Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced an exclusive global recording agreement with one of Africa’s biggest stars, Nigerian singer/songwriter Tiwa Savage.
Under the agreement, Savage's future music will be released internationally through UMG’s operations in more than 60 countries worldwide. Projects will be executively produced by Efe Ogbeni of Regime Music Societe and Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna.
Savage, who performs at London's Wireless Festival in July, said: "My biggest goal is to make Africa proud. I’m so excited for this moment and I’m thankful to Sir Lucian Grainge and my new UMG family for their belief in my dreams. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career and I’m more ready than I have ever been."
The singer-songwriter, philanthropist and entrepreneur was crowned Best African Act by the MTV European Music Awards, making history as the first female to win the accolade. In the same year, she also became the first African female to sell out London’s IndigO2 and was handpicked by Coldplay’s Chris Martin to perform alongside Beyonce, Ed Sheeran and Jay Z live at the Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg.
Adam Granite, EVP market development, Universal Music Group, said, “We are looking forward to partnering with Tiwa and her team to help her music reach new audiences around the world. As one of Africa’s most successful, influential and dynamic singer-songwriters, Tiwa has truly global ambitions and UMG is committed to help her in achieving them.”
Savage was named one of the world’s Top 100 Inspirational Women in Fashion by Vogue US then later featured in British Vogue’s December 2018 issue as one of 10 women that are changing the face of music globally. She has released a string of singles including Mr Lova Lova ft Duncan Mighty, Diet and Tiwa’s Vibe all of which hit the No. 1 spot across charts within Africa.
Last year, UMG signed a landmark licensing agreement with Boomplay, Africa’s leading music streaming and download service.
