Stonebwoy, Yemi Alade, others songs to return on TikTok after new deal with Universal Music Group
Music record label, Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok have reached a new deal which will see all UMG’s song catalog and music videos back on TikTok.
The settled differences between the two parties have brought some relief to fans of artistes whose music were taken off TikTok due to conflict over royalties’ agreement.
It will be recalled that on February 1 this year, TikTok was engaged in a tussle with UMG over the payment of song royalties to UMG.
After the previous agreement between the two expired on January 31, 2024 both parties could not reach a new agreement because TikTok was not willing to accept the new offer presented by Universal Music Group.
UMG accused TikTok of unfair compensation for their artists and songwriters and said the social video app is intimidating them into accepting a bad deal which will amount to disrespecting their copyright.
However, a recent announcement on the website of UMG indicates that the rift has been resolved and both groups are willing to proceed with their partnership.
In a statement on May 1 to announce the new deal, UMG said it has a reached a new multi-dimensional licensing agreement that will deliver significant industry-leading benefits for UMG’s global family of artists, songwriters and labels and will return their music to TikTok’s billion-plus global community.
“The joint agreement marks a new era of strategic collaboration between the two organizations, built on a shared commitment to help UMG’s artists and songwriters achieve their creative and commercial potential.
“UMG and TikTok will deliver improved remuneration for UMG’s songwriters and artists, new promotional and engagement opportunities for their recordings and songs and industry-leading protections with respect to generative AI,” excerpts of the statement indicated.
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group, said: “This new chapter in our relationship with TikTok focuses on the value of music, the primacy of human artistry and the welfare of the creative community.”
Significantly, the decision heralds a pivotal milestone for the African music industry with the return of artists such as Stonebwoy, Yemi Alade, Mr. Eazi, Sauti Sol, Techno, Nasty C, Vanessa Mdee, Youssou N’Dour, and others to TikTok.
Most importantly this new development will see the return of African music which had been negatively impacted by the ban, including “Akwaba,” the official song of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
