Randall Abrahams quits top music job‚ eyes new TV projects

04 March 2016 - 16:05 By TMG Digital

The Idols show's 'Mr Nasty'‚ Randall Abrahams‚ on Friday announced that he will be leaving his job as Managing Director of Universal Music South Africa."He is handing over now to focus fully on his wide-ranging business and media interests‚ including potential television production projects‚" the company said in a statement.Abrahams had joined the company in June 2012. Universal Music paid tribute to him‚ saying he had rebuilt the company and completed the integration of EMI’s South African operations.Adrian Cheesley‚ Senior Vice President of Universal Music Group‚ said: “We’re very appreciative of Randall’s leadership‚ having joining Universal Music at a key transition time for the company and indeed for the South African music industry. He has helped position the company for continued creative and commercial growth and we wish him the very best in the next chapter of his career.”Abrahams said: “It's been an honour to lead this company and work with its incredible artists over the last few years. Today's communications and technology innovation mean that African artists and music are moving swiftly on their inexorable journey across the continent and ultimately the globe.Having so enjoyed forging an integrated strategy for Universal Music in the company of the some of the best music industry professionals‚ I feel it is an opportune moment to focus my attention on a number of diverse creative projects. As a massive music and media fan‚ I will always be involved on these fronts."Since taking over the leadership of Universal Music South Africa‚ Abrahams has overseen hit projects from domestic stars including Kelly Khumalo‚ Black Coffee‚ Elvis Blue‚ Zahara and Mafikizolo.In addition to integrating EMI into Universal Music in South Africa‚ Abrahams led the company’s expansion across the continent‚ signing agreements and developing partnerships with artists‚ labels and consumer brands in countries including Nigeria‚ Kenya‚ Ghana and Angola.His departure will take effect end-April‚ "in order to assure a smooth transition".Universal Music will announce a successor shortly...

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