The Tusk Music Co. (Pty) Ltd. was formed in 1986 after label was forced to close shop following pressure from American political groups as a result of South Africa's apartheid policies at the time. It continued to operate as the distributor of Warner Bros. (read: WEA) products in the country as well as for its local signings under the Tusk Music brand and other imprints. In 1997 Tusk's management sold the company to the Gallo Record Company.