By Eric King- Universal Music Group today announced an expansion of its operations in Western Africa, following the the launch of Universal Music Nigeria. The new strategic division is scheduled to operate from a new office in Lagos under the leadership of Ezegozie Eze Jr., who has been named General Manager of Universal Music Nigeria.Its first signings include Banku singer-songwriter Mr Eazi, Nigerian artist Tekno (in partnership with Island Records U.K.) and Tanzanian singer and songwriter Vanessa Mdee, who is additionally represented by AfroForce1 Records, Universal Music Central Europe and Universal Music South AfricaIncredibly, it is the first time that UMG labels from the two continents have combined to sign and release African artists globally, says the major. Other inaugural signings include WurlD, Odunsi (the Engine), Tay Iwar and Ghanaian-born artists Cina Soul and Stonebwoy.
Eze and his team are poised support artists from Nigeria, Ghana, and Gambia throughout the continent and beyond, utilizing Universal Music Group’s global networks for wider discovery, marketing, promotion and distribution.
Ezekozie Eze: Pic Credit: Universal Musical Group
Eze formerly held roles at Channel O Television, Empire Mates Entertainment (Banky W & WizKid) and was a founder of Pan-African creative companies, Republic 54, Alore Group, and Duma Collective. He will report to Sipho Dlamini, MD, Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The label has signed a wide of Nigerian-born artists including WurlD, Odunsi (the Engine), Tay Iwar, and Ghanaian-born artists Cina Soul and Stonebwoy.
The label has recently signed deals with celebrated Banku singer and songwriter Mr Eazi for pan-African releases and co-signed Nigerian artist Tekno in conjunction with Island Records UK and Tanzanian singer and songwriter Vanessa Mdee in conjunction with AfroForce1 Records/Universal Music
Eze stated, “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 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”