Romain Bilharz (FR)

Romain Bilharz was constantly exposed to music throughout his entire childhood, which he spent in Africa, as it happens, and he has been a musician myself. He began at UMG’s label Polydor in 1998 as creative director for Feist, Ayo, Juliette Greco, Olivia Ruiz and others. After spending 11 successful years at Polydor, Romain moved on in the ranks to become a label director at Motown France/Vertigo (other Labels under Universal Music Group). He also managed Island France, which signed C2C, Kavinsky and Stromae. His passion and vision for African music lead him to become the Executive Director of Universal Africa/Vivendi Africa, which lead him to start the Island Africa label with Offices in Abidjan, Cote D’ Ivoire, which signed Denise (an artist from Madagascar, whom was the winner of the first Island Talent Show produced by Romain Bilharz) Kiff No Beat (Cote d’Ivoire), and Sarz (Nigeria).