TikTok and Universal Music Group have reached a new deal that will allow songs and
artists from its labels to return to the video-sharing app.
This comes after Universal Music Group removed UMG-published songs from TikTok
due to disagreements over artist compensation and the use of AI-generated music in
Feb, 2024.
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In a joint statement on Thursday, May 2, 2024, both companies stated that they are
working to bring UMG artists' music back to TikTok. The agreement will address
concerns about generative Artificial Intelligence, with TikTok stating that it will collaborate with Universal Music Group, to remove unauthorised AI-made content including songs and images, and improve artist remuneration in May.
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“TikTok and UMG will work together to ensure AI development across the music industry will protect human artistry and the economics that flow to those artists and
songwriters,” they wrote in the statement.
Nevertheless, it will take roughly two weeks to restore the music to TikTok, along with the audio to videos that had been muted.
Given that TikTok is used to largely promote the majority of African songs, African musicians including Stonebwoy, Yemi Alade, Mr. Eazi, Sauti Sol, Techno, Nasty C,
Vanessa Mdee, Youssou Dour, and many more will return to TikTok after their music is restored.
This includes the reintroduction of African music that was prohibited, such as Akwaba, the official song of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The disagreement between Universal Music Group and Tiktok also affected Magic System'’s song, which featured Mohammed Ramadan and Yemi Alade as the song saw less exposure.
