Sony Music Entertainment (SME) has acquired the renowned Czech music publisher Supraphon, further solidifying its position in Central Europe. Supraphon, a pivotal player in the Czech music industry for nearly a century, boasts a diverse catalogue of artists. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of SME’s influence in the region.
Established in 1932, Supraphon has consistently played a vital role in the Czech and Slovak music scenes. With nearly 100 years of history, it has amassed an impressive catalogue spanning pop, rock, classical, folk, jazz, timeless soundtracks, and spoken word.
Supraphon’s portfolio features recordings by iconic Czech artists such as Karel Gott, Lucie Bílá, Marek Ztracený, Divokej Bill, and Tata Bojs. The label also represents internationally acclaimed classical musicians, including the Pavel Haas Quartet, Ivan Moravec, and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Supraphon has been instrumental in preserving the cultural heritage of Czech music, promoting local artists and traditional songs that have become symbols of regional identity.
The Czech music market is steadily growing and offers considerable potential for expansion. In 2023, the total recorded music market in the Czech Republic reached a value of $84.1 million. Streaming is a key driver of this growth, generating $50.5 million in revenue and accounting for 60.1% of the total market—a remarkable 18.1% increase compared to the previous year. Czech audiences’ strong support for local talent is noteworthy: seven of the ten best-selling songs and albums in 2023 were by Czech artists.
“Supraphon is a cornerstone of Czech musical heritage, with an invaluable catalogue and a strong commitment to promoting Czech and Slovak talent—an approach that aligns perfectly with our vision at Sony Music,” said Daniel Lieberberg, President of Sony Music Entertainment for Continental Europe and Africa. He added: “We are proud to welcome Supraphon to our organisation and look forward to supporting local artists with our global expertise, resources, and reach. Together, we will celebrate and promote Czech music on the international stage.”
