Universal Music Group has named the co-founder of Gidi Culture Fest, popularly known as Coachella, Chinedu Okeke, as the new Managing Director of its Nigeria Division as part of “strategic” appointments made by the music group within Africa.
UMG also announced the appointments of Sipho Dlamini as Chief Executive Officer, Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa as well as Elouise Kelly who is appointed Chief Operating Officer, Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
“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.
“Over the past few years, Sipho has shown great leadership, commitment and vision for music in Africa, helping UMG to introduce new talent to audiences around the world and identify opportunities to lead the industry in licensing and supporting new platforms to reach African music fans. Elouise and Chin both bring welcome new skills, proven entrepreneurship and important leadership experience that will only serve to bolster UMG’s position as the market-leader across Africa,” UMG’s Vice-President Market Development, Adam Granite said in a statement made available to TCN.
According to the statement, Okeke will lead the development and expansion of UMG’s existing operations within Nigeria, and further English-speaking markets in West Africa. He will be based in Lagos, Nigeria and will report to Dlamini.
“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, artists and commercial partners,” the statement partly read.