ARS Counsel represents "WAIT FOR U" co-producer, Tejiri Akpoghene, in global publishing deal
ARS Counsel recently represented multi-platinum artist, songwriter and producer Tejiri Akpoghene and Abovav Play in a global publishing agreement in partnership with Ultra Music Publishing and Coup D’Etat Music. The ARS team was led by Principal Attorney, Almuhtada Smith, with additional support from law clerks Justicce LaBarrie and Dominique Armstrong.
Tejiri, who is based in Nigeria, most recently co-produced and co-wrote the Future, Drake & Tems single “WAIT FOR U,” which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has remained in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 consecutive weeks since its May release. The song has sold over two million units to date and has been the fastest 2022 collaboration to reach RIAA platinum certification.
Tejiri’s catalog also includes fan favorites like Tems’ “Higher,” “Looku Looku” and “Vibe Out” - which was featured on Barack Obama's 2022 summer playlist. More solo music from Tejiri is slated for release later this year.
Tejiri says, “I stumbled on my brother’s Fruity loops software at 14 and never looked back. I was an introvert and music gave me a voice. I poured my soul into my craft. Music is frequency, vibration and healing to me. I believe with music we can release healing and love frequencies now this is how we change the world.” Frederick Akpoghene, a globally recognized Tech Entrepreneur and Tejiri’s brother, longtime manager, & business partner adds, “Tejiri always had an immaculate innate understanding of music composition from the very first production he made. Before producing, he played drums at church and other instruments. I recollect days when I was a teen living with the family in Lagos, he would fall asleep with his laptop and keyboard on his bed while producing. Other than myself, Tejiri is the most dedicated person I know. And that’s part of what fuels us. To me, Tejiri has been the greatest since we started this journey as teens. And now the world has caught up to his greatness.”
Coup D’Etat CEO and The Revels Group President Matt Geffen says “Coup D’Etat and Revels’ mission has always been to empower creatives and inspire feel – which is exactly what Tejiri has done from the second we met him. While his music has already impacted billions of people across the globe, we know he’s just getting started and we’re excited to continue to support his growth as a leading producer, songwriter and artist.” At Coup D’Etat, Tejiri joins a boutique publishing roster that also includes Tommy Parker (Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber) and Austrian producer Nik Dean (Lil Baby, Gunna, Fivio Foreign).
At Ultra Music Publishing, Tejiri joins a roster that includes Wheezy, Maaly Raw, Zaytoven, Neil Ormandy, Clinton Kane & more. Ultra’s Senior Director of A&R Andreas Rizek says, “Tejiri is the epitome of what Ultra Music Publishing stands for—his sound is global and his love for music is infectious. We are very excited to work with a talent like Tejiri and alongside our great partners at The Revels Group.
To stay up to date on Tejiri’s releases, follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tejiriproducer/