Sony Music Publishing South Africa has signed the publishing arm of one of Africa’s largest and oldest independent major labels, Gallo Record Co., to a worldwide agreement, excluding Africa.

Sony Music Publishing will provide its services to Gallo Music Publishers’ extensive catalog of songs and create new opportunities for its compositions on an international scale. GMP is home to some of South Africa’s most legendary songwriters, and its catalog comprises of some of the most iconic copyrights in South Africa’s rich heritage of musical works.

Gallo-published songwriters will have the opportunity to collaborate with Sony’s songwriters, and have their songs promoted overseas. The company will also provide administration services, helping to collect, distribute, and expedite royalty payments across the world as well as synchronization services.

“With its tremendous roster of writers, the history of Gallo is the history of South African music,” said Guy Henderson, President, International, Sony Music Publishing. “Having started my career at Gallo many years ago, I’m thrilled to be reunited with celebrated works from the likes of Lucky Dube, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Stimela, Sipho Mabuse, Caiphus Semenya and so many others.”