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
