Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo Credit: Shai Pal
As part of its ongoing quest to develop a presence in quickly emerging markets, Universal Music Group (UMG) has opened new offices in Casablanca, Morocco, and Tel Aviv, Israel.
Universal Music Group announced the expansions in an official release this morning.
Universal Music Morocco will work to sign talented artists from throughout Morocco and North Africa as a whole, in addition to crafting and executing long-term strategies to help these individuals secure regional and global success. Serena Safieddine will head UMG Morocco, reporting to Universal Music MENA (Middle East and North Africa) CEO Patrick Boulos.
Addressing her role at UMG Morocco, Safieddine said: “I am delighted to be officially launching Universal Music Morocco. We will work with all of our local partners and platforms, and together within the artist community to help shine a spotlight on the great talent from the region.”
UMG Israel will strive to meet similar goals, with Yoram Mokady, formerly an executive at Israeli television and internet provider Hot Telecom, leading the division and reporting to UMG EVP of Market Development Adam Granite.
Speaking of his position within UMG Israel, Mokady stated: “As the first major global music company in-market, UMG will look to identify, sign and develop the best domestic artist talent, whilst working closely with partners, technology companies and local start-ups to create innovative campaigns and projects to help UMG artists to reach the widest possible audience worldwide.”
Late last month, DMN was first to report that Universal Music Group had established a Def Jam Africa branch in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Lagos, Nigeria.
Prior to that, the Big Three record label closed a multiyear licensing deal with Boomplay, an African music streaming service that boasts more than 62 million users. The company also recently inked an agreement with Nigeria’s uduX Music.