Warner Music Group’s Africori Taps Adam Tiran as GM

Adam Tiran is the new general manager of Warner Music Group’s Africori, one of Africa’s leading digital music distribution, rights management and label services companies.

With Tiran at the helm, Africori plans to accelerate its investment in local talent, enhance its comprehensive suite of artist services, and deepen its footprint across East, West, and Southern Africa, reads a statement from Warner Music Group.

Based in Johannesburg, Tiran reports to Simon Robson, president, EMEA, Recorded Music, WMG. His appointment, announced Friday, June 19, follows Yoel Kenan’s recent decision to step down as CEO, a separate corporate statement confirms.   

A British-South African music executive, label owner, and DJ, Tiran is a 13-year stalwart at Africori, which was founded in Jo’burg and touts itself as “one of the biggest independent songbooks in Africa.”

Previously, he served as director of operations and international lead, duties through which he navigated the company’s expansion across key regional markets and managed its strategic integration with WMG, which fully acquired Africori last year.

During his time at the company, Tiran has championed and elevated such acts as Master KG, Focalistic, Kelvin Momo, Makhadzi, MaWhoo, Oscar Mbo and many more.

“I’m proud and energized to step into this role at such a transformative moment for African music,” Tiran comments in a statement. “Having been part of Africori’s journey for over a decade, my focus remains rooted in our foundational vision: empowering independent African artists to build sustainable global careers.  We’ll continue to amplify our artists’ voices on the world stage while fiercely respecting and investing in the local cultures that birth them.”

Adds Robson: “Adam’s deep understanding of the African music landscape, coupled with his proven track record in artist development, makes him the natural choice to lead Africori into its next chapter.  As African music continues to captivate global audiences, Adam’s vision and operational expertise will ensure our artists receive the world-class support, distribution, and visibility they deserve.”

The outgoing Kenan founded Africori and led the label for the past 14 years. “He celebrated countless hits across the continent and provided the platform to display Africa’s world-leading creativity,” reads a statement from WMG, and “elevated the label to become a key player in Warner Music’s global network and helped launch WM Africa’s Francophone JV with WM France.”

WMG first invested in Africori in 2020 in a deal that opened up the African continent to Warner Music by giving it access to Africori’s A&R network and first option on international licenses for all new signings, while the major music company’s independent label services division ADA distributed and promoted Africori’s acts internationally through the company’s global network. WMG later acquired a majority stake in Africori in 2022, leading to its full acquisition in 2025.