Numerous tracks by Ghanaian dancehall sensation Stonebwoy will be making a comeback on the well-known video-sharing app TikTok, according to fans of the musician.
The return of Universal Music Group’s (UMG) vast song catalog and music videos to the well-known social media site TikTok is guaranteed by a historic new agreement between UMG and the platform.
After the prior contract expired on January 31, 2024, a standoff resulted from the controversy about royalty payments, which started on February 1, 2024.
UMG had previously blasted TikTok for paying its musicians and composers unfairly and said the app forced them to take a bad contract.
When TikTok first rejected UMG’s requirements, several UMG artists’ songs—including those of Stonebwoy, Yemi Alade, and Mr. Eazi—were taken down from the platform.
The partnership’s primary goals are to value music and assist the creative community, according to Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG.
He was cited in the announcement as saying, “We look forward to working with the TikTok team to further the interests of our artists and songwriters and drive innovation in fan engagement while advancing social music monetization.”
The CEO of TikTok, Show Chew, expressed his excitement about UMG’s music being incorporated into the platform’s dynamic environment.
He was also cited as saying, “We are committed to working together to drive value, discovery and promotion for all of UMG’s amazing artists and songwriters, and deepen their ability to grow, connect and engage with the TikTok community.”
Through the agreement, UMG’s recorded music and publishing catalogues will be made available to TikTok once more, enabling fans to produce video featuring songs from both up-and-coming artists and some of the greatest names in the business.
In an effort to promote UMG artists worldwide, the businesses plan to investigate new revenue streams via TikTok’s e-commerce features and joint marketing initiatives.
In order to increase artists’ visibility on the platform, TikTok is also investing in tools like the “Add to Music App,” sophisticated analytics, and ticketing features. All of this is done while maintaining online safety for both fans and artists.
Additionally, attempts will be made to improve artist and songwriter attribution and get rid of unapproved AI-generated music.
Artists include Stonebwoy, Yemi Alade, Mr. Eazi, Sauti Sol, Tekno, Nasty C, Vanessa Mdee, and Youssou N’Dour have returned to TikTok thanks to this deal.
