Universal Music Group Nigeria (UMGNG) has signed what it describes as “a major deal” with Ugandan singer-songwriter Irene Ntalé.
A household name in Uganda and East Africa, with over 10 million streams and downloads, Ntalé is known for her fusion of RnB, Afropop, reggae, and acoustic soul.
One of the leading female artists on the continent, she is the first artist from Uganda to sign to Universal Music Group.
Ntalé’s deal with the company includes a partnership with U-Live Africa (a division of Universal Music Group Nigeria) to produce her annual concert Ntalé Live, which debuted in 2018 with a sold out show at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
Ntalé released her first single, Nyamba, through Universal Music Group Nigeria on Wednesday (21 August), which follows the release of her hit singles such as Kyolowooza, Stamina Daddy, and Gukuba.
UMG expanded its presence in Western Africa in July last year with the launch of its new office in Lagos under the Universal Music Group Nigeria banner, led by Ezegozie Eze Jr.
In November 2018 UMG became the first major music company to license its catalog to Boomplay, the streaming and download service which covers multiple markets in Africa.
The company also became the first major label to ink a licensing agreement with Nigeria-based music streaming service uduX in April this year.
UMG also recently signed an exclusive global recording agreement with Nigerian singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage, one of Africa’s biggest stars.
“Being signed to Universal Music Group, Nigeria is the beginning of a new journey as we plan to take over the world.”
Ntalé
“Being signed to Universal Music Group, Nigeria is the beginning of a new journey as we plan to take over the world,” said Ntalé.
“This partnership has been two years in the making and we are excited to be on this journey with her, as she sets her eyes on Africa and then the world.”
Ezegozie Eze, Universal Music Group Nigeria
General Manager of Universal Music Group Nigeria, Ezegozie Eze added: “We are excited to have Ntalé join the family.
“She is an extremely talented artist and her dedication to her craft has paid off in East Africa.
“This partnership has been two years in the making and we are excited to be on this journey with her, as she sets her eyes on Africa and then the world”.Music Business Worldwide
