It has been announced that Motown records is launching a UK outpost.
Label president, Ethiopia Habtemariam and EMI Records president, Rebecca Allen, announced that Rob Pascoe will hold new position of managing director and will be accompanying Afryea Henry-Fontaine as marketing director. According to the announcement this will display a “new generation of British Black music.”
Pascoe and Henry-Fontaine have been with Motown for nine years, working with famous acts like Lil Yachty, Migos, Lil Baby and City Girls.
“The music of Motown has long influenced British culture and continues to provide the ultimate creative inspiration for generations of artists and fans,” said EMI’s Allen. “With the launch of Motown Records in the UK, with a dedicated team and resources, we’re looking forward to bringing the music of this culture-defining label and its artists to the widest possible audiences as well as building an energising and inspiring new roster at the label. Rob and Afryea are two of the most inspiring executives within the music business. Having already worked incredibly closely with the Motown team in the US, I have no doubt that their energy and ambition will lead this label into a very exciting new chapter in its history.”
Added Habtemariam, who has headed Motown since 2014, claimed “The past five years have been a period of tremendous global growth for Motown, through artist development that’s central to our company’s 60-year history and via entrepreneurial partnerships that have greatly expanded our reach. The timing could not be more perfect for the launch of Motown Records UK, and I’m looking forward to working closely with Rebecca, Rob and Afryea as we sign and develop exciting new British talent, expand our platform for Black entrepreneurship in the UK and guide Motown towards even greater global success.”
Motown headquarters is using their influence to create talent globally although thaw it headquarters is located in Los Angeles, California.