Universal Music Group has announced the launch of Universal Arabic Music.
Republic Records and its parent company UMG founded the new label in partnership with respected music mogul Wassim “SAL” Slaiby.
The new label was unveiled this week by Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG; Republic Records Founder and CEO Monte Lipman; and Founder and CEO of SALXCO and XO RECORDS Wassim “SAL” Slaiby, who will serve as Founder and CEO of Universal Arabic Music, effective immediately.
“SAL’s clear vision and blueprint for Universal Arabic Music will become a catalyst for Arabic music in the marketplace. His ability to identify, curate and deliver talent globally remains a force of nature. The cultural importance of music from the MENA region crossing boundaries and reaching all corners of the world is long overdue.”
– Republic Records Founder and CEO Monte Lipman
As the first dedicated global label of its kind, UAM will focus on elevating Arabic music and artists to the forefront of popular music culture and help shine a global spotlight on the next wave of artists and talent from the region to break through, while creating new opportunities to introduce Arabic music and culture to new partners, platforms and brands worldwide.
“It’s been my dream to highlight the talent and culture of Arabic music on a global level with partners that I trust and admire.” – Wassim “SAL” Slaiby, Founder and CEO, Universal Arabic Music
The global audience for Arabic music is rapidly growing, in part due to its rising popularity across social media channels and among the large Arabic diasporas around the world, and also due to its appeal to music fans of all backgrounds.
Setting the tone for the label’s ambitions, UAM marked the launch during National Arab American Heritage Month in the U.S., with the signing of globally recognized artist, 17-year-old Jordanian singer/songwriter Issam Alnajjar whose debut single ‘Hadal Ahbek’ topped Spotify’s Viral Global and US Charts and Shazam’s Top 200 Global Chart at #1.
More news on UAM signings and forthcoming releases will be announced soon the company notes.
