The 19th Edition of Mawazine Festival Kicks Off with Star-Studded Performances
The 19th edition of Mawazine Festival commenced with a vibrant evening featuring Lebanese artist Hiba Tawaji on the stage of the National Theatre Mohammed V on Thursday, June 20th. Tawaji adorned a traditional Kanoun hat during her performance, adding a festive touch to the event, which concluded with her greeting the audience and waving the Moroccan flag. She later shared moments from the press conference on her Instagram, thanking Mawazine for their warm welcome and professionalism. Following suit, Balqees was warmly welcomed in Rabat, whe…
Rebuilding Dreams: The Bold Reinvention of OSN+ in the Middle East
A Symphony of Courage, Resilience, and Innovation from the Arab World In a landscape where the technology sector races against the clock, the story of OSN+’s dramatic transformation stands as a beacon of what is possible with sheer determination and ingenuity. Imagine reconstructing an entire video streaming platform in just 120 days. This isn’t a tale from Silicon Valley – it’s a narrative that unfolded in the heart of the Middle East. Rising to the Challenge "We undertake these tasks not because they are easy, but because they present a…
MDLBEAST Unveils New Music Publishing Division to Empower Creators Across MENA
In a significant move for the Middle Eastern music industry, Saudi Arabia-based entertainment powerhouse MDLBEAST has announced the launch of MDLBEAST Publishing. This new division is dedicated to nurturing and promoting songwriters, producers, and artists from Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Global Reach and Strategic Partnerships MDLBEAST Publishing is not only set to make waves locally but also aims to extend its influence globally through a strategic partnership with Sentric. This collaboration will…
Top Music Distribution Companies Leading the MENA Market
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with its diverse and vibrant musical heritage, has become a significant player in the global music industry. Several leading music distribution companies have established a strong presence in this region, contributing to its dynamic growth and cultural exchange. Here's a closer look at the top companies driving the music distribution landscape in the MENA market and their role in the emerging growth of digital music consumption. Warner Music Group (WMG): Warner Music Middle East Established: …
Spotify Celebrates Khaleeji Pop with Sultan Al-Murshed and Aseel Hameem in Times Square
Spotify is celebrating the rich tapestry of Arabic music by highlighting Saudi artist Sultan Al-Murshed and Iraqi artist Aseel Hameem as the featured artists for its RADAR Arabia and EQUAL Arabia programs in May. Both artists are being showcased on a prominent billboard in New York City’s Times Square. Nada Elmeri, Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for the Gulf Region at Spotify MENA, emphasized the platform's dedication to Arabic music. “We are committed to showcasing and celebrating genres and creators that reflect the dive…
Unveiling Mawazine 2024: From Nicki Minaj to Local Legends
The Mawazine Rhythms of the World Festival, one of Morocco's most anticipated musical events, is returning for its 19th edition from June 21 to June 29, 2024, after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the festival promises an exceptional lineup, showcasing international, Moroccan, and Arab talents for the enjoyment of millions of festival-goers. A Diverse and High-Quality Lineup Since its inception in 2001, the Mawazine Festival has been committed to delivering top-tier musical diversity. This edition will be no ex…
TikTok Embraces Content Credentials for AI-Generated Content Amid Evolving Relationship with UMG
In a rapid turnaround, TikTok and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMG) have shifted from contention to cooperation regarding AI-generated content (AIGC). Just two months ago, UMG voiced serious concerns about TikTok's handling of AIGC. Now, TikTok is taking significant steps to enhance transparency around such content. TikTok Adopts Content Credentials to Label AI-Generated Content TikTok has begun using "Content Credentials," a cutting-edge technology from the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), to automa…
Spotify Partners with NogoumFM to Bring Popular Egyptian Radio Shows to a Global Audience via Megaphone
Spotify has announced an exciting partnership with Egyptian radio network NogoumFM, enabling the popular station to host its extensive content library on Megaphone, Spotify’s enterprise podcast platform. This collaboration marks a significant step in expanding NogoumFM's reach to a global audience and enhancing its digital presence. NogoumFM Joins Spotify's Megaphone Platform NogoumFM, a key entity under Nile Radio Productions (NRP), has integrated more than 70 of its shows into Spotify’s platform in podcast format. This move allows li…
Apple Music Unveils Premium Data Analytics Toolkit for Record Labels and Distributors
Apple Music is introducing a new ‘premium’ data analytics toolkit aimed at record labels and music distributors. This toolkit, known as the Apple Music Partner Program, offers a variety of tools to help partners track trends and global radio plays, utilizing Shazam technology. The platform aims to provide advanced analytics to its partners, enabling them to break new talent and uncover insights about their content. This new program builds upon Apple Music’s existing analytics platform, Apple Music For Artists, which launched in 2019 and allows…
TikTok Takes Legal Action to Block U.S. Ban, Citing Violation of Free Speech Rights
TikTok is taking a bold stand against the United States government by filing a lawsuit to block a law that could ban the app if its parent company, ByteDance, does not sell TikTok within a year. The lawsuit argues that the bill infringes on the U.S. Constitution, particularly regarding free speech and individual liberty. In the lawsuit, TikTok highlights the unprecedented nature of the law, noting that it targets a single speech platform for a permanent, nationwide ban and restricts American access to an online community of over 1 billion peop…
Social