Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a new philanthropic initiative dedicated to discovering, developing, and empowering the next generation of African music creatives. Launching with a flagship program, the foundation has partnered with Berklee College of Music to bring an immersive educational experience directly to Nigeria. The inaugural initiative, Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, will take place April 23–26, 2026. It will train 100 students and cover hands-on training across live performance, songwriting, music production, and the business of music, meeting participants at their current level while expanding their technical, creative, and commercial capabilities.
Savage, a Berklee alum, says, “I wanted to build something that opens people’s eyes to the full scope of what’s possible in music. The person who composed the score for a film, who creates music for global campaigns, or who uses music as a tool for healing. These are meaningful, sustainable careers that don’t always exist in the spotlight. This foundation is my way of creating a platform that helps African music creatives understand what’s possible, and gives them the access, guidance, and support to pursue those paths with confidence. At this point in my career, I’m incredibly grateful for everything music has given me, and it means a lot to be able to give back in a way that creates real opportunity for others. This day has been years in the making, and I’m so excited to finally share it.”
+ United Talent Agency has signed multi-Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning artist/ actor Residente (René Pérez Joglar) for representation in all areas. UTA will also represent his production company, 1868 Studios.
The signing comes on the heels of the news of his feature screenwriting and directorial debut with “Porto Rico,” an epic Caribbean western and historical drama that sees his longtime friend and contemporary Bad Bunny starring in his first leading role. Additional cast includes Edward Norton, Javier Bardem, and Viggo Mortensen.
+ AEG International has announced the appointment of John Langford to the role of president, APAC, AEG International, effective 1 April 2026. He will relocate to Singapore in September 2026.
Langford will lead the development and execution of AEG’s Asia-Pacific expansion strategy across venues and real estate, reflecting the company’s continued investment in the region as a priority growth market. He will assume responsibility for the overall business performance of AEG’s current and future portfolio of venues across the region, working closely with local leadership teams and joint venture partners.
From the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, to the recently opened IG Arena in Nagoya and UOB Live Arena in Bangkok, along with major developments in Osaka and a second arena in Bangkok, AEG is expanding its footprint across the Asia-Pacific region.
“Asia-Pacific is a dynamic and strategically important market for AEG, with significant long-term potential,” said Alex Hill, President & CEO, AEG International. “John’s track record of delivering sustained performance, driving operational excellence and leading high-performing teams makes him the ideal leader to drive our ambitions in the region. I am excited to see his expertise applied across our expanding Asia portfolio.”
+ Senior London-based agent David Bradley has joined Creative Artists Agency. The former WME partner was co-head of the agency’s pop division. Over the years he has worked closely with artists including Dua Lipa, LCD Soundsystem, Carly Rae Jepsen, Griff, and Greta Van Fleet.
“David is respected as an agent who knows how to build sustaining careers for his clients,” said CAA Co-Heads of Global Touring Emma Banks, Darryl Eaton and Rick Roskin. “His talent, integrity and forward-thinking leadership align with our mission to serve clients at the very highest level, and reflect CAA Music’s ongoing international expansion and position at the forefront of the global touring business.”
+ GoDigital Music has announced the promotion of Lauren Demarte to chief operating officer. Its parent company GoDigital recently secured $230 million in financing as its catalog exceeds 80,000 assets across Reggaetón, Música Mexicana, Afrobeats, K-pop, Country, and more — including works from Jason Derulo, T.I., Daddy Yankee, Marc Anthony, and others. Previously Demarte was senior VP of marketing at Cinq Music Group.
“Lauren carries the beautiful burden of being an extremely reliable executive and problem solver. She is everyone’s first call when faced with a challenge,” says GoDigital Music CEO Logan Mulvey. “Her instincts and track record as an operator and a leader of people have put her squarely in the middle of our growth and evolution as a business.”
+ Garrett Ream and Mikelle Schwartz have been named co-heads of long-running independent music company Position Music’s label division, the company’s founder-CEO Tyler Bacon and president Mark Chipello have announced. Ream will lead creative while Schwartz will oversee marketing. Label A&R will continue to be led by Chipello and Bacon.
As head of creative, Garrett Ream, who joined the company in January 2024, oversees content and digital strategy and radio promotion, while continuing to play a key role in the label’s A&R and signing strategy.
Schwartz will oversee product management, digital marketing, and DSP and distribution partnerships. She was previously executive VP and head of marketing at Nice Life Recording
Bacon and Chipello said: “We’re proud to recognize Garrett in this elevated, expanded role and to welcome Mikelle to the team. Her experience, passion, and marketing expertise are exceptional. With Garrett and Mikelle co-leading our label team, we’re building a unique and powerful engine designed to serve artists at the highest level.”
+ Ruchir Mohan, partner at 1916 Enterprises, has signed artists Alexander Stewart, QKReign and Her Blood to the company’s management & services division, doubling their roster, which also includes Tommy Genesis (Ultra), Loveli Lori (Broke. Records), and Gavn! (Th3rd Brain Records).
+ Shore Fire Media has promoted Maria Eilert and Moya Crowley to senior account executives, Micah Benton to account executive, and Jenisse Sanches to junior account executive. They are based in Nashville, New York, Los Angeles and Nashville, respectively.
Monday, Feb. 23
Empire Publishing, the publishing division of the independent powerhouse music company of the same name, has entered a new agreement with Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Shaboozey, who is also on the Empire label. His track record of course includes the RIAA-Diamond certified hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and the gold album “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going.”
The Empire publishing team is led by newly appointed president Vinny Kumar, who helped secure the deal alongside SVP of A&R Eric Hurt, who signed Shaboozey to Empire’s label in 2021.
“We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Shaboozey in this publishing deal,” says Hurt. “As great of an artist as Shaboozey is, he’s equally as talented as a songwriter; constantly striving to write the most compelling, story-driven songs that reach a broad and diverse audience.”
Kumar added, “The creative foundation of Shaboozey’s success is his writing, which sits at the center of one of the most significant chart achievements in recent memory. We’re proud to partner with him on the publishing side as he continues to make history.”
Jared Cotter, Shaboozey’s co-manager and Range Media Partners managing partner, added: “We couldn’t be happier to double down on the mutual commitment between Shaboozey and Empire. They have been integral partners in Shaboozey’s success on the record side and I have no doubt we will say the same in the publishing business as well.”
+ Generative-AI company Suno has named former Merlin CEO Jeremy Sirota as its chief commercial officer, it announced Monday morning. In the role, Sirota will lead Suno’s commercial strategy, music industry relationships, platform partnerships, and enterprise solutions and will report directly to CEO Mikey Shulman.
During his six years as CEO of Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for independent music labels and distributors, Sirota scaled annual revenue from $900 million to $1.8 billion while rebuilding its technology infrastructure and expanding its data and licensing capabilities. He led licensing agreements with major technology platforms including Apple, Deezer, Meta, Spotify, Twitch and YouTube among others. He also negotiated Merlin’s early AI partnerships.
Prior to Merlin, Sirota held business development, strategy and operational roles at Meta on the music team, was a senior record executive at Warner Music Group, and served as a technology lawyer at Morrison Foerster, where he did licensing work for entertainment companies and advised on intellectual property matters.
“Jeremy is a rare leader who has spent his career working to improve every side of the music business – for fans, artists, music rightsholders, and platforms,” said Shulman, co-founder and CEO of Suno. “What truly sets him apart is his ability to build what doesn’t yet exist, finding opportunity where others see obstacles and bringing all sides with him. That mindset will help craft a better future of music for all, and I couldn’t be more excited to have him join Suno.”
Suno recently announced a partnership with Warner Music Group and last fall, it launched what it claims is the the first generative audio workstation, Suno Studio, which blends pro-grade multi-track editing with AI stem generation.
+ Sony Music Publishing has promoted Greg Prata to chief financial officer, effective March 31. He will continue to be based out of the company’s New York office and will report to SMP chairman & CEO Jon Platt.
In his new role, Prata will oversee all aspects of Sony Music Publishing’s financial operations globally, including reporting, accounting, budget, administration and IT. He succeeds Tom Kelly, who recently announced his upcoming retirement from his position as CFO, after a 35-year career.
Platt said, “Greg has been a trusted leader on our team, and I’m pleased to see him step into the CFO role as we advance our next stage of growth. At the same time, we thank Tom for his remarkable tenure. His leadership has helped drive our success and set a high bar for excellence that Greg will continue to build upon.”
Prata joined Sony in 2012 as senior VP of financial planning & analysis, following his time at EMI. In 2019, he was promoted to executive VP of finance & corporate strategy. Prior to his roles at Sony Music Publishing and EMI, Prata spent over a decade in private equity and investment banking.
+ Patron Saints of Music, the custom music house behind Bravo’s “Below Deck” and others, has named Allie Moskovits head of sync & business development. In this newly created role, Moskovits will lead sync strategy for Patron Saints’ expanding catalog to drive business across TV, film, advertising, gaming, and emerging media. She will also focus on developing new artists and songs to diversify the catalog and expand the company’s footprint beyond unscripted television.
+ Culture Wave, a Los Angeles–based, “rock-forward” artist management company operating in partnership with Red Light Management, has expanded in several areas.
Artist managers Ryan Cunningham and Mike Bingham of Polarizer Management have joined Culture Wave, bringing their rosters into the company’s management division. Cunningham represents the Armed, Prostitute, Trauma Ray, Patrick Shiroishi, Truck Violence, Jodi, while Bingham joins with Trauma Ray, Spiritual Cramp and Agriculture. Cunningham will remain in his role at Biz 3 Publicity where he’s been a publicist for 12 years.
The company also announces the promotion of Rachel Hacken to artist manager, transitioning from day-to-day support for Jason Mageau’s roster. Hacken now manages Kittie, Gore., Thousand Below, and Holy Wars; as well as:
Alana Lopez joins as touring & logistics manager, supporting Jason Mageau’s roster and Culture Wave artists; Madison Stern joins as day-to-day manager for Andrew Jarrin; Ana Garcia joins as digital marketing coordinator; Erin Carignan joins as day-to-day manager for Ryan Cunningham; Joey Mullen joins as co-manager for the band Agriculture with Bingham.
English (US) ·