After months of an impasse, Universal Music Group and TikTok have reached an agreement that will see UMG’s music return to the App.

In the news revealed in May 2, 2024 it’s reported that the agreement will see TikTok pay more remuneration to UMG’s artists and songwriters, provide them with more marketing tools, and also tackle the growing use of AI.

Readers will recall that UMG had earlier pulled down its catalog from TikTok over disputes on low payment of royalties to its artist, non-regulation of the use of artificial intelligence, and safety issues bothering mental health and bullying.

In response to UMG’s accusations, TikTok claimed that the record label was putting its interest above that of the artists on its books. The social media platform also insisted that it would not be bullied into paying more than it was willing to.

The agreement between UMG and TikTok will come as a relief for artists serviced by UMG’s subsidiaries as they can now resume exploring TikTok’s huge promotional benefits. It will also come as good news for fans who can now interact with their favourite artists signed to UMG.

While UMG and TikTok have resolved their differences, the same cannot be said for TikTok and the United States where the government has directed the Chinese-based company to sell off its US division or face sanctions.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Cubana Chief Priest have agreed to settle out of court concerning the naira abuse case against the nightlife promoter.

Cubana arrived at the federal high court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday for the continuation of his trial.

On April 16, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a three-count charge against him over alleged naira abuse.

He was arraigned the following day. When the charges were read, the social media celebrity pleaded not guilty.

Kehinde Ogundare, the judge, thereafter granted him bail in the sum of N10 million with two responsible sureties in like sum.

The judge ruled that the bail conditions must be perfected within seven days.

Cubana was released to his lawyer who must give an undertaken to produce him later. The trial was adjourned to May 2 for continuation.

During sitting, both parties agreed to settle the matter out of court. The trial was then adjourned to June 5 for the hearing of the settlement report.

The social media celebrity is well known for his luxurious lifestyle.

Cubana is also known for his affiliation with Davido, the Afrobeats singer.

He served as the general manager of Cubana Groups but left the brand in September 2020 and established Club Xhrine in Owerri, Imo.

The nightlife promoter was honoured with a doctor of science in event and luxury hospitality management degree from the European American University in 2021.

In January 2022, Cubana was appointed as a social media aide to Hope Uzodinma, the governor of Imo state.

Yemi Alade, the Nigerian singer, says downplaying the role of Afrobeats in the development of music artistes is “hypocrisy”.

Afrobeats has been one of Africa’s biggest exports in the past years. In 2023, Afrobeats enjoyed massive global recognition, with top Nigerian artistes like Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy — among others — gracing the stages of some of the biggest events and occasions worldwide.

But Wizkid recently sparked controversy after he asked the public not to label him an “Afrobeats artiste”.

The ‘Essence’ hitmaker said although he is African, he “makes all sorts of music”.

He said referring to every song as Afrobeats is why Nigerian artistes are only nominated in “African categories” of music awards like the Grammys.

Similarly, Burna Boy, in 2022, said his style of music is called Afrofusion, and not Afrobeats as assumed.

In a post via her Instagram story on Wednesday, Alade said African artistes are free to define their music genre.

The songstress, however, advised her colleagues not to downplay the role of Afrobeats in their development.

“I don’t see anything wrong in informing your listeners of the genre of music an artist makes especially when you feel it doesn’t define your art,” she said.

“Just announce your genre in peace. Downplaying the role Afrobeats has played in every artist’s development is hypocrisy.”

Alade is arguably one of the top female artistes in the country. She gained fame with the release of ‘Johnny’, her 2014 single.