Universal Music Group officially comes to Nigeria

The new arm, headed by Ezegozie Eze, will take charge of UMG’s interests across English-speaking West African countries Nigeria, Ghana and the Gambia. Artists from those countries will be given support throughout the continent and outside of it.

Eze has been a familiar name in the Nigerian entertainment scene for some time, having worked with Banky W’s co-owned former label, Empire Mates Entertainment, and  music TV station Channel O.

Eze has also been referred to as Universal’s representative by figures in the Nigerian entertainment scene for some time. Music In Africa has learnt that the company had been laying the “groundwork” long before the 17 July official announcement. A source told Music In Africa that artists with different deals a Universal “will now be plugged into the global music business machine”.

These artists include Nigerian acts WurlD, Tay Iwar and Odunsi (the Engine), as well as Ghanaian acts Stonebwoy and Cina Soul – all of whom are artists on the label. Vanessa Mdee, Mr Eazi and Tekno also have deals with the company.

“I am delighted to be officially launching Universal Music’s Nigerian division at such an exciting time for African music around the world,” Eze said.

“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.”

Whereas his counterpart in Abidjan, Moussa Soumbounou, reports to UMG chief in France, Olivier Nusse, Eze will work with Sipho Dlamini, managing director of Universal Music South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

“In recent years there has been an increase in visibility of Nigerian and Ghanaian music and its influence on contemporary music around the world," Dlamini said about the development. "Eze and his team are perfectly placed to support, nurture and help develop artists and musicians from the region, while creating opportunities for new talent from the region to reach the widest possible audience.”

The new division is working on opening a recording studio in Lagos. If successful, the new studio will join the only other studio run by Universal Music, which is located in Johannesburg, South Africa.