Warner Music Group (WMG) has acquired the extensive catalogs of DWA Records and its publishing arm Extravaganza, marking a significant expansion in the Italian music market. The deal encompasses over 250 master recordings from one of Italy's leading independent Italo Disco labels.

DWA Records, founded in 1989 by Roberto Zanetti and Francesco Bontempi, is renowned for iconic tracks including:

• "The Rhythm of the Night" by Corona
• "Happy" and "Uh La La" by Alexia
• "Baila" by Zucchero

The acquisition represents a significant milestone in preserving and promoting Italo Disco, a genre that emerged in Italy during the late 1970s and dominated European dance music throughout the 1980s. Characterized by electronic drums, synthesizers, and English lyrics, Italo Disco's influence continues in modern Eurobeat and Italo house music.

Key figures behind DWA Records:

Roberto Zanetti (Savage/Robyx):

• Started in bands Santarosa and Taxi
• Hit singles include "A Love Again" and "Only You"
• Produced for artists like Corona, Ice MC, and Zucchero

Francesco Bontempi (Lee Marrow):

• Former club DJ and drummer
• Known for hits like "Do You Want Me" and "Shanghai"

Warner Music Group plans to promote this catalog globally through innovative strategies, ensuring these classic tracks reach new audiences while preserving their cultural significance. The acquisition demonstrates WMG's commitment to expanding its catalog beyond Anglo markets and investing in influential genre-defining music.

"Italo Disco is the lifeblood of the Italian music scene, and DWA has been at its heart for more than three decades," stated Pico Cibelli, President of Warner Music Italy, and Santiago Menéndez-Pidal, President of Southern Europe, Warner Chappell Music.

The deal represents Warner Music Group's strategic move to strengthen its position in the European dance music market while preserving and promoting the legacy of Italo Disco for future generations.

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