Warner Chappell Music has signed Portuguese singer-songwriter Maninho as it expands into the market.
The singer-songwriter, who also has a record deal with Warner Music Portugal, broke through in 2021 with his debut single Pode Tentar, which became one of the year’s biggest hits.
Across his catalogue he has already achieved seven platinum and two gold certifications in four years as a solo artist. As a songwriter, he has worked alongside major artists including Bárbara Bandeira, DAMA, Héber Marques and Mariza.
The signing is part of Warner Chappell Music’s strategic move to sign more Portuguese artists with international appeal, and to capitalise on the significant growth and increasing prominence of Portuguese music within the broader Latin-speaking music scene.
Santiago Menéndez-Pidal, WCM’s president of Southern Europe and Carmen Picado, A&R manager, WCM Spain, are actively looking at the growing market and working with colleagues in both Spain and Portugal to create opportunities for both new writers and the current WCM roster.
The Warner Music Portugal Creative Hub, a studio and work space in Lisbon, is strengthening the ties between the recordings and publishing teams in the region.
Maninho said: “I am very happy to be signing with Warner Chappell Music Portugal and deepening my relationship with Warner Music Group. I’ve enjoyed an incredible start to my career and hope to take it even further with this deal. I want my music to connect with fans globally and the teams here are going to help me do that!”
Santiago Menéndez-Pidal said: “We’re delighted to officially enter the Portuguese market – and to launch with a signing as prominent as Maninho is a real statement of intent for us in the territory. Maninho is an incredible songwriter and guitarist, and someone we can see working with our biggest artists and writers around the world.
“A special thanks to Paulo Miranda [MD, Warner Music Portugal] for his help in getting the deal over the line. I’m looking forward to our teams in Southern Europe collaborating closely as we continue to sign and develop amazing talent.”
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