Manusha Sarawan promoted to Managing Director of Southern and East Africa at Universal Music Group – Music Business Worldwide

Universal Music Group has promoted Manusha Sarawan to the role of Managing Director, Southern and East Africa.

In her new role, Sarawan will continue to work closely with Adam Granite, UMG’s EVP, Market Development, to grow UMG’s roster of artists.

Sarawan is described by UMG as “an experienced business leader, with decades of experience working at the intersection of business and creativity” including several years at Sony Music in South Africa.

She was most recently Chief Operating Officer at UMG Sub-Saharan Africa, where she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the label.

According to Universal, at UMG South Africa, Sarawan “pioneered a digital-first approach to business that has been integral to the company’s success in the region as streaming has become more and more widespread”.

In addition, she has played a key role in negotiating the contracts with what UMG describes as, “some of the most successful African artists”.

UMG has long had an active presence across Arica.

The company notes that it was the first major label to open offices in Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, and Morocco, alongside its established operations in Nigeria and South Africa. 

Elsewhere, in June 2022 Universal Music Group (UMG) launched Virgin Music Label & Artist Services in Africa.

In April last year, legendary Jazz label Blue Note Records and Universal Music Group Africa launched Blue Note Africa, dedicated to signing Jazz artists from across the African continent.

“Manusha is ideally suited to developing the careers of our market-leading label roster – both regionally and internationally I can’t wait to see her go from strength to strength.”

Adam Granite, Universal Music Group

Adam Granite, EVP, Market Development, said: “I am delighted to promote Manusha to Managing Director for Southern and East Africa. She’s someone I’ve known since her days at Sony, and during her time at Universal she has repeatedly shown her leadership skills and strong business acumen.

“Manusha is ideally suited to developing the careers of our market-leading label roster – both regionally and internationally I can’t wait to see her go from strength to strength.”

‘We have an amazing roster of talent here, and it’s a huge privilege to get to work with our artists and our talented team to promote African music on the world stage.”

Manusha Sarawan, Universal Music Group

Manusha Sarawan, Managing Director, Southern and East Africa, added: “This is an incredibly exciting time for African music, as it continues to build new audiences both here and across the world.

‘We have an amazing roster of talent here, and it’s a huge privilege to get to work with our artists and our talented team to promote African music on the world stage.”Music Business Worldwide