Universal Music Group Opens in Lagos, Nigeria

Leading music-based entertainment corporation, Universal Music Group (UMG) on Tuesday 18th July 2018, announced the launch of its new strategic division in Lagos, as part of its operations expansion within Western Africa. Ezegozie Eze Jr is the General Manager of the new Universal Music Nigeria (UMGNG) office.

Eze has been a major player in the entertainment industry, precisely in the music market in Africa. He has held positions at Channel O and has also established creative companies for the advancement of the arts in Africa, namely: Republic 54, Alore Group, and Duma Collective. His team will be responsible for providing support of artists from Nigeria, Ghana, and Gambia using the existing UMG networks. He will be reporting to Sipho Dlamini, MD, Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

A number of Nigerian-born artists have already been signed to the record label including Mr Eazi and Tekno. According to Dlamini, “In recent years there has been an increase in the visibility of Nigerian and Ghanaian music and its influence on contemporary music around the world. Eze and his team are perfectly placed to support, nurture and help develop artists and musicians from the region, whilst creating opportunities for new talent from the region to reach the widest possible audience.”

Eze commented as follows, “I am delighted to be officially launching Universal Music’s Nigerian division at such an exciting time for African music around the world. The world’s largest music company opening an office within the region is a huge statement of belief in our local music talent. The signings we have already made show our ambition to help our artists reach the widest global audience and we are looking forward to working closely with our UMG label partners around the world to make that happen.”

Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group is a global music music-based entertainment corporation that is a subsidiary of the French media conglomerate Vivendi. It is involved with a wide array of businesses from music recording to music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries.

Its global corporate headquarters are located in Santa Monica, California. UMG is considered one of the “Big Three” record labels alongside Warner Music Group and Sony Music.

Universal Music Nigeria

Universal Music Nigeria (UMGNG) is expected to cover neighbouring English speaking-markets within Western Africa including Nigeria, Ghana and Gambia. UMGNG is committed to Artists and repertoire, artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, in broadening opportunities for African artists both domestically and internationally, creating new and innovative experiences for fans while providing support for the local music ecosystem both in Nigeria and Africa.

Alongside recording music, it will oversee other key business units like music publishing and audiovisual content divisions including the creative and brand partnerships division (UMGB), the live events and production company (ULive Africa), the talent booking and management (UMG Live Africa) and the 360 full-service merchandise company (Bravado). These business divisions are structured to accommodate both UMG signed and non-UMG talent within Nigeria and other African countries.

Feature image: universalmusic.com

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akwaowowillie

Akwaowo Willie is a social media consultant for several businesses including SMEs and Startups. He is also an entrepreneur and writer with interests in entertainment, media, fashion, among others. He is married, with 2 adorable children.

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