United Talent Agency (UTA) has announced the acquisition of UK-based Echo Location Talent Agency.
Founded and led by Obi Asika, Echo represents a wealth of British and global music talent including Alesso, Bugzy Malone, Chase & Status, Davido, Diplo, Galantis, Gorgon City, Giggs, Hannah Wants, Major Lazer, Marshmello, Pendulum, Pa Salieu, Sampa The Great, Teni, Wizkid and many others.
Consequent to the acquisition, Asika has been named Co-Head of UTA’s UK office alongside Neil Warnock.
In a media release, UTA said the acquisition “further enhances UTA’s global music footprint and will provide Echo’s clients with access to the company’s full-service resources and capabilities”.
“Throughout the years Echo has been approached by several suitors, and as we evaluated the agency landscape, UTA’s strength, ingenuity and true commitment to their artists really stood out. UTA was ultimately the perfect fit.”
Obi Asika, Echo (pictured)
UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer said: “Obi and his team have built an impressive business and have done excellent work taking their artists to the next level. He is a highly respected leader in the music industry and is well-versed in the global entertainment marketplace.
“This acquisition further amplifies our efforts to expand UTA’s presence, and I know that alongside Neil, Obi’s leadership, drive, and passion will be a vital addition not only to the UK office, but for UTA at large.”
As Co-Head of the UK office, Asika will be responsible for driving UTA’s growing music business as well as expanding existing practice areas including comedy, sports, marketing, and other verticals.
Asika will report to Co-Heads of Worldwide Music Sam Kirby Yoh and David Zedeck.
“This acquisition further amplifies our efforts to expand UTA’s presence, and I know that alongside Neil, Obi’s leadership, drive, and passion will be a vital addition not only to the UK office, but for UTA at large.”
Jeremy Zimmer, UTA
“Throughout the years Echo has been approached by several suitors, and as we evaluated the agency landscape, UTA’s strength, ingenuity and true commitment to their artists really stood out. UTA was ultimately the perfect fit,” said Echo’s Obi Asika.
“Jeremy, Sam, David, and Neil have shown strong and thoughtful leadership as they have built out the music division and the company’s global influence. I am so proud of what the team at Echo has achieved and I am fired up as to what we can all accomplish together.”
Senior agent Belinda Law and a group of emerging agents including Myles Jessop, Tom Jones, Jack Clarke, Hannah Shogbola, Kazia Davy and Ishsha Bourget will join Asika at UTA.
Based in London, Echo Location Talent Agency was founded in 2012 by Asika. With a focus on Afrobeats, Grime, Drill, Hip-Hop and Electronic music, Echo has secured headline arena shows and major festival bookings across the globe.
UTA Music represents talent including Post Malone, deadmau5, Bad Bunny, YG, The Jonas Brothers, Rosalía, MIA, Bebe Rexha, The Pussycat Dolls, Young Thug, Common, Tyga, Offset, Burna Boy, Halsey, Machine Gun Kelly, James Blake, Florence and the Machine, Tierra Whack, The Kid Laroi, Bring Me The Horizon, Christine and The Queens, and Deep Purple.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.Music Business Worldwide
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