INGROOVES VENTURES INTO AFRICA

Recording artists Soa Matrix and Soulful G flank Electromode Managing Director Chris Ghelakos, whose yacht was being refueled during the photo op.

Ingrooves Music Group has entered the growing African music market by acquiring Electromode, one of South Africa’s leading independent music distributors.

Electromode Managing Director Chris Ghelakis will continue to lead the team based in Johannesburg and will work closely with the Ingrooves global music network to elevate engagement, identify new audiences and build African artists and label brands around the world.

“Music consumption in Africa continues to increase year over year and has become one of the most exciting growing music markets in the world,” Ingrooves CEO Bob Roback said. “Chris and his team have built one of the most vibrant independent music distributors in Africa and we are thrilled for him to be leading our expansion into the region.”

Electromode’s roster of more than 200 artists and associated labels includes The Scorpion Kings and Kabsa De Small. In November, the label had five songs in the Top 10 of Apple Music’s South African Chart, among them “uThando” by Soa Mattrix, Soulful G and Shaun101.

DJ Maphorisa’s label, New Money Gang, Piano Hub, Ambitouz Entertainment and Spirit Music are also members of the Electromode family.

“Ingrooves has the same kind of independent spirit that we have fostered over the last two decades at Electromode,” said Ghelakis. “Their technology platform is second to none and their expertise around the globe make them a perfect fit for our artists and labels as we look to expand their audiences.”