Okeke Chosen to Lead Universal Music Nigeria Expansion

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The leadership of Universal Music Group has appointed Mr Chinedu Okeke as the Managing Director of Universal Music Nigeria.

The founder and executive producer of Nigeria’s legendary Gidi Culture Festival will be expected to lead the development and expansion of UMG’s existing operations within Nigeria, and further English-speaking markets in West Africa.

In a statement, it was disclosed that Mr Okeke will report to Mr Sipho Dlamini, who has been promoted to CEO, Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr Okeke joins UMG having established himself over the last decade, as a successful business and live-music entrepreneur. He is the founder of Eclipse Live, a live entertainment company focused on bringing live affordable entertainment to the youth of Africa and Eclipse Brand Agency, working with major clients, artistes and commercial partners.

He is also a founding Trustee of Echo Music & Arts Foundation, and previously held positions at The Wicklow Group, Canvest Group & AP Moeller Maersk.

On his part, Mr Dlamini, in his new role, will continue to work closely with UMG’s EVP, Market Development, Mr Adam Granite, to identify further opportunities for artists signed to Universal Music Africa to reach new audiences around the world, utilizing UMG’s unrivalled global network of industry-leading businesses spanning more than 60 countries worldwide.

Since joining UMG in 2016, he has been instrumental in solidifying and growing UMG’s African infrastructure, increasing the visibility of African music around the world and delivering unprecedented artist success in South Africa.

During this time, UMG has also led the industry with new initiatives across live music, brand partnerships and the adoption of licensed and legal streaming platforms within Africa.

It was disclosed that UMG decided to make the new appointments to strengthen its position as the leading music company in Africa.

The entertainment outfit stated that the move underscores its ongoing commitment to support and grow Africa’s domestic music ecosystems, while also creating new opportunities for African talent to reach new audiences globally.

“I am thrilled to announce these strategic appointments, as we look to further develop our domestic infrastructure and label rosters within Africa.

“Most integral to achieving our long-term ambitions is to build a strong leadership team on the ground, with deep foundations in each country to help grow a dynamic ecosystem for all to benefit in the future,” Mr Granite said.

UMG has worked with some top artistes in Nigeria, including Tiwa Savage, Tekno, amongst others.