Universal Music Group Heads to Africa

Universal Music Group (UMG) expands its base with the launch Universal Music Group Nigeria. This movement marks the first time that UMG representation from two continents (U.S. and Africa) have combined to sign and release African artists globally, supporting artists from West African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana Gambia, and more. This expansion ultimately creates new opportunities for international exposure. Based in Lagos, UMG Nigeria will be led by executive, Ezegozie Eze Jr., who has previously held roles at a South African-based Channel O Television, Nigerian independent label Empire Mates Entertainment and was a founder of several Pan-African creative companies.

Introductory signings included Banku singer-songwriter Mr. Eazi, Nigerian artist Tekno and Tanzanian singer-songwriter Vanessa Mdee, who is additionally represented by AfroForce1 Records/Universal Music Central Europe/Universal Music South Africa. Other signings include WurlD, Odunsi (the Engine), Tay Iwar and Ghanaian-born artists Cina Soul and Stonebwoy.

Sipho Dlamini, managing director of UMG South African and Sub-Saharan Africa, announced "In recent years there has been an increase in visibility of Nigerian and Ghanaian music and its influence on contemporary music around the world."

UMG Nigeria, GM, Eze commented, “Launching Universal Music’s Nigerian division at such an exciting time for African music” adding, “the world’s largest music company opening an office within the region is a huge statement of belief in our local music talent.”

The company is also developing plans to open a recording studio in Lagos to sit alongside its present facility in Johannesburg, South Africa. UMG says its latest expansion is part of an accelerated focus on growing the "entire African music ecosystem" across recorded music, publishing, live and brand partnerships.

For more about Universal Music Group Nigeria visit: http://www.universalmusic.ng