Tiwa Savage leaves Mavin, signs new deal with Universal Music Group

BrandPower Magazine 02/05/2019Last Updated: 02/05/2019

2 minutes read

One of Africa’s biggest female acts, Tiwa Savage today, ended her seven-year old deal with Mavin Records by signing a record deal with American global music corporation, Universal Music Group.

Tiwa is known to be a woman of firsts as she was the First Lady of the Mavin crew, and now, this deal makes her the first Nigerian female act to be signed to the label.

Some of the facilitators present at the signing of the deal at the UMG office in California are Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group Worldwide, Sir Lucian Grainge, Executive Vice President, Market Development at Universal Music Worldwide, Adam Granite, Joel Katz, Efe Ogbeni, Vanessa Amadi (Stealth Management) and Managing Director of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa (English-speaking), Sipho Dlamini.

Tiwa joined Mavin Records in 2012, during its transition from Mo’Hits Records and has in transformed from just a singer, to a multiple award winning act and show headliner.

At the conclusion of the deal, Efe Ogbeni and Vanessa Amadi-Ogbonna said

“We’re very proud to be a part of this ground-breaking partnership between Tiwa Savage and Universal Music Group.

“Tiwa is undoubtedly the most hardworking and talented female artist crossing over from Africa to the rest of the world, and UMG has demonstrated its commitment to the continent by placing its formidable machinery behind her amazing career. Partnerships like these symbolize the hopes and dreams of so many talented artists back home in Africa and it is an honor to be the executive producers of her project.”

Adam Granite also attested to the fact that Tiwa is one of the best in Africa and promised the group will help her in fulfilling her global ambitions.

“We are looking forward to partnering with Tiwa and her team to help her music reach new audiences around the world. As one of Africa’s most successful, influential and dynamic singer-songwriters, Tiwa has truly global ambitions and UMG is committed to helping her in achieving them.”

Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, took to his Instagram to send out a farewell message to Tiwa as well as thank her for amazing seven years with his label during which she released two albums and one EP. She was also on the Mavin Compilation album, ‘Solar Plexus.

“Our darling Tiwatope. We at Mavin would like to say a very big thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us, a friend, a sister. It’s been an epic journey with you and we are very proud of what we have achieved together.

“As you start this new chapter in your life we want you to know that we are solidly behind you and can’t wait for the world to see what we have always believed you can be. Your jersey as the First Lady of Mavin will forever be yours as we do not intend to fill that position with anyone else.

“We love you from the bottom of heart and pray GOD’s blessings continue to follow you. Amennnn.”

Tiwa however, responded to Don Jazzy with the Twitter post, stating her contract with Mavins Records goes beyond just being in the group and claimed they are her family.

Tiwa wrote “It’s beyond a contract, I’m a Mavin for LIFE.”

Watch video of Tiwa’s deal signing and see posts below…………