Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), the Chinese division of Universal Music, struck a new strategic partnership with TF Entertainment, a powerhouse in China’s pop music scene or C-Pop.
This collaboration aims to elevate C-Pop’s presence globally and propel popular TF Entertainment acts like TFBOYS and Teens In Times (时代少年团, TNT) to international audiences, UMGC said Wednesday (April 10).
TF Entertainment (Time Fengjun Entertainment), established in 2009, is known for pioneering the trainee system in China, a method synonymous with the rise of K-Pop idols, but adapted for the Chinese market. The company cultivated idol groups like TFBOYS and Teens In Times, which are now part of what TF calls its ‘TF Family.’
TFBOYS, a trio that debuted in 2013, became a national sensation, performing at the CCTV New Year’s Gala for four consecutive years. The trio consists of Karry Wang, Roy Wang and Jackson Yee, who now have a combined following of over 250 million followers on Weibo, a Chinese microblogging site often referred to a the Twitter (now X) of China.
Teens In Times, formed in 2019, has quickly gained a devoted fanbase with hit songs like Ne Zha, Wiggle, I Like You, NAN ER GE, and 1440. Its members are Yan Haoxiang, Liu Yaowen, Ding Chengxin, Ma Jiaqi, Song Yaxuan, Zhang Zhenyuan, and He Junlin.
“This alliance underscores our dedication to elevating Chinese pop music to global acclaim, both culturally and commercially. It also provides a unique opportunity to advance our superfan strategy.”
Timothy Xu, Universal Music Greater China
“We’re thrilled to embark on this partnership with TF Entertainment, paving the way for iconic C-pop groups like TFBOYS and Teens In Times to captivate audiences worldwide,” said Timothy Xu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Greater China. Xu formerly served as Chairman & CEO, Greater China for Sony Music.
“This alliance underscores our dedication to elevating Chinese pop music to global acclaim, both culturally and commercially. It also provides a unique opportunity to advance our superfan strategy, offering fans around the world access to distinctive cultural experiences.”
TF Entertainment’s success stems from its innovative in-house production system, which includes a structured training program for artists. In 2018, the company launched a program called the TF-TransForm project or “Youth Evolution” program that cultivates talents.
The company is currently training a new generation of idols. TF recruits potential stars at a young age, often in their pre-teen years. This allows for extensive training during their crucial developmental stages, shaping them into polished performers. The fourth generation of trainees was introduced in 2021. They made their official group appearance on February 14, 2022, following a month-long evaluation process.
“UMG’s proven success in elevating local music to worldwide phenomena is exactly what we aspire to achieve.”
Chunhui Chen, TF Entertainment
“We are excited to join forces with UMG, propelling our artists and the rich catalog of TF Family onto the global stage,” said Chunhui Chen, CEO of TF Entertainment.
“UMG’s proven success in elevating local music to worldwide phenomena is exactly what we aspire to achieve. The professionalism and robust support from their team inspires great optimism, and we eagerly look forward to the fruitful results our strategic alliance will yield.”
TF Entertainment has partnerships with Chinese music streaming platform operators Tencent Music Entertainment (QQ Music, Kugou Music, Kuwo Music, and WeSing) and Cloud Village (NetEase Cloud Music). UMG in January renewed its multi-year licensing deal with Tencent Music.
For UMG, the partnership with TF marks its latest after signing Jay Chou, hailed globally as the “King of Mandopop”, along with his record label, JVR Music, to a global marketing and distribution deal last December.
In November, UMGC renewed its contract with Chinese pop megastar, Eason Chan, having already worked together for over 19 years, and landed an exclusive global publishing agreement with China’s RYCE Publishing, covering more than 700 C-Pop and K-Pop songs. In 2020, UMGC signed Sunnee, former member of China’s most popular girl group Rocket Girls 101.
Music Business Worldwide