Reservoir Media has launched a new subsidiary, PopIndia, based in Mumbai.
PopIndia is focused on signing and developing regional talent and acquiring catalogues across publishing and recorded music. The company’s first publishing deal is with singer, songwriter, rapper and YouTube star Yohani.
“The launch of PopIndia builds on Reservoir’s existing emerging markets expertise through the subsidiary, PopArabia, and further demonstrates the commitment to cultivating local talent across India and MENA,” said a statement.
Spek, Reservoir executive vice president of international and emerging markets, will oversee PopIndia. In addition, Ray Ahmed, formerly business development lead of PopArabia, has been promoted to head of operations of PopIndia based out of Mumbai, marking Reservoir’s seventh global office.
In addition to the signing of new talent, PopIndia now oversees Reservoir’s relationships with Indian superstar rapper Divine and Gully Gang Entertainment. PopIndia is also the sub-publisher for global music catalogues within the Indian and South Asian markets and provides music supervision and rights management solutions for regional music clients.
Golnar Khosrowshahi, Reservoir founder and chief executive officer, said: “The launch of PopIndia is a major step forward for Reservoir’s emerging markets strategy. India’s music market is growing rapidly, and the opportunity is ripe to further establish ourselves in this evolving market.”
India’s music market is growing rapidly, and the opportunity is ripe to further establish ourselves in this evolving market
Golnar Khosrowshahi
She added: “Capitalising on the experience and synergies across Reservoir and PopArabia, PopIndia is adapting the same model Spek has successfully implemented throughout emerging markets, with Ray building relationships on the ground in Mumbai and showcasing Reservoir’s ongoing commitment to supporting local talent worldwide.”
The agreement with Mumbai-based Sri Lankan star Yohani is a publishing deal for hits from her catalogue, plus future works. Her latest single, Ain’t Nobody Like You with Ruuh and Joh was released in January, and she is currently on tour, including a sold-out date in London.
On signing with PopIndia, Yohani said: “I’m so excited to start this new chapter with Reservoir and PopIndia. From the moment I met Spek, Ray and the team, I felt their genuine love for music and their belief in and support of me. I feel seen, heard and backed by a team that truly cares. Calling Reservoir and PopIndia my new home feels right, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.”
Spek said: “Yohani is the real deal – an all-round singer, songwriter, rapper, and artist. Signing a publishing deal with her is a phenomenal way to kick off PopIndia. She has had immense success with South Asian fans globally, and we’re excited to be supporting her out of Mumbai with Ray leading the charge on the ground while leveraging Reservoir’s global reach to help further her success.”
He added: “India’s music business is maturing, yet there remain significant gaps and opportunities. We are primed to provide bespoke services that fit the needs of the region and those of both global and regional creators.”
PHOTO: Ouright Media House
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