Amr Diab is Back! Exploring His New Sony Music Deal and Return to Streaming
After nearly three years, the legendary Egyptian pop star is set to make a grand return to major music streaming platforms, with all his albums and beloved music videos soon available once more on YouTube and other platforms. This much-anticipated comeback follows a period of absence beginning in early 2022, when Diab signed an exclusive deal with Anghami. As a result, albums released under his label, Nay, were removed from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube—a decision that disappointed many fans. However, it seems the wait is …
Music Loves Threads: A New Program for MENA Artists
Music Loves Threads is a newly announced initiative aimed at enhancing how music artists in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region connect with their audiences. The program is designed to extend audio-visual expression from popular platforms like Instagram and Facebook to Meta's latest social app, Threads, which focuses on deeper community engagement. While still in the early stages, Music Loves Threads encourages artists to use Threads for more meaningful interactions with their fans. By sharing behind-the-scenes content, exclusiv…
ESMAA Strikes Landmark Music Licensing Deal with Anghami
ESMAA, has reached a groundbreaking music licensing agreement with Anghami, the leading MENA-focused streaming platform. This partnership marks a significant moment for the region’s music industry, as it represents the first deal of its kind between international independent music publishers and a local streaming service in the MENA region. ESMAA represents the extensive catalog of MENA-based music publisher PopArabia, including a wealth of Arabic music and global sub-published repertoire. The organization also manages the rights of IMPEL, a c…
Billboard Arabia to Launch First Music Awards in Riyadh, Highlighting Arab Music's Growth
On September 10, 2024, Billboard Arabia announced the inaugural edition of its music awards, set to take place on December 11 at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh. This event, held during Riyadh Music Week, is part of a collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Music Commission. The awards aim to celebrate Arab musical achievements, using data from the Billboard platform to determine the winners, offering a fresh perspective on regional music success. A New Stage for Arab Talent The awards ceremony forms part of the Saudi Musi…
Benghazi Summer Festival Returns After 15 Years
After a 15-year hiatus, the highly anticipated Benghazi Summer Festival is set to make a grand return from August 1st to August 15th. Organized by the Ajyalna Foundation, the festival promises an enriching blend of artistic, sports, and cultural activities, positioning itself as a marquee event in the region’s cultural calendar. Festival Line-Up: Samara Nordo Elgrand ToTo Weal Jasser Mouh Milano Mansor Unknown Marwan Moussa Aljundi Ka7la Akhras Gabriel Batistuta Ronaldinho The festival will showcase a variety of concerts featuring top Arab sin…
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…
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