Kabiru Bello, Head of A&R, EMEA at Warner Music, is leaving the music company.
The exec confirmed the news in an internal note sent out on Friday (November 14) and obtained by MBW.
“After eight amazing years at Warner Music, I’ve decided to move on,” the note reads.
He added: “It’s truly been a journey from Sweden to the world with you all, and I just want to take a moment to thank every single one of you who’s been part of it along the way. The support, energy, and trust I’ve received throughout the years have meant more than words can express.”
The Stockholm-based exec, known as Bello, has worked at Warner Music Group since 2017, when he joined the A&R team at Warner Music Sweden.
In 2018, he launched Asylum in the Nordics, where he signed 1.Cuz, A36, Aden & Jireel, Black Moose, Casper The Ghost, Cherrie, K27, Leslie Tay, and Ricky Rich.
In 2022, he was promoted to VP of Global A&R, Warner Recorded Music, and Head of Asylum Records Nordics. He was most recently the Head of A&R, EMEA, Warner Music.
“From starting with an entrepreneurial mindset and the freedom to build Asylum Nordics into one of the most influential labels in the region, achieving massive success together, to stepping into the VP Global A&R and Head A&R International (EMEA) role, it’s been an incredible ride,” added Bello in the note.
“Bello has been nothing short of an A&R powerhouse for Warner Music.”
A separate internal note was also sent out to Warner Music staffers by Simon Robson, President, EMEA, Recorded Music, on Friday.
In the note, also obtained by MBW, Robson said: “As you’ll have just heard, our friend and colleague Bello is set to take on his next adventure after eight years of truly impactful service to our artists around the world.”
Added Robson: “Bello has been nothing short of an A&R powerhouse for Warner Music. What’s defined his approach is the alchemy he consistently fostered: his unique ability to strategically partner artists from disparate backgrounds and cultures, helping them find organic connections, and create memorable music. He has truly raised the benchmark for cross-cultural collaborations in our industry.
“We’ll be genuinely sad to see him go, but I know you’ll join me in wishing Bello all the best as he writes his next chapter.”
Originally an artist, in 2008, Bello launched 20/20 Records, a Stockholm-based music company encompassing a record label, music publisher, and management division.
“I want to thank everyone for their support along the way, and Simon Robson and the rest of Warner Music’s leadership for always allowing room for entrepreneurship and independence. Having that open field to create and grow has been invaluable, and I’ll always be grateful for that trust.”
Kabiru Bello
Elsewhere in his note on Friday, Bello wrote: “My curiosity for different cultures, communities, and sounds has always guided me, and this role gave me the chance to turn that curiosity into something real, connecting artists, producers, songwriters, and teams across markets and shaping a truly global A&R community.
“In today’s landscape, the most powerful position is where music, technology, and human connection meet so working alongside our A&R teams, artists and managers all over the world has been one of my greatest privileges. You’ve inspired me every day with your openness, creativity, and work ethic.
“Together, we’ve built bridges between markets, championed collaborations that no one thought possible, and created something that feels different — a global culture where collaboration and culture drives everything we do.”
He added: “Even through moments of change, we’ve stayed united, creating a strong A&R culture built on respect for our artist, fans, and community. That spirit is what sets us apart. My hope is that you continue to carry that same energy forward, to keep being bold, curious, and collaborative, and to keep building local and global superstars with intention and heart.
“I want to thank everyone for their support along the way, and Simon Robson and the rest of Warner Music’s leadership for always allowing room for entrepreneurship and independence. Having that open field to create and grow has been invaluable, and I’ll always be grateful for that trust.”
