Reservoir Media, in collaboration with PopArabia, has recently finalized a groundbreaking publishing deal with In2Musica, the label, publisher, and production house of the renowned Lebanese artist, Nancy Ajram. This strategic agreement encompasses Ajram's entire owned catalogue, featuring hit albums like Ya Tabtab and Nancy 10, as well as her future works.
PopArabia, a leading music publisher and independent music company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), played a pivotal role in facilitating this deal, positioning itself as a key player in the region's music industry.
Nancy Ajram, often referred to as the "Queen of Arab Pop," has left an indelible mark as a versatile artist, including roles as a singer, television personality, and successful businesswoman. In 2020, she achieved the distinction of being the most-streamed female Arab artist on Spotify, amassing over 100 million plays of her songs. Ajram's extensive discography comprises 12 albums, with hit tracks such as 3am Bet3ella2 Feek, Ma Tegi Heny, and Badna Nwalee El Jaw, each garnering over 100 million views on YouTube.
One of her global successes includes the chart-topping collaboration with Marshmello, titled Sah Sah, marking the first Arabic language song to enter the US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. In 2010, Ajram secured the title of the best-selling female Middle Eastern singer of the previous decade. Her influence extends beyond music, having been featured multiple times in the "Most Powerful Arabs" list by Arabian Business and recognized as one of the most influential Arab singers by Newsweek. Ajram has also showcased her talent as a judge on MBC's reality show Arab Idol and served as a coach on The Voice Kids Arabia.
Expressing her excitement about the collaboration, Nancy Ajram stated, “I’m thrilled that In2Musica and I will be partnering with global companies like Reservoir and PopArabia, which have a history of advocating for artists’ rights and taking them around the world. We’re looking forward to reaching even more fans across the world with our music through this publishing partnership.”
Spek, the founder and CEO of PopArabia and Reservoir's EVP of international and emerging markets, emphasized the significance of working with Nancy Ajram and In2Musica. He stated, “Nancy Ajram is a household name in the Middle East, and with the combined expert creative forces of PopArabia and Reservoir, we look forward to helping carve out additional global opportunities for her while also supporting her career and music locally.”
Reservoir's founder and CEO, Golnar Khosrowshahi, added, “This deal marks a significant addition to our catalogue of music rooted in the Middle East. Working with a global superstar of Nancy’s stature is a meaningful opportunity for Reservoir and PopArabia, as we continue to champion Arabic music locally in the Middle East, as well as across the globe.”
As part of the agreement, In2Musica will be represented worldwide by ESMAA, the Gulf-based rights management entity subsidiary of PopArabia, responsible for licensing performance, mechanical, and neighboring rights.
This collaboration between Reservoir Media, PopArabia, and In2Musica underscores the commitment to promoting and expanding the reach of Arabic music, both regionally and globally. The deal represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to support and elevate the careers of talented artists within the Middle Eastern music industry.
