"Los Angeles-based artist distribution and services company Human Re Sources announced today it will be expanding and opening a new communal workspace in Atlanta, GA. The new workspace will house two new recording studios, which will be used for artists to record music, and will provide meeting and event space.  Mark Jackson, who is currently the Creative Director for the Trap Museum, joins the company as Vice President, Head of Human Re Sources, Atlanta, reporting to J. Erving, Executive Vice President, The Orchard/CEO & Founder, Human Re Sources. As the new Head of Atlanta, Jackson will provide local expertise, and build out Human Re Sources’ roster of artist clients in the region with support from The Orchard. Prior to joining Human Re Sources, Jackson led the A&R division for Grand Hustle Records, founded by rapper T.I. During his time, he worked with artists Travis Scott, Trae tha Truth, Young Dro, Tokyo Jetz and Doe B. With more than 15 years of music experience, Jackson lent his expertise as a consultant to EMPIRE Distribution. In December 2020, Sony Music Entertainment acquired Human Re Sources. The company then became part of The Orchard’s global distribution and artist and label services brand. Under J. Erving’s leadership, Human Re Sources has signed and developed artists such as Brent Faiyaz, Cordae, YBN Nahmir, Pink Sweat$, Baby Rose, Bren Joy and added artists like 2Tone and Grip, Jensen McRae, and Grammy-nominated Ant Clemons to The Orchard’s roster.  “Human Re Sources has always been for the culture. I look forward to expanding its presence across the South and finding raw talent that will move the needle,” said Mark Jackson. “This workspace will offer a home for artists, and we hope to inspire creativity as well as engrain the Human Re Sources brand into Atlanta’s musical DNA.” “With this expansion, Human Re Sources will now have an official home in the South. Atlanta is a hot bed for Hip Hop, and for some time now has been leading the charge in the music industry,” said J. Erving, Executive Vice President, The Orchard/Founder and CEO, Human Re Sources. “Having a major player like Mark, who has a wealth of experience and knowledge, will help us build vested relationships in the region and develop the best talent.” About Human Re Sources Launched in 2017 by founder and CEO J Erving, Human Re Sources is a formidable independent powerhouse of talent development. The black-owned Los Angeles-based digital-distribution company has quickly become a key player and ranks among the Top 10 independent distributors in the music industry. Human Re Sources is recognized for routinely shepherding previously unknown talent into major-label ready stars, as evident from their work with YBN Nahmir (two Platinum single certifications), to Pink Sweats, whose single “Honesty” was certified Platinum in July 2020, and gold singles with both Brent Faiyaz and Cordae.  About The Orchard The Orchard, now in its 25th year, is a full-service music distribution company operating in more than 45 cities worldwide. The Orchard's comprehensive artist & label services offering harnesses innovative technology, transparent data analysis, and expertise to reach fans and grow audiences. Offerings include digital and physical sales and marketing, advertising, sync and brand partnerships, rights management, video monetization, collaborator splits and royalty accounting, publishing administration and more. Championed by an exceptional community of music lovers and experts, The Orchard empowers creators and entrepreneurs to grow and adapt in the dynamic, global industry. For further information, visit www.theorchard.com.  

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"On March 16, 2022, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its Final Report on the acquisition of AWAL and Neighbouring Rights. The full press release from the CMA can be found here. This Final Report approves Sony Music Entertainment’s (SME) acquisition of Kobalt’s recorded music operations, including AWAL, a leading provider of services to independent recording artists, and Neighbouring Rights, one of the leading performance rights collection agencies for artists and independent labels worldwide, announced in February 2021. Sony Music Entertainment said: “We welcome the decision by the CMA to clear Sony Music’s acquisition of AWAL and Neighbouring Rights, allowing us to focus on offering the best service for their artists, in an intensely competitive market with multiple competitors and many offerings. This is the start of an exciting new venture for SME, AWAL and Neighbouring Rights, and ensures we can continue to deliver real benefits for artists globally as the music industry continues to evolve.”"

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

The Orchard Expands its Global Operations Across The African Continent With Key Local Hires

Mpumi Phillips, Ikechukwu Onuorah and Beth Achitsa join the company in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria

Local artist and label signees include Busiswa, Naira Marley, Juls, Ambitiouz Entertainment, 

Ghetto Ruff, Bongo Records and more

   The Orchard today announced its continued growth across the African continent with key executive hires: 

• Mpumi Phillips, Director of Distribution, will lead the company’s Johannesburg, South Africa office;
• Ikechukwu Onuorah, Director, Nigeria in Lagos, Nigeria; 
• and Beth Achitsa, Artist & Label Relations Manager in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Collectively, these new executives will provide local distribution expertise, release strategy, and regional support to The Orchard’s extensive roster of artist and label clients, while focusing on expanding the reach of African artists to global audiences. Phillips, Achitsa and Onuorah will report to Ben Oldfield, Vice President, Africa. Mpumi Phillips comes to The Orchard with almost 20 years of industry experience, starting her career as a label manager at Ghetto Ruff before spending 10 years at Sheer Publishing. Ikechukwu Onuorah started his career in London where he gained experience in booking, artist and stage management, festival planning and more. Onuorah previously held positions at Urban Soul Orchestra, Artiste Manager Association Nigeria and the Gidi Culture Festival. In East Africa, Beth Achitsa brings to The Orchard years of festival experience including her position as the Production Lead for the East Africa Music Summit and work with the Lola Kenya Screen festival.  “The Orchard’s expansion into this musically rich continent will connect artists to fans all over the globe,” said Ben Oldfield, Vice President, Africa, The Orchard. “Growing our presence with local leadership in these three key markets cements our long-term commitment to artists and labels in Africa, and ensures we have trusted leaders on the ground who truly appreciate, value and understand these varying cultures.” “I am so excited to have this opportunity to work with South African artists and labels while expanding their global reach through the innovative network that The Orchard has to offer,” said Mpumi Phillips. “The company is renowned for always putting its clients first and my focus will be to build long term relationships and empower entrepreneurs in South Africa through all the work that we do.” “The Orchard’s key strength is its ability to support clients while pushing them to achieve maximum exposure through global reach, whilst at the same time being flexible in its approach and tailoring services to the unique circumstances of the continent,” said Ikechukwu Onuorah. “Most importantly, the company is strongly committed to contributing to the expansion of West Africa by supporting initiatives that empower and sustain economic growth.” “The Orchard’s expansion into East Africa means we can be much more hands-on with our artists on the ground,” added Beth Achitsa. “For such a young market where the streaming business is on the rise, it gives me great pleasure to be a part of a global team, serving our labels and partners with local solutions while enabling them to build their businesses globally."" In addition to these new executives, The Orchard has also grown its artist and label roster across the continent. Dubbed by Rolling Stone as the leader of the Amapiano genre, Busiswa joins The Orchard in South Africa along with artists BlaQ Diamond, Babes Wodumo and Vusi Nova, and labels Ambitiouz Entertainment and Ghetto Ruff. In West Africa, Lady Donli, Wavy the Creator, Zinoleevsky, Mohbad, Ghanaian Banku producer Juls, Naira Marley and Marlian Music have joined; and in East Africa, artists and labels that have joined The Orchard include Tetu Shani, Maurice Kirya, Bushali, Eric Wainaina, Green Ferry and Bongo Records. 

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About The Orchard The Orchard, now in its 25th year, is a full-service music distribution company operating in more than 45 cities worldwide. The Orchard's comprehensive artist & label services offering harnesses innovative technology, transparent data analysis, and expertise to reach fans and grow audiences.  Offerings include digital and physical sales and marketing, advertising, sync and brand partnerships, rights management, video monetization, collaborator splits and royalty accounting, publishing administration and more. The Orchard empowers creators and entrepreneurs to grow and adapt in the dynamic, global industry. For further information, visit www.theorchard.com."