Ghanaian label Small World inks deal with Warner Music Group

Small World Records is owned by musician and entrepreneur Smallgod. The arrangement will see Smallgod leveraging his connections in the African music scene and expertise in marketing, promotion and A&R to help drive the label forward. It will also entail a global collaboration between the label and teams from Warner Music, Warner Music’s ADA and Warner Chappell Music.

The first release under the new deal will be Smallgod and fellow Ghanaian act Black Sherif’s ‘Fallen Angel’.

“Our mission at Small World Records is to amplify the voices of Africa and its diaspora,” Smallgod said. “This partnership with Warner Music Group will help deliver this mission by empowering emerging African artists and breaking boundaries across continents. Together, we aim to compose a symphony of boundless diversity, innovation and passion, uniting cultures through the universal language of music with the core being from Africa.”

WMG CEO of Recorded Music Max Lousada said: “At Warner Music, we want to be at the forefront of culture and partner with the industry’s brightest and most innovative minds. SmallGod is a brilliant tastemaker, marketeer and visionary, and working with him will allow us to champion the incredible African talent he discovers. We will work with his artists to give them the support and services they need to break onto the world stage.”

Warner Chappell Music UK managing director Shani Gonzales added: “Over the last few years, Warner Chappell Music UK has become a real hub for amazing African music and artists. This new deal with Small World will give us even more access to the phenomenal talent coming through. Working alongside Smallgod, we can put these up-and-coming writers and artists in rooms with some of the world’s biggest stars.”

ADA and Warner Music UK SVP for artist and label development Trenton Harrison-Lewis said: “At ADA, we pride ourselves on giving world-class service to dynamic independent labels. Working with Smallgod, and his team on the Small World roster, we will be able to connect their artists with a global audience and help them further grow their sound and international presence. I’m excited to develop our partnership as we make and promote amazing music.”

Smallgod made his initial foray into the music industry through the Ghanaian nightclub Basement, which he managed starting in 2003. This venture led him to take on the management of reggae artist Black Prophet and signing Ghanaian rapper J-Town. Subsequently, he expanded his managerial portfolio to include artists such as Wavy The Creator and Eugy Official.

Following this, he launched his independent record label and publishing company, Nasecworld, before the establishment of Small World Records. 

Smallgod has been at the forefront of collaborative projects, releasing albums like Building Bridges (2021) and Connecting The Dots (2022). The projects have featured collaborations with prominent African artists including 2Baba, Black Sherif, Busiswa, Darkoo, DJ Tunez, KiDi, Major League DJz, NSG, Oxlade, Tiwa Savage and more.