Premier Music Publishing, Sony Seal Deal to Take Classic Nigerian Music Global

Premier Music Publishing has announced an administration agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nigeria, a partnership expected to create new international opportunities for some of Nigeria’s most treasured musical works.

The agreement covers selected vintage recordings and compositions in the Premier Music Publishing catalogue, featuring songs associated with influential Nigerian musicians whose contributions helped shape the country’s music industry.

Among the artistes represented in the catalogue are Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, Celestine Ukwu, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, Dr. Victor Olaiya, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Ras Kimono, The Mandators, Bright Chimezie, Buchi and Celestine Obiakor, among others.

The partnership marks a significant development in Premier Music Publishing’s strategy to expand the commercial value of its catalogue and strengthen the international reach of Nigerian and African music.

Through the agreement, the companies aim to create additional opportunities for the works to reach new audiences and generate value across the global music industry.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Premier Records Limited, Michael Odiong, described the arrangement as a major milestone in the company’s ambition to establish a globally competitive African music publishing business.

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He said joining the Sony Music Publishing network would create new possibilities for the catalogue, its songwriters and the wider recognition of African musical creativity.

Odiong also emphasised Premier’s commitment to protecting and maximising the value of African intellectual property.

According to him, the company’s long-term objective has been to preserve, protect and develop its repertoire while ensuring that its commercial potential benefits rights holders and future generations.

He described the agreement as another important step towards achieving that ambition.

Similarly, A&R and Operations Director of Sony Music Publishing Nigeria, Uzor Daniel, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.

Daniel said the partnership would help build on the legacy of the featured catalogues by identifying new opportunities in the international market.

He highlighted the potential for samples, interpolations and creative collaborations to introduce the historic compositions to contemporary audiences.

The agreement comes amid growing international interest in Nigerian music and Africa’s broader creative industry.

By combining Premier’s historic catalogue with Sony Music Publishing’s publishing expertise and international network, the partnership is positioned to create fresh opportunities for the commercial exploitation and preservation of classic Nigerian music.

It also reinforces the importance of music publishing in ensuring that iconic compositions continue to generate value long after their original release.