Universal Music Group artists to perform at US fest

The list comprises Nasty C (SA), Tellaman (SA), Sauti Sol (Kenya), Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania), WurlD (US/Nigeria) and Demi Grace (Nigeria). The announcement comes a few days after UMGA picked up a total of 13 gongs at the South African Music Awards held in Sun City in the North West province.

“At a time when the world looks to Africa for inspiration, UMGA responds to the call with the talent we have in our stable,” UMGA (South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa) director Sipho Dlamini said. “The time is ripe for our artists and music to take on the world stages like never before. We have so much to offer and the world is ready.

“The Essence Festival stage is a springboard to more in the US, Europe and the whole world. We pride ourselves for being authentically African and unapologetic in how we tell our stories through music.”

UMGA under Sipho Dlamini

In May 2019, Sipho Dlamini was featured in the list of Billboard’s International Power Players. The article recognised executives that are driving the success of the music industry outside the US at a time when global music sales are on the rise.

“Last July, under Dlamini, UMG launched Universal Music Nigeria, which also covers Ghana, Gambia and other territories,” Billboard said. “The new label signed Nigerian artists including WurlD, Odunsi (The Engine), Tay Iwar and Mr Eazi and, in May, Nigerian star Tiwa Savage joined UMG.”

Dlamini played a pivotal role in signing up Tiwa Savage. The contract will see her future music released internationally through UMGA’s operations in more than 60 countries. Earlier this year, the label also signed South African artist Simphiwe Dana, who is currently polishing up her first album to be released under the label.