Gallo Record Company and Content Connect Africa Extend Global Deal with Virgin Music Group South Africa

Virgin Music Group, the world’s leading partner to independent artists, labels and entrepreneurs, announced today that they have extended their landmark global distribution partnership with two of Africa’s most influential music companies, Gallo Record Company and Content Connect Africa (CCA). This collaboration represents a powerful step in strengthening African music’s presence worldwide, combining nearly a century of heritage with forward-looking innovation.

This partnership highlights the complementary strengths of each organization. Gallo Record Company and CCA bring unparalleled expertise in label and artist development, including roll-out planning, marketing initiatives, and immersive music writing camps that foster creativity and develop the next wave of African talent. Virgin Music Group provides a robust global infrastructure designed to maximise monetisation of music assets and content, ensuring artists and labels unlock every available revenue stream.

Under the deal extension, Virgin Music Group will continue to champion African music on the world stage, advocating for local talent on global platforms, positioning African voices in the international spotlight, and amplifying the continent’s unique stories and sounds. The partnership will also facilitate strategic collaborations between African and international artists, opening new audiences and creative synergies, while leveraging Virgin Music Group’s advanced audience analytics and market insights to guide release strategies and territory-specific campaigns.

“This partnership is about combining strengths to build a sustainable ecosystem for African music globally,” said Nicole Thomas, Managing Director of Virgin Music Group South Africa. “Gallo Record Company and CCA are deeply committed to nurturing artists, and Virgin brings the global reach, infrastructure, and expertise to ensure their music thrives.”

Founded in 1926, Gallo Record Company is South Africa’s oldest and most iconic independent record label. With an unrivaled catalogue, Gallo has been home to musical legends including Miriam Makeba, Lucky Dube, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Mango Groove. Today, it continues to champion new-generation talent such as K.Keed (Hip Hop), Falabo (Maskandi), and Nozipho Phiri (Gospel).

As Gallo Record Company prepares to celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2026, the label remains a dominant force across genres, including Maskandi, mbaqanga, jazz, gospel, and pop.

Acquired by The Music Arena in 2020, Gallo and CCA provide one-stop services that sign, support, and amplify African artists from career launch to international success.

Antos Stella, CEO of Arena Holdings, the parent company of both Gallo Records and CCA, said: “At The Music Arena, our passion is to champion African music and its creators. This partnership between Virgin Music, Gallo Music and Content Connect Africa embodies the power of collaboration and partnership, uniting global reach with local authenticity. This is a celebration of South African creativity and the boundless power of unity through music.”

Content Connect Africa (CCA) is a dynamic, independent media and content business that has been instrumental in expanding the reach of South African music across the continent. With a roster that includes Zuko SA, Temple Boys CPT, Teddy James III, and Kwiish SA, CCA is at the forefront of developing fresh new talent and ensuring their music reaches audiences across Africa and beyond.

Through content creation, sponsorship strategies, and artist marketing, CCA continues to bridge the gap between creativity and commerce, positioning itself as an incubator for emerging stars and an essential driver of the African music ecosystem. CCA offers artists label services to developing and established artists who look to own their masters but find the right partner to expand their careers.

While CCA operates with a global focus, the company remains deeply committed to expanding music across the African continent through its partnerships with major telecommunications networks. As pioneers of CRBTs (Caller Ring Back Tones), CCA continues to drive inclusive access to music and revenue opportunities for artists and labels.