Odeal is the latest addition to the Sony Music Publishing roster.
Announced today, Dec. 8, the British-Nigerian singer and songwriter strikes a worldwide deal with the major music publisher, several weeks after the release of his album The Fall That Saved Me.
“Signing Odeal was more than a business move. It was the natural next step in a relationship built on passion, respect and a shared vision,” comments Sony Music Publishing senior director, creative A&R Shauni Caballero in a statement. “I’ve always admired his artistry and the incredible team behind him — Charles, Hanz, AB and the OVMBR family. They’re hardworking, inspiring and an absolute pleasure to collaborate with. I’m truly grateful to be part of their journey and their history.”
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Odeal caught the buzz in 2024 with the viral hit “Soh-Soh,” which proved a launch pad into the awards circuit. This year alone, he has collected MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards for best newcomer and best R&B act; shortlisting for the BET Awards’ inaugural best new international act; Amazon Music’s 2025 breakthrough artist; Spotify’s 2025 artist to watch; entry to YouTube Music’s 2025 Foundry program, and a nod as Billboard’s 2025 African Rookie of the Year.
His shape-shifting sound earned him studio time with a string of artists within the last year, including Kaytranada, Jermaine Dupri, Kehlani and DJ Maphorisa. Justin Bieber is a fan, and has shared Odeal’s music on his Instagram Stories and posts.
“My vision has always been to make music that touches people around the world,” comments Odeal (real name: Hillary Dennis Udanoh) on the Sony Music Publishing deal, “so choosing partners who truly believe in that vision is important to me. I’m excited to be working with Shauni and a team I trust and who genuinely believe in what I’m building.”
Born in Germany (where his mother lived) and raised in Spain (where his father lived and his parents met), Odeal settled down in the U.K. at age 17. His career took off with the self-produced single “Be Easy,” and went to the next level with the release of his 2022 EP Lustropolis, which has accumulated over 80 million worldwide streams.
The Fall That Saved Me cut “Miami” crashed Spotify’s Global Viral chart, and has captured more than 23 million global streams.
Outside of DJ’ing Paris Fashion Week parties, Odeal has graced festival stages around the world, including Afro Nation Portugal, the world’s biggest Afrobeats festival, and Wireless Festival.
