Major realignment in SA Christian music industry

Christian Art Media, a division of Christian Art Distributors, is taking over artists and labels represented by leading South African Christian music distribution company, Integrity Media Africa (Pty) Ltd, which is closing its doors on December 23.

The decision to integrate the labels represented by IMA into Christian Art Media follows extensive negotiations, says IMA on its website. IMA, formally known as Sarepta Music Distribution has strongly influenced the South African Christian music culture over the past 21 years.

In a press statement released today, Christian Art Media points out that in June 2011 Integrity Media Inc, USA was sold to David C Cook. This transaction did not include Integrity Africa or any of the other Integrity international offices.

Christian Art Media says it will now be representing the majority of Christian artists and labels formerly represented by IMA.

Christian Art Distributors has been distributing Christian content in the South African market for more than 35 years. Acting marketing manager Emile Johnsen says: “As a team, we welcome Christian Art Media’s entry into the music industry as this has always been a passion for us. More importantly, we see this as a route to further the great commission in Africa and serve our continent with more excellent content relevant to this mission.”

After Durban-based IMA closes its doors, managing directory Nurden Cross will move to Christian Art Media on January 1, 2012 as General Manager. A core team of marketing and sales staff from IMA will be transitioned into Christian Art Media.

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“The function of the business representing Christian artists, and the transfer of existing record labels and artist agreements, will at that time be incorporated into Christian Art,” says Cross.

“A transition of this nature makes so much sense from a ministry and business standpoint, as it will result in an even greater expansion of Christian music, movies and resources both locally and globally. I am confident that the artists will be even better represented than ever before.”

The company’s operations will run from Christian Art Distributors’ head office in Vereeniging.

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Christian Art Distributors is dedicated to glorifying God and serving Jesus Christ through the innovative distribution of Christian literature, Bibles, visual media, Christian movies and Scripture-based products, says today’s press release. “We will continue seizing opportunities to serve the Christian marketplace with new and inspirational media, meeting the spiritual needs of people.”