Entertainment
Universal Music Initiates Song Removal from TikTok Amid Licensing Dispute
By Milcah Tanimu
A recent showdown between Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok has resulted in UMG pulling its music from the popular social media platform. The move occurred just a day before the expiration of UMG’s licensing contract with TikTok. UMG publicly expressed dissatisfaction through an open letter, accusing TikTok of unfair compensation practices and the proliferation of AI-generated music, which allegedly diminishes the earnings of genuine musicians.
In response, TikTok accused UMG of prioritizing greed over the interests of artists and songwriters, highlighting the platform’s contribution to promoting and discovering talent for free. The fallout was swift, with UMG artist recordings disappearing from TikTok’s music library, and existing videos featuring UMG tracks having their audio silenced. Users found themselves frustrated, unable to use Universal songs in new videos.
For instance, a video by a Nigerian influencer featuring a hit track from UMG artist Burna Boy went silent, displaying a message stating, “This sound isn’t available.” Similar copyright restriction messages appeared on numerous videos using UMG music.
Even official profiles of UMG artists, such as Burna Boy, had their music options reduced to a few brief snippets, disappointing and confusing fans. The impact on the Nigerian TikTok community is notable, although the exact number of affected videos remains unclear.
Both UMG and TikTok representatives have not disclosed details about their negotiations or the reasons behind the music withdrawal. Nevertheless, the bold move by UMG has sent shockwaves through the music industry. TikTok, with its extensive user base, plays a crucial role in music promotion in Nigeria, supporting emerging and established artists.
The ongoing battle between UMG and TikTok is closely watched by music enthusiasts in Nigeria, and the resolution of this dispute remains uncertain as tensions persist.
Entertainment
Toke Makinwa Finally Reveals Daughter’s Face
Media personality Toke Makinwa has officially unveiled her daughter, Yakira, to the public as the child marked her first birthday.
Makinwa shared photos of Yakira on her official social media page, giving the public its first look at her daughter since her birth.
The revelation comes days after the media personality spoke about motherhood and joked that people should now “chat with her differently” because she had become a mother.
In a video shared ahead of Yakira’s birthday, Makinwa revealed that she planned to fly her daughter to London for a lavish first birthday celebration.
“Y’all need to chat with me differently now. I’m the mother of a one-year-old. I’m flying her to London for her birthday party,” she said.
The media personality also expressed gratitude to God for the journey into motherhood, saying she was blessed with a healthy daughter and that her prayers during pregnancy had been answered.
Yakira’s first birthday celebration marks the first time Makinwa has publicly shown her daughter’s face, bringing an end to the period of privacy surrounding the child.
Entertainment
Okoye Family Feud: Hear Both Sides Before Judging, VeryDarkMan Tells Nigerians
Controversial social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has urged Nigerians to hear from all parties involved before reaching conclusions on the ongoing dispute between music star Peter Okoye and his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
VDM made the call during a live session shared online, arguing that many Nigerians were allowing emotions to influence their opinions by supporting Peter without first hearing the accounts of Paul and Jude.
“Nigerians are so emotional. This is why Mohbad will never get justice. Everybody is supporting Peter, but they have yet to hear from Paul and Jude,” he said.
The social media critic maintained that the public should not rely solely on one side of the story when assessing the allegations surrounding the Okoye family dispute.
He urged Nigerians to allow all the parties involved to present their sides before forming opinions or passing judgment.
His comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users agreeing that everyone involved deserves an opportunity to be heard, while others maintained that Peter’s allegations should be given serious consideration.
VDM’s remarks come amid renewed public interest in the long-running dispute within the Okoye family following the release of Mr P’s latest revelations in the ongoing series.
Entertainment
P-Square: Former Square Records Signee May D Reacts to Okoye Family Dispute
Nigerian singer May D, a former artiste signed to P-Square’s Square Records, has reacted to the renewed controversy involving twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye and their elder brother, Jude Okoye.
The singer hinted that he may soon reveal his own experience with the Okoye family amid the ongoing dispute between the brothers.
The controversy dates back to 2017, when P-Square split following disagreements involving Peter, Paul and their elder brother Jude, who managed the group’s record label.
Peter subsequently pursued a solo career under the name Mr P, while Paul adopted the stage name Rudeboy.
The brothers reunited in November 2021 but parted ways again in 2024 following renewed disagreements and legal disputes.
The latest controversy intensified after Peter made allegations against Paul and Jude, including claims concerning the handling of the group’s royalties.
The allegations have triggered widespread reactions from Nigerians and celebrities, with some publicly expressing support for Peter.
Amid the renewed attention on the Okoye family, May D took to his Instagram Story on Friday to announce that he would share his own account of events involving the family.
“Mr May D Part 1 coming soon,” he wrote, accompanied by a laughing emoji.
May D was signed to Square Records in 2011 but left the label in 2012 after the company cited irreconcilable differences.
His planned revelation is expected to shed more light on his experience during his time with the record label as public interest in the Okoye family dispute continues to grow.
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