Celebrated African photographers Emmanuel and Samuel Appiah Gyan (Twinsdntbeg Senior) have secured a partnership deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) with their hard work in South Africa. The Twins couldn’t hide their joy when they took to their Facebook to spread the good news to their loved ones and also shares some adorable pictures from the signing room.
We are happy to announce our partnership with @universalmusicgroup @umg
Many thanks to @zamani_ndimade and the entire team for such a great honor. First photographers / Directors from West Africa to receive such honor
New label group dedicated to supporting the best in African hip-hop talent and culture across the continent
The duo began their professional photography in 2015. They have worked with Ghanaian personalities like President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo, Becca, Akosua Vee, Efya, DKB, Jackie Appiah, Stonebwoy and Nana Ama McBrown. They were the official photographers for the Nairobi Entrepreneur Fashion week. They are brand ambassadors for Sultan drink. They were the main photographers for the Ghana Music Awards 2017, Ghana Meets Naija and Miss Malaika 2017 pageant
About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is a Dutch–American multinational music corporation under Dutch law. UMG’s corporate headquarters are located in Hilversum, Netherlands and its operational headquarters are located in Santa Monica, California. The biggest music company in the world, it is one of the “Big Three” record labels, along with Sony Music and Warner Music Group. Tencent acquired ten percent of Universal Music Group in March 2020 for €3 billion and acquired an additional ten percent stake in January 2021. Pershing Square Holdings later acquired ten percent of UMG prior to its IPO on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange. The company went public on September 21, 2021 at a valuation of €46 billion.
In 2019, Fast Company named Universal Music Group the most innovative music company and listed UMG among the Top 50 most innovative companies in the world and “amid the music industry’s digital transformation, Universal is redefining what a modern label should look like.”UMG has signed licensing agreements with more than 400 platforms worldwide.
Label launch roster includes some of Africa’s most influential artists and MC’s including: Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Larry Gaaga, Boity, Nadia Nakai, Tellaman, Tshego, Ricky Tyler & Vector
SANTA MONICA / JOHANNESBURG / LAGOS, May 26, 2020 – Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the launch of Def Jam Africa, a new label division within the continent dedicated to representing the best hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap talent in Africa. Def Jam Africa will follow the blueprint of the iconic Def Jam Recordings label, which has led and influenced the cutting-edge in hip-hop and urban culture for more than 35 years.
The label will initially be based in Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria, but will identify and sign artist talent from across the entire continent. It will be supported by dedicated A&R, marketing, creative and digital teams from the UMG teams in both Nigeria and South Africa and will report to Sipho Dlamini, MD, Universal Music Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa.
