Universal music grows African presence with the launch of the division of Nigeria



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The first signatures include Tekno, Stonebwoy and Mr Eazi.

Universal Music Expands Activities in West Africa with the Launch of its First Dedicated Label in Nigeria

Based in Lagos, Universal Music Nigeria will be run by a seasoned executive Ezegozie Eze Jr. who previously held roles in the South African channel Channel O Television, the independent Nigerian label Empire Mates Entertainment, and was a founder of Pan-African creative companies Republic 54, Alore Group and Duma Collective. He will report to Sipho Dlamini, General Manager of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to Nigeria, the label will cover neighboring English-speaking markets, Ghana and The Gambia.

Among his first signatories are singer-songwriter Banku Mr Eazi, Nigerian artist Tekno (in partnership with Island Records UK) and Tanzanian songwriter Vanessa Mdee, which is also represented by AfroForce1 Records, Universal Music Central Europe and Universal Music South Africa

These last two artists mark the first time that UMG labels from both continents have joined forces to sign and broadcast African artists around the world. Major. WurlD, Odunsi (The Engine), Tay Iwar and Ghanaian Artists Cina Soul and Stonebwoy

"In recent years, the visibility of Nigerian and Ghanaian music and its influence on contemporary music has increased," said Executive Director Eze. that the launch of Universal Music was intended to "support, support and help develop the artists and musicians of the region." Nigeria, at a time so exciting for African music, was a "grand statement of faith in our local musical talent "and stated that the label's early signings demonstrated its" ambition to help our artists reach the world's largest audience. "

Universal plans to open a studio of 39, recording in Lagos, alongside its existing facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa.Bravado and its two live companies based in Africa – the agency of talent management and reservation UMG Live and the ULVE Africa event production and production company, both launched over the past two years – will also work closely with Universal Music. Nigeria, helping to develop the merchandise of its customers and to travel business.

Signed artists will also benefit from Universal's worldwide marketing, promotional and distribution network, says Vivendi's label, which opened a new office in the largest city of Cote d'Ivoire last week. Ivory, Abidjan. Universal Music Group acquired earlier this year, through its Dutch subsidiary, a 70 percent stake in AI Records, Kenya, which gives it access to one of the largest catalogs in Europe. l & # 39; Is. African music. UMG says that its latest expansion is part of an accelerated focus on the growth of "the entire ecosystem of African music" through recorded music, publishing, live and brand partnerships.

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