Universal Music Group (UMG) has made a new deal with Meta to allow UMG’s music to be used on WhatsApp. WhatsApp is a messaging app owned by Meta. It is used by billions of people around the world.
UMG and Meta first agreed in 2017. At that time, Meta was called Facebook. The new deal improves upon this original agreement. The agreement allows UMG’s music to be used across all of Meta’s social media platforms. This now includes Threads, which is Meta’s newest platform.
Under this new deal, when creators use UMG’s licensed music in their posts on Meta’s platforms, the artists and songwriters will receive a share of the advertising revenue.
Michael Nash, who is UMG’s Chief Digital Officer and Executive Vice President, made a statement about this new agreement.
“We are delighted that Meta shares our artist-centric vision for respecting human creativity and compensating artists and songwriters fairly. We look forward to continuing to work together to address unauthorized AI-generated content that could affect artists and songwriters so that UMG can continue to protect their rights both now and in the future,” he said.
The new deal between Universal Music Group and Meta includes WhatsApp.
The first collection of songs that can be shared and used on WhatsApp will be UMG’s music. This means that Nigerian artists signed to or affiliated with UMG will have their music available on WhatsApp. Two examples of such artists are Adekunle Gold and Odumodublvck.
Lucian Grainge is the leader of Universal Music. Under his leadership, UMG has been working hard to stop people from using their music without permission.
UMG is especially concerned about artificial intelligence that uses their artists’ music without the right to do so.
In 2024, UMG had a long argument with TikTok. They disagreed about how much TikTok should pay for using UMG’s music. UMG also said TikTok wasn’t doing enough to stop artificial intelligence from using their music without permission.
Eventually, UMG and TikTok came to an agreement. This new deal ensures that UMG’s artists and songwriters will be paid when their music is used on TikTok. It also covers the use of their likeness by artificial intelligence.
Nigerian star Seyi Vibez recently sparked reactions on social media by declaring himself an “Individual artist” and also unfollowing his label boss, Dapper. This bold move led many fans to speculate that the two-year partnership between the artist and Dapper Music & Entertainment may have come to a contentious end.
Both Seyi Vibez and Dapperdamm unfollowed each other on their social media accounts. Further, this fueled rumours of a split. Additionally, Seyi Vibez wiped his Instagram of all posts related to his music under the label.
The timing of this development coincided with a controversy that had already placed Seyi Vibez under public scrutiny. Just days before the social media drama unfolded, the artist faced massive backlash. This was from Nigerians in Toronto, Canada, for abruptly cancelling a scheduled show without prior notice. The incident drew widespread criticism, adding to the mounting tension surrounding the artist.
As of now, neither Seyi Vibez nor Dapperdamm has officially addressed the alleged separation. Indeed this has left fans in suspense about the future of their partnership. However, a source from Dapper Music disclosed to PM News that the label is awaiting Seyi Vibez’s return to Nigeria to resolve the ongoing issues. The source added that the next steps would be determined following his arrival.
Seyi Vibez signed with Dapper Music in 2022 and has since risen to fame. This is largely due to the success of his breakout single, “Chance (Na Ham),” from his second studio album, “Billion Dollar Baby”. His time with the label has been marked by collaborations with several notable artists.
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema recently graced “The Breakfast Club” with his presence. He discussed his latest musical, “HEIS.” During this candid conversation, the artist delved deep into his artistic journey’ He shed light on the creative process behind his previous album and the inspiration that fueled his chart-topping single “Soundgasm.”
Rema took listeners on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Also, he recounted the meteoric rise that followed the release of his debut EP. This early work, he revealed, served as a catapult that launched him onto the international stage with unprecedented speed.
Notably, the young artist’s swift ascent to stardom defied industry norms. Many believe he should have spent more time “grinding” before achieving such widespread recognition. Despite these expectations, Rema stood firm in his belief that while divine grace played a role in his success, it was his unwavering dedication and relentless work ethic that truly propelled him forward. He painted a vivid picture of his commitment, describing nights that bled into days as he tirelessly honed his craft.
When the conversation shifted to his position within the Afrobeats genre, Rema exuded confidence.
Addressing comparisons to the widely recognized ‘Big 3’ of Afrobeats—Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido—Rema boldly asserted his place among these industry titans. “I’m one of them ones,” he declared, leaving no room for doubt.
The artist went on to emphasize the profound impact he has made on the genre, pointing out that his influence extends far beyond merely creating hit songs. Rema positioned himself as a trailblazer, highlighting his role in elevating Afrobeats to a truly global platform.
For Rema, the measure of an artist’s significance lies not in their age or the length of their career, but in the magnitude of their influence and their ability to create new opportunities for the culture as a whole. He sees himself as a door-opener, paving the way for future generations of Afrobeats artists to reach even greater heights on the world stage. Through his music and his unapologetic ambition, Rema continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible for Nigerian artists in the global music landscape.
Mohbad, a man of influence, seamlessly blended Fuji, Afrobeats, and Hip Hop to create songs that reflected his unique artistry and genuine spirit. His songs, ranging from Street Hop anthems to introspective narratives about life’s challenges, offered both joy and comfort to his audience.
On September 12, 2023, the music world was saddened by the tragic news of Mohbad’s passing. A year later, artists and fans continue to pay tribute to this talented musician who captivated listeners with his vibrant music.
In commemoration of his one-year remembrance, here are seven unforgettable songs that showcase the exceptional musical talent of Mohbad:
Rexxie feat Mohbad – Ko Por Ke (2020)
One of the most iconic songs in the history of Street-Hop, “Ko Por Ke” was a cultural phenomenon that left an indelible mark on Nigerian music. The song’s infectious rhythm and Mohbad’s captivating lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, propelling him to mainstream success and showcasing his extraordinary talent.
Marlian Anthem (2020)
Signed to Marlian Records during the peak of Naira Marley’s influence, Mohbad created “Marlian Anthem,” a mesmerizing anthem that embodied the movement’s rebellious spirit and challenged societal norms. However, the relationship between Mohbad and Marlian Records eventually soured, adding a bittersweet layer to the song’s significance.
Holy (2020)
Taken from his debut EP “Light,” “Holy” offered a glimpse into Mohbad’s personal journey as he embraced his imperfections with a refreshing honesty. The song’s uplifting message encouraged listeners to accept their own flaws and find strength in vulnerability.
Feel Good (2021)
Demonstrating his versatility and musical prowess, Mohbad delivered a Neo-Fuji reinterpretation of James Brown’s classic “I Feel Good.” The song’s infectious energy and Mohbad’s unique style made it a massive hit, further solidifying his position as a distinctive talent in the Afrobeats scene.
Peace (2022)
In “Peace,” Mohbad candidly expressed his frustrations and longing for tranquillity amidst the challenges he faced in his career. The song’s raw emotion and powerful lyrics resonated deeply with fans, offering a glimpse into the artist’s inner struggles.
Ask About Me (2023)
Following his highly publicized departure from Marlian Records, Mohbad made a triumphant comeback with “Ask About Me.” The defiant song reaffirmed his determination to pursue his dreams and showcase his undeniable talent.
Tragically, just before his untimely passing, Mohbad collaborated with singer Chike on the joyful single “Egwu.” The song’s infectious energy and Mohbad’s brilliant performance quickly made it a mega-hit. “Egwu” served as a testament to Mohbad’s ability to spread joy and positivity through his music.