Sony Music Entertainment Middle East has signed an exclusive partnership with Egyptian superstar artist Amr Diab, one of the best-selling artists in the Middle East and North Africa region.
According to Sony, the exclusive deal includes the acquisition of Amr Diab’s “extensive” catalog of recorded music, which includes hit songs such as inta elhaz, Zay Mandy and Yaaanayala.
Sony has also signed what it calls a “forward-looking multi-album deal” with the artist, who the music company notes is often called the “Father of Mediterranean Music.”
In addition to acquiring the catalog, Sony said Amr Diab will “set out to create new music, promising [to] pushing the boundaries of traditional genres in the region”.
The statement added that his partnership with Sony Music Middle East “will enhance his international appeal by leveraging the company’s global network to explore innovative sounds and partnerships”.
Sony’s acquisition of Amr Diab’s work and a broader partnership with the superstar comes amid significant growth for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) music industry.
Total recorded music revenue in the MENA region grows 14.4% According to IFPI data (global revenue increased by 10.2% annually), by 2023, music streaming media will account for 98.4% of the music market in the Middle East and North Africa region last year.
The global music industry has increasingly focused on the region over the past few years, as evidenced by recent moves by non-Big Three giants such as Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music, Warner Music Group and Imperial Music Group.
The deal also comes just over a year after Rami Mohsen was appointed as the new managing director of Sony Music Middle East.
“I’m excited to begin the next chapter of my music career with Sony Music.”
Amr Diab
“I am excited to start the next chapter of my music career with Sony Music,” said Amr Diab.
“Their commitment to nurturing artistic growth aligns with my vision for the future of music. Stay tuned for new innovations to come!
“We are proud to welcome Amr to Sony Music and share his music beyond the Middle East, taking his musical legacy to greater heights.”
Sridhar Subramaniam, Sony Music
Shridhar Subramaniam, president of Sony Music Asia and Middle East, added: “Amr Diab is a musical visionary whose work transcends cultural and generational boundaries.
“We are proud to welcome Amr to Sony Music and share his music beyond the Middle East, taking his musical legacy to greater heights.
“This collaboration aims to showcase the Middle East’s rich musical heritage on a global stage.”
“As we expand our presence in the rapidly growing Middle East market, partnering with Amr Diab fits perfectly with our vision for the region’s music industry.”
Rami Mohsen, Sony Music Entertainment Middle East
Rami Mohsen, Managing Director of Sony Music Entertainment Middle East, added: “Amr Diab’s lasting impact on the music industry is unparalleled.
“This strategic partnership will introduce his unique voice to a wider audience and underscore our commitment to developing exceptional talent and creative excellence around the world.
“As we expand our presence in the rapidly growing Middle East market, partnering with Amr Diab fits perfectly with our vision for the region’s music industry.”
Globally, Sony Music’s recent catalog acquisition spree has also seen the purchase of rights related to legendary acts such as Michael Jackson, Queen and Pink Floyd.global music business
