Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has promoted ZaZa Kazadi to Senior Director, A&R, UK & Europe.
Kazadi will continue to be based out of the company’s London office, with his expanded remit covering songwriters across the UK and Europe.
The promotion, announced on Wednesday (May 20), will see Kazadi focus on Hip Hop, Rap, R&B and Afro genres.
“I’m incredibly honoured to step into this new role,” said Kazadi. “It’s a privilege to be part of such a forward-thinking and supportive team.”
“I’m deeply grateful to David Ventura, Tim Major, Sarah Gabrielli and Jon Platt for their belief in me and for trusting my vision. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to help create something truly special.”
Kazadi first joined Sony Music Publishing in early 2024 as Senior A&R Manager. He most recently held the position of Director, A&R, UK.
Since arriving at SMP, Kazadi has signed songwriting and production talent including Dave, who won Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act at the BRIT Awards 2026 earlier this year.
Dave’s third studio album, The Boy Who Played the Harp, debuted at No. 1 on the UK Official Albums Chart in October 2025. Among the album’s producers was fellow Kazadi signing Jo Caleb.
“It’s a privilege to be part of such a forward-thinking and supportive team.”
ZaZa Kazadi, SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING
Kazadi’s other songwriter signings include EsDeeKid, Kidwild, Shallipopi and Fimiguerrero. He has also signed producers AOD, whose credits include work with Tems and FKA Twigs.
According to SMP, Kazadi also works closely with Wizkid, Producer X and Jester Beats.
Commenting on Kazadi’s promotion, Sarah Gabrielli, Head of A&R at Sony Music Publishing UK, said: “ZaZa is one of the sharpest A&Rs I’ve worked with – his judgement, clarity of vision, and determination consistently set him apart. He combines real creative instinct with a relentless drive to deliver, making him an exceptional A&R and a key part of our team’s successes.”
Gabrielli was herself promoted to Head of A&R at SMP UK in April 2025, having first joined the company as an A&R Assistant in 2016.
“ZaZa is one of the sharpest A&Rs I’ve worked with – his judgement, clarity of vision, and determination consistently set him apart.”
Sarah Gabrielli, Sony Music Publishing UK
David Ventura, President & Co-Managing Director, UK & SVP International at Sony Music Publishing, added: “ZaZa’s successes since joining SMP speak for themselves.”
“He has an unrivalled commitment and passion for songwriters, as well as for his SMP colleagues, which has led naturally into this new European remit. ZaZa’s growth has been very organic, and I am excited to see him excel in this newly expanded role,” Ventura said.
Ventura runs Sony Music Publishing UK alongside Co-Managing Director Tim Major. Globally, Sony Music Publishing – led by Chairman & CEO Jon Platt – was named Publisher of the Year at the 2025 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards in August.
The news comes one day after SMP UK signed songwriter and producer MNEK to a global deal on Tuesday (May 19).
Kazadi received MBW’s Award for A&R of the Year: Contemporary Black Music at the Music Business UK Awards in November 2025. He has also been featured in Music Week‘s Rising Star column.
“He [ZAZA] has an unrivalled commitment and passion for songwriters, as well as for his SMP colleagues, which has led naturally into this new European remit.”
David Ventura, Sony Music Publishing
Before joining SMP, Kazadi managed artists and producers including ZieZie and Sonzi at Never Dies Management.
He previously spent two years as A&R Manager at BMG Music Publishing, where he worked with K-Trap, Zel and others.Music Business Worldwide
Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has announced the promotion of ZaZa Kazadi to Senior Director of A&R for the UK and Europe, effective May 20, 2026. Kazadi will remain based in the London office and will oversee songwriters across the UK and Europe, with a focus on genres such as Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, and Afro music. Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Kazadi stated, “I’m incredibly honoured to step into this new role,” highlighting his appreciation for the support from his colleagues and his excitement for future projects.
Kazadi joined Sony Music Publishing in early 2024 as a Senior A&R Manager and was promoted to Director of A&R for the UK shortly thereafter. During his tenure at SMP, he has been instrumental in signing notable songwriting and production talents, including the acclaimed artist Dave, who won the Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act at the BRIT Awards in 2026. Dave’s third studio album, The Boy Who Played the Harp, debuted at No. 1 on the UK Official Albums Chart in October 2025, featuring contributions from other artists signed by Kazadi, like Jo Caleb.
In addition to Dave, Kazadi has signed a diverse range of talents, including songwriters EsDeeKid, Kidwild, Shallipopi, and Fimiguerrero, as well as producers AOD, who has worked with prominent artists like Tems and FKA Twigs. Kazadi also collaborates closely with high-profile artists such as Wizkid and producers like Producer X and Jester Beats, further expanding his influence in the music industry.
Sarah Gabrielli, Head of A&R at SMP UK, praised Kazadi’s exceptional skills, stating, “ZaZa is one of the sharpest A&Rs I’ve worked with – his judgement, clarity of vision, and determination consistently set him apart.” Gabrielli herself was promoted to her position in April 2025 after joining SMP as an A&R Assistant in 2016, reflecting the growth opportunities within the company.
David Ventura, President & Co-Managing Director of SMP UK, also commended Kazadi’s success, noting his “unrivalled commitment and passion for songwriters” which has naturally led to his expanded European remit. Ventura, who oversees SMP UK alongside Co-Managing Director Tim Major, expressed excitement about Kazadi’s growth and the contributions he will make in his new role.
Globally, Sony Music Publishing, under the leadership of Chairman & CEO Jon Platt, was recognized as the Publisher of the Year at the 2025 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering creativity in the music industry.
The announcement of Kazadi’s promotion comes shortly after SMP UK signed songwriter and producer MNEK to a global deal, highlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its roster of talented songwriters and producers. Kazadi has also received accolades for his work, including the Music Business Worldwide Award for A&R of the Year: Contemporary Black Music at the Music Business UK Awards in November 2025. His recognition in Music Week’s Rising Star column further solidifies his status as a significant player in the industry.
Prior to his role at SMP, Kazadi managed artists and producers at Never Dies Management, including ZieZie and Sonzi. He also spent two years as A&R Manager at BMG Music Publishing, where he worked with artists like K-Trap and Zel, further honing his skills in artist development and music publishing.
Kazadi’s promotion is indicative of his dedication to fostering artistic talent and his ability to identify and cultivate successful songwriters and producers. His new position is expected to enhance SMP’s presence across Europe, particularly in the thriving genres of Hip Hop, R&B, and Afro music, which are gaining increasing popularity.
In summary, ZaZa Kazadi’s promotion to Senior Director of A&R at Sony Music Publishing reflects his significant contributions to the company and the music industry at large. With a focus on a diverse range of genres and a commitment to supporting songwriters, Kazadi is poised to further elevate SMP’s reputation and influence in the global music scene.
