Universal Music Group: Major label launches in Nigeria, recruits local music executives

Universal comes through a year after Sony Music, a major competitor opened an office in Lagos.

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, is set to launch in Nigeria officially.

Universal Music Group is the global music leader, with wholly-owned operations in 60 territories. And the company is launching in Nigeria, with an official announcement planned any time soon.

Specific details are not available, but according to trusted sources, the entire Nigerian operations is headed by local music industry professionals. Ezegozie Eze, who is a seasoned music business expert, talent manager and A&R professional, will be leading the team.

 

Another interesting member of the team is Lanre ‘Elbama’ Onipede, who joins after his stepping down from his role at Viacom as MTV Base Talent Manager. Former Trace TV Head of Campaigns and Branding, Betty Anthony, will serve as Marketing Manager. Bayo Fatobo, a seasoned event expert will lead Event Operations. And Kimani Moore, will lead the A&R efforts of the group.

The team were in South Africa recently for meetings, with photos shared on social media. An official announcement is expected to be made very soon.

 

A subsidiary of Vivendi, UMG is the world's largest recording company, boasting about 20 record labels, including Capitol Records, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Island Def Jam, Motown Records, UMG Nashville, and Verve Music Group. Its popular artists include Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Sting, and Kanye West, among many others. Its Universal Music Publishing Group is the world's largest music publishing house, with more than a million copyrights under control. UMG owns the largest catalog of recorded music in the world.

 

Universal comes through a year after Sony Music, a major competitor opened an office in Lagos.

Pulse has reached out to Lanre Onipede for comments.