Universal Music Group (UMG) has signed an exclusive global recording agreement with Nigerian singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage, the company announced on Thursday (May 2). Under the terms of the deal, Savage’s future music will be released by UMG in over 60 countries worldwide.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Savage previously performed as a backup singer for artists such as Mary J. Blige and the late singer George Michael.
She later attended Boston’s renowned Berklee College of Music on scholarship.
Tiwa Savage 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.”
Adam Granite, EVP Market Development, Universal Music Group, added: “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.”
Efe Ogbeni & Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna of Stealth Management said: “We’re very proud to be a part of this ground-breaking partnership between Tiwa Savage and Universal Music Group.
“Tiwa is undoubtedly the most hardworking and talented female artist crossing over from Africa to the rest of the world, and UMG has demonstrated its commitment to the Continent by placing its formidable machinery behind her amazing career.
“Partnerships like these symbolize the hopes and dreams of so many talented artists back home in Africa and it is an honor to be the executive producers of her project.”
