Chinese boy bands eye global stardom under new deal
Universal Music Greater China and TF Entertainment announced a new strategic agreement on Wednesday to bring Chinese pop sensations, including boy bands TFBoys and Teens in Times (TNT), to global audiences.
A photo of TFBoys. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]
"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," said Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, a division of Universal Music Group (UMG).
TF Entertainment is targeting markets outside the Chinese mainland. The deal will leverage UMG's global distribution capabilities and marketing network to elevate the international prominence of Chinese pop music, also known as "C-pop." The agreement includes global digital distribution for TF Entertainment's roster of talent.
A photo of Teens In Times members. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]
Since its inception in 2009, TF Entertainment has been a pioneer in China's pop culture landscape, introducing the trainee system to cultivate idol groups. This innovative approach led to the creation of the TF Family, under which various groups have flourished, with China's premier idol groups TFBOYS and TNT being the most successful to date.
TFBOYS, a teen idol group launched in 2013, consists of Karry Wang, Roy Wang, and Jackson Yee. All three members are now among the nation's leading idols, amassing a combined following of over 250 million on Chinese microblogging platform Weibo. TFBOYS have released numerous hit songs, sold out concerts, and starred in blockbuster films.
Meanwhile, TNT, featuring Ma Jiaqi, Ding Chengxin, Song Yaxuan, Liu Yaowen, Zhang Zhenyuan, Yan Haoxiang, and He Junlin, debuted in 2019 and quickly became one of China's most popular boy bands. TF Entertainment continues to invest in new talent, launching its third-generation trainee project on Aug. 29, 2018, and its fourth-generation development plan on Feb. 14, 2022.
(From left to right) Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, Chen Chunhui, CEO of TF Entertainment, and Adam Granite, executive vice president of market development at Universal Music Group, pose for a photo. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]
"We are excited to join forces with UMG, propelling our artists and the rich catalogue of TF Family onto the global stage. UMG's proven success in elevating local music to worldwide phenomena is exactly what we aspire to achieve," said Chen Chunhui, CEO of TF Entertainment.