Lusafrica was founded in 1988 by entrepreneur José da Silva and, alongside the “barefoot diva” Cesária Évora, has recorded artists such as Bau, Lura, Elida Almeida, Tcheka, and Ildo Lobo.
Lusafrica signed other African artists like Bonga and Boubacar Traoré and expanded its catalog to include Latin American music, with artists such as Polo Montañez, Septeto Habanero, and Tania Libertad.
The record label Africa Nostra was established in 2000 and “its catalog coincides in about three quarters with that of Lusafrica,” as stated in a press release.
Currently, it boasts “a catalog of over 4,000 titles, including the entire discography of Cesária Évora and Polo Montañez.”
“Lusafrica and Africa Nostra hold a central position in the dissemination of Lusophone and African music worldwide,” highlights the statement.
“We are thrilled to incorporate Lusafrica into our Sony Music family,” and “we are committed to preserving and developing the legacy built by Lusafrica, creating bridges between markets and generations for the benefit of artists and fans. Our expertise in developing international audiences will allow listeners worldwide to discover or rediscover this essential treasure of world music. We will continue to honor José Da Silva’s vision and support artists to reach new heights,” assures Marie-Anne Robert, President of Sony Music France, in the statement.
José da Silva justifies the transaction with Sony by recalling the relationship between the two parties: “This decision was not easy but became clear over time. I realized I no longer had the necessary energy to follow Lusafrica and Africa Nostra as I would like. However, I am convinced it is the best decision: the Sony group has the resources and ‘know-how’ to continue this journey and, above all, knows our catalog and musical identity thanks to more than 20 years of collaboration.”
The entrepreneur highlights, in the same statement, the role of Lusafrica “in spreading African, Latin, and Lusophone music worldwide, especially with the incredible career of Cesária Évora.”
“Today, this passing of the baton marks the end of a cycle, but also the continuation of a musical legacy that is very dear to me,” attests José da Silva.
