Universal Music Publishing China (UMP China), a division of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), has officially announced the signing of Cheerful Music to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal, excluding mainland China. As a leading creator of hit songs in China, Cheerful Music catalog boasts major hits including “YI XIAO JIANG HU (KE MU SAN),” which amassed more than 50 billion views on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), "XIAO CHENG XIA TIAN," “TA SHAN HE,” and “BAN SHENG XUE,” each claiming the top spots on China's leading streaming services.

Universal Music Publishing Group was awarded Publisher of the Year at last night’s ASCAP Pop Music Awards. The ASCAP Pop Music Awards honor the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed ASCAP pop songs of 2023. 

We are pleased to inform you that our negotiations with TikTok have resulted in a new agreement. Music from UMPG songwriters and administered catalogs will be available on the platform shortly. We are happy to say that this is a multi-dimensional licensing deal that will deliver significant industry-leading benefits for UMPG’s global family of songwriters, artists and rightsholders.

The Bob Dylan Center [BDC] and Universal Music Publishing Group, the global publishing division of Universal Music Group, today announced the inaugural recipients of the Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowship: rising talents Tega Ethan from Nigeria and Taylor Zickfoose from Washington state.

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), the leading, global publishing division of Universal Music Group, today announced that legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli has been signed to an exclusive, global publishing agreement through UMPG’s Classics & Screen department. One of the most successful and influential classical singers in modern history, Bocelli this year celebrates his 30th anniversary in music. Through the new agreement, UMPG will represent Bocelli’s future works, as well as his latest album, “A Family Christmas”. Having set countless sales records, Andrea Bocelli has sold over 90 million albums to date and generated more than 16 billion streams. The celebrated tenor has become a long-standing ambassador for Italian culture around the world and drew worldwide attention in 2020 with his record-breaking ‘Music for Hope’ event which became one of the biggest musical live stream performances of all-time.

Universal Production Music's sample discovery and licensing platform, Usample, today announced the addition of new sample pack albums from world-renowned composers Nicholas Britell, Clint Mansell, and Isobel Waller-Bridge.

Universal Music Publishing Group, the leading, global publishing division of Universal Music Group, today announced that established music executive Adriana Ramos has been appointed Managing Director, UMPG Brazil. Ramos replaces longtime Brazil MD Marcelo Falcao who has decided to step down from the role.

In making the announcement, Alexandra Lioutikoff, President Latin America & US Latin, said: “With tremendous vision and dedication, Adriana has been instrumental to the success of UMPG Brazil and her promotion is much-deserved. As we look to the future, I am confident that Adriana will bring enormous value and energy to UMPG Brazil, both furthering our creative strategy and continuing to ensure that our songwriters are treated with the best care in the world.”

Elton John and Bernie Taupin have been awarded the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. To mark the occasion, the great songwriting duo were honoured with an all-star tribute concert, featuring performances from Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Metallica, Maren Morris, Billy Porter and more.

Universal Music Publishing Group today announced that one of the UK’s most influential songwriters, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, has signed to an exclusive, global administration agreement. Inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Yusuf / Cat Stevens is responsible for some of the most beloved and enduring songs in the canon of popular music.

TikTok is removing UMPG songs because there is no license in place. As always, UMPG will only support partners that value songwriters, artists and your songs. We have a long history of successfully fighting for our songwriters and will continue to do so.