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Clive Calder, the South African-British billionaire, commands respect as a top-tier record executive and savvy businessman. His journey began in 1971 when he founded Clive Calder Productions (CCP) Records in Johannesburg, kick-starting his venture into music.
Calder’s knack for spotting talent led to the discovery of iconic South African artists like Brenda Fassie and Chicco Twala. In 1975, Calder and Ralph Simon relocated to London, founding Zomba as a Music Publishing and management company.
This strategic move expanded their horizons, garnering quick recognition and paving the way for offices in New York City. The birth of Jive Records in 1981 marked a milestone, propelling Calder’s leadership to champion hip-hop and rap with acts like Public Enemy and R. Kelly.
Under his guidance, Jive’s success skyrocketed, diversifying into various genres and acquiring Silvertone Records. By the late ’90s, Jive soared with teen pop sensations like Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears.
With a net worth of $6.98 billion, Calder stands among Africa’s influential figures, residing in the Cayman Islands. His strategic investments in emerging technologies, notably gaming companies like EVE Online, demonstrate his foresight.
Beyond financial triumphs, Calder’s legacy in music is unmatched. His business acumen and strategic acquisitions propelled Zomba to a global powerhouse, culminating in its $2.74-billion sale to Bertelsmann in 2002. Yet, his impact extends far beyond deals, nurturing artists’ careers and shaping the music industry landscape.
Billionaires.Africa identifies five assets linked to Calder, highlighting his enduring influence:
- Zomba Group
Founded independently in the mid-seventies by Calder and Ralph Simon, Zomba Group stands as a cornerstone in the music industry. Boasting interests in music release, distribution, production, publishing, equipment rental, recording studios, and artist management, Zomba played a pivotal role in the evolution of hip hop and rap music. Widely regarded as one of the most successful independent music companies, Zomba was acquired in 2002 for a staggering $2.74 billion by the German-based media group Bertelsmann.
- Clive Calder Productions (CCP Records)
Established in 1972 by Calder and Ralph Simon, CCP Records, a South African music company, initially distributed under EMI Records South Africa. Specializing in recording and promoting domestic talent, CCP Records housed iconic artists like Brenda Fassie, Sello Chicco Twala, and Mandoza. Acquired by EMI in the same year, it now operates as a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, following Universal’s acquisition of most of EMI in 2013.
- Jive Records
Founded by Calder in 1981, Jive Records, a British-American independent label, became a subsidiary of the Zomba Group. Known for its success in hip hop, R&B, dance acts, and teen pop, Jive was acquired by Bertelsmann Music Group in 2002, later purchased by Sony Music Entertainment in 2008. Maintaining a wholly owned status by Sony until its dissolution in 2011, Jive Records left an indelible mark on the music scene.
- Cloud Imperium Games
In 2018, Calder and his son Keith Calder’s Snoot Entertainment made a substantial investment in Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), the studio behind the space sim Star Citizen. Injecting $46 million into CIG, they acquired about 10 percent of the company’s shares, providing a significant financial boost to CIG, which had relied mainly on crowdfunding for the development of Star Citizen.
- ELMA Group of Foundations
Founded by Calder, the ELMA Group of Foundations ranks among Africa’s largest private non-profits. Investing in impactful organizations dedicated to children’s healthcare, education, humanitarian relief, social enterprises, and youth development through music, ELMA silently supports global initiatives. Notably, it pledged $107 million to combat COVID-19 in Africa, allocating $26 million to South Africa.
