Photo Credit: Harold Serero (A&R Manager, Ultra), Kekay (Founder, Estlon Music), Kolawale Hassan Jr. (Monarch & Stroud)
Ultra International Music Publishing announces an expansion and a new creative hub in Nigeria.
Ultra, the leading independent publisher of hip-hop, pop, EDM, jazz, and reggae, has announced an expansion of its rapidly growing Afrobeat operations and a new creative hub in Nigeria’s capital Lagos. This initiative furthers the company’s success in the Afrobeat genre.
Overseen by Andreas Rizek, Head of North American A&R for Ultra, the company’s signings include Tejiri Akpoghene, who last week won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance as a producer on Future’s “Wait For U” featuring Drake & Tems. Ultra has also signed rising star Maesu through a co-publishing agreement with the acclaimed Los Angeles-based company Sturdy, an industry leader in creative direction, live production design, and stagecraft.
“We have been involved in the signing and development of African songwriters and producers for some time, and this new announcement of a creative hub in Lagos where we can help nurture the incredible talent coming out of West Africa will be a key focus for our creative team moving forward,” says Patrick Moxey, Founder and CEO of Ultra Music Publishing.
The company has also appointed its London-based A&R manager Harol Serero to oversee the development of its African operations.
“It is incredibly inspiring to get the chance to work with such uniquely talented, ambitious songwriters and artists that will shape the sound of Africa and hopefully the world in 2023 and beyond. This is the future,” says Serero.
To celebrate the initiative’s launch, Ultra hosted a writing camp in Lagos in partnership with Estlon Music. The event saw more than 20 young writers, artists, producers, and audio-visual designers come together to collaborate over three days.
The camp featured seasoned producers like Burna Boy’s producers Chopstiix and Leriq, along with newcomers Bloody Civilian, Amexin, Shorae Moore, songwriter Naya Akanji, guitarist Effeh Jazz, and several others. Music written at the camp will contribute to a showcase mixtape titled Sonic Rares.
Amexin, who most recently supported Wizkid on tour, has also been unveiled as a new addition to Ultra’s roster. He is considered a likely breakout star for Nigeria in 2023.