Gola inks Sony Music Entertainment Africa deal

The ‘Tucheze’ singer signed the deal at the Sony Music Entertainment Africa offices in Johannesburg, South Africa – with the announcement coming ahead of the release of his 18-track album Dynastie, which is set be launched on 25 March.

“I am thrilled to announce partnership with Sony Music Africa,” Ferre Gola said. “This is a great opportunity, not just for me, but the Congolese rumba that I strongly embrace.

“This partnership will be the first of many from our country and I am happy to be the flagship artist. Sony Music Africa’s global network will allow my voice and the music I represent, the Congolese rumba, to be carried globally and I am very proud of this step in my career.”

Sony Music Entertainment Africa managing director Sean Watson said: “It’s a proud moment having an artist of Ferre’s calibre make the decision to partner with us at Sony. We’re excited about joining forces with him to bring his amazing music to the ears of as many fans as we can.”

The singer joins South African artists 25K and DJ Emotionz, among other African musicians, signed to Sony Music.

Ferre Gola, born Hervé Gola Bataringe, began exploring his musical abilities with the legendary group Wenge Musica in the 1990s when he demonstrated the full extent of his talent through the song ‘Vita Imana’. He then participated in the creation of ‘Marquis de Maison Mère (100 kilos)’ and later joined Koffi Olomide’s Quartier Latin orchestra in 2005.

After collective successes, he embarked on a solo career in 2006 and has released four albums in 10 years. His first two albums, Sens Interdit (2007) and Qui Est Eerrière Toi (2009), sold over 100 000 copies. Ferre Gola has won a number of awards at the MTV Africa Music Awards, Kora Awards, Afrika Muzik Magazine Awards and Kunde Awards.