Tag: Universal Music Group news

Sauti Sol makes grand comeback with fresh hit ‘Suzanna’ (Video)

Posted on by David Kingsley

It’s such a good time to be alive ladies and gentlemen. Why, you ask? Well, after a long musical hiatus award winning Kenyan band Sauti Sol is back and they bigger and better.

Also read: Believe it or not, Sauti Sol is saving the Kenyan music industry

A few hours ago, Sauti Sol dropped a new track dubbed Suzanna, off their forthcoming album Midnight Train, and it is without a doubt their best song yet. Trust me.

Sauti Sol
Sauti Sol

The underlying message in their new song is that people, especially our ladies, should accept themselves as they were created by God and not to undergo costly procedures because they are afraid that nobody will love them.

In layman’s language, don’t bleach your skin, get butt injections, wear Brazilian wigs because you are perfect the way you are and it all boils down to your habits and not the way you look.

The other subject that Sauti Sol has addressed in their new track is controversial phenomenon of sponsor and lasses who are their beneficiaries.

Sauti Sol

Other than the powerful message that Suzanna carries, it is also very infectious. Honestly speaking, I have lost count of the number of times I’ve listened to it since it was released because I just keep hitting the replay button.

The jam, which was released a week after band announced their exclusive recording agreement with Universal Music Music Africa (UMA), has been getting a lot of airplay since it came out and understandably so.

Suzanna is well-arranged. The wit in the lyrics is unmatched. If you have to know, my favourite line in this jam is the part that goes like, “And I see you in London, silicon on your bum bum shaking what your doctor gave you.”

Sauti-Sol

The instrumentation on this track is impeccable. Polycarp Otieno did a good job on the guitar because it hits the soul as you listen.

The video concept is also sick. The 70s disco ball set up aligns well with the theme of the song because if people fell in love during that time, why should you change your body now to be loved?

This song is a whole vibe and I can’t wait to sample other songs from their forthcoming album because this is enough proof that it’s not business as usual since they have also matured musically.

Watch Suzanna below and tell us what you think. Enjoy

Boomplay users to have access to extensive catalog of music from Eminem, Nicki Minaj after deal with Universal Music Group

Posted on by Martin Oduor

Universal Music Group becomes first music company to partner with leading African music streaming and download service – Boomplay.

The Africa’s leading music streaming and download service and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment today announced the signing of a landmark licensing agreement covering multiple markets within Africa.

UMG is the first major music company to license its catalog to Boomplay, which has quickly established itself as the most popular streaming service in Africa. Under the terms of the multi-year agreement and effective immediately, Boomplay will distribute music from UMG’s world-renowned labels through its streaming and download platform in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia. Boomplay currently provides more than two million songs and thousands of music videos to more than 36 million users, with nearly two million new users added each month.

Extensive catalog

Users will now have access to UMG’s extensive catalog of both local and global recording artists including Eminem, Tekno, Post Malone, Nicki Minaj, Lady Zamar, Lil Wayne, Bob Marley, Brenda Fassie, Wurld, J.Cole, Dr. Tumi, Nasty C, 6lack, Diana Ross, Hugh Masekela, Jon Bellion, Larry Gaaga, Tamia, Maroon 5, Aka & Anatii, TJAN, Jah Prayzah, Nonso Bassey, Mafikizolo, Cina Soul, Ella Mai and Mr. Eazi.

Earlier this year, UMG announced the launch of Universal Music Nigeria, a new division within Western Africa to provide artists with comprehensive opportunities throughout the region and to provide pan-African talent the best possible launch pad for wider international success. UMG is accelerating the company’s focus on growing the entire African music ecosystem including recorded music, music publishing, production, live events, brand partnerships and merchandising efforts.

In making the announcement, Universal Music Group, Executive Vice-President, Market Development Adam Granite said, “We’re looking forward to working with Boomplay as we provide our African artists a range of creative, marketing and promotional resources to accelerate their careers within this vibrant and growing music market. This agreement will help UMG artists to reach new audiences, whilst boosting the African streaming experience to benefit both music fans, artists and songwriters.”

“This partnership extends our reach and makes our artists’ music accessible to millions of African music lovers,” said Ezegozie Eze Jr., General Manager, Universal Music Nigeria, “We are delighted to be the first global music company to partner with Boomplay and look forward to bringing the extraordinary creativity of our artists to as many Africans users as possible.”

Also commenting, Boomplay’s CEO, Joe He, said that Boomplay will continue to forge partnerships that enriches the digital ecosystem and connects music lovers with their favorite songs anytime and anywhere.

“Boomplay is determined to continue meeting the music passion point of Africans in a legitimate way, especially Boomplay users, and teaming up with a major music company in the global music industry like Universal Music Group, offers yet another significant opportunity for us to do so”, he said.

The Boomplay App, which is currently only available for Android users, is scheduled for release via iOS in the coming weeks. In addition, new Boomplay users will be able to obtain a free one-month subscription when they opt in for a monthly auto-renewable subscription plan.