Universal Music India Promotes Vinit Thakkar to Senior Vice President, India

Universal Music India has today announced that Vinit Thakkar has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Universal Music India.Currently Head of Digital, Licensing and New Business in India, Thakkar’s new position will see him take a greater role in the operations of Universal Music Group’s Indian and South Asian business across Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. Reporting to Devraj Sanyal, Managing Director and CEO, Universal Music Group South Asia, Thakkar will be based in Mumbai.The new role will see Thakkar head up iconic label EMI Records India, a sub label of Universal Music Group in association with leading Bollywood film director Mohit Suri. The label acts as a platform for discovering, nurturing and breaking talent into the world of Bollywood film music.Of the promotion, Sanyal said: “I am thrilled to be promoting an executive of Vinit Thakkar’s stature and ability, his contribution over the last four years on both strategic and operational fronts has been extraordinary”.Thakkar comments: “I am delighted to be working alongside Devraj, whose vision for our region has no bounds and we look forward to further developing strategies with our brilliant team. India ranks highly amongst the world’s most creative and musically vibrant markets and with UMG’s global support, the coming years will be a thrilling ride.”Prior to joining UMG, Thakkar was Senior General Manager at Sony Music, handling P&L responsibility across Digital, Licensing and Publishing businesses. He previously worked with Titan and Citibank within their Sales and Marketing divisions.

Universal Music India's Zaroori Tha reaches 200 Million Views- First Ever Non Film Music Video

After crossing the 100 million milestone, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s “Zaroori Tha” has broken all barriers and crossed 200 million views on YouTube/ VEVO. This is truly a momentous achievement for Universal Music Group as this is the first original non-film music video to hit 200 million views.

Ever since it released in June 2014, the single which is a love ballad from the album Back 2 Love has gained attention with the video starring the then- real life couple & Ex-Bigg Boss contestants Gauahar Khan and Kushal Tandon. Directed by Rahul Sud, the video has been shot in the picturesque city of Dubai. The two protagonists beautifully tell the tale of a heart wrenching love story that brought out the true meaning of the song’s lyrics.

Watch the VIDEO here:  

In a territory dominated by Bollywood films & it’s music videos, it is an outstanding achievement that a Non-film music video has received such admiration from viewers across the globe & Universal Music has sustained the popularity ever since it’s release three years ago making it the first of its kind.

Speaking on this significant accomplishment Rahul Sud, Director of the video shared, “Working with Ustaad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was a dream that came to reality with Zaroori Tha and its stupendous success of 200 million views and still counting speaks for itself....  Thanks to Universal Music and the team for setting the new benchmark in Non-Film Music and Music Videos in India”

Gauahar Khan commented, “It's an honour to be affiliated with legends, but more humbling for it to be received with so much love!! I thank Allah, Rahul Sud our director for casting us, cause Kushal and I loved being in that video and Rahat Sahab for this magical piece of love!!”

Kushal Tandon added, “It was an amazing experience to be a part of this music video. I’m extremely happy for Rahat Sir, Rahul and the entire Universal Music team & proud to be part of a project that has reached such a momentous milestone with 200 million views”

An act that is certainly difficult to replicate, Universal Music has truly conquered the Non-film music category with a song by a leading Musical talent whose work has set him apart from any other.

About Universal Music India:

Universal Music India Pvt. Ltd. (UMIPL) is a 100% subsidiary of the Universal Music Group (UMG) and is home to record labels such as A&M Records, Blue Note Records, Capitol Records, Capitol Records Nashville, Caroline, Decca, Def Jam Recordings, Deutsche Grammophon, Emarcy, Geffen Records, Interscope Records, Island Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Records, Motown Records, Polydor Records, Republic Records, Universal Music Latino, Verve Music Group, Virgin Records, Virgin EMI Records.

UMIPL has an extremely rich Indian catalogue comprising songs from classic Hindi and Regional Films, IndiPop, Bhangra, Ghazals and Devotional. It’s enviable catalogue includes artistes such as Asha Bhosle, Anup Jalota, Bombay Vikings, Jagjit Singh, JoSh, Malkit Singh, Pankaj Udhas, Panjabi MC, Raghav, Mohit Chouhan, Euphoria, Adnan Sami, Rabbi Shergill, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to name a few. UMIPL’s `film’ catalogue (the 2nd largest in India) spans music from blockbusters such as Sholay, Qurbani, Amar Akbar Anthony, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Devdas and Munnabhai MBBS amongst the numerous jewels which symbolize the musical journey from the 70’s to date. On the International music front, UMIPL are the clear market leaders with artistes such as ABBA, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Enrique Iglesias, Eminem, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, The Beatles, UB40, Deep Purple, Enigma, Norah Jones, Deadmau5, The Chemical Brothers, amongst host of others, popular music icons and household names in India

UNIVERSAL MUSIC INDIA SIGNS EXCLUSIVE CONTRACT WITH `INDIAN IDOL SEASON-9 TV SHOW

Leading Music label Universal Music India has signed an Exclusive contract with the Top 10 contestants from the popular `Idol’ television property Indian Idol season- 9. Emerging as a powerhouse of explosive talent, Indian Idol’s Ninth Edition is back on the small screen on Sony Entertainment Television. In its ninth season, the reality show has brought together invariable talent from across the country keeping the audiences in awe week after week with their prodigious flair.

A well established brand the `Idol’ property has introduced new talents with the original trio of judges -Anu Malik, Farah Khan and Sonu Nigam. In search of the country’s next singing sensation, Universal Music India’s association with Indian Idol creates an incredible platform to showcase the best voices of the youth.

Universal Music offers the contestants a 360 degree contract wherein the young artists’ assignments, music albums and Live shows will be solely managed by the leading record label.

Speaking on the occasion, R H Chhatrapati, Vice President Universal Music & EMI - South Asia, said, “Our association with `Idol’ both globally & here has been very successful as we saw the recorded music & the Live piece make it into a sustainable business. The talent has been outstanding and it’s my firm belief that the Indian Idol contestants are tomorrow's stars."

Sean Paul releases new song- NO LIE feat Dua Lipa

Dancehall legend, Grammy Award winner and much loved hit maker extraordinaire Sean Paul who has spent the last 8 weeks at no. 1 (including the Christmas no.1) on Clean Bandit’s “Rockabye” drops the video for his new brand new single ‘No Lie’. The video, directed by Tim Nackashi (Maroon 5, One Republic)  features fast rising chart-topper Dua Lipa who duets with Sean on the track with creative direction from long-time collaborator Tanisha Scott who has worked with Beyonce, Rihanna and memorably with Drake on the Hotline Bling video. ”No Lie” comes hot on the heels of Sean’s standout collaboration with Clean Bandit and his global smash with Sia on ‘Cheap Thrills’ which hit number 1 on the Billboard, no. 2 on the UK charts and has just been nominated for a Grammy. 

Sean Paul is without doubt one of the most instantly recognisable voices in music and he   has continued his remarkable strike rate over the last year with a string of hits including Cheap Thrills: 159 Million Streams On Spotify + over 1.4m Sales on iTunes, Cheap Thrills – No. 1 on the US Chart | No. 2 on the UK Chart (In chart for 55 weeks), Jay Sean (feat. Sean Paul) – Make My Love Go: 60 Million Streams On Spotify, Little Mix (feat. Sean Paul) – Hair: 48 Million Streams On Spotify, Matoma & Sean Paul – Paradise: 14 Million Streams on Spotify (inc. various appearances on major Dance Playlists e.g. “Massive Dance Hits” & “UK House Music”, Sak Noel & Sean Paul – Trumpets: 35 Million Streams on Spotify, Strong Social Presence with 13m YouTube Views, 361K Instagram Followers & 11m Facebook Likes.

In 2002 “Dutty Rock” (fuelled by the massive hit singles “Gimme The Light “ and “Get Busy”) went double Platinum in US & UK with worldwide sales of 3,400,000+ while 2006’s “Temperature” reached x4 Platinum in US with sales of over 4m. Over the span of his career, Sean Paul has worked with some of the world’s biggest artists including Beyonce, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Busta Rhymes, Sia, Kelly Rowland, Enrique Iglesias and 2Chainz, and has also partnered with reggae and dancehall acts such as Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley, Chi Chi Ching, Mr. Vegas, Beenie Man, Ding Dong, Future Fambo, and Tami Chynn. Aside from being a top-notch performer, Sean Paul is a much sought after music producer and has created music with a number of top Jamaican artistes. 

‘No Lie’ ft. Dua Lipa is available across all digital partners Exclusively on Universal Music Group. Listen here: https://universalmusicindia.lnk.to/NoLie

About Universal Music India:

Universal Music India Pvt. Ltd. (UMIPL) is a 100% subsidiary of the Universal Music Group (UMG) and is home to record labels such as A&M Records, Blue Note Records, Capitol Records, Capitol Records Nashville, Caroline, Decca, Def Jam Recordings, Deutsche Grammophone, Emarcy, Geffen Records, Interscope Records, Island Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Records, Motown Records, Polydor Records, Republic Records, Universal Music Latino, Verve Music Group, Virgin Records, Virgin EMI Records.

UMIPL has an extremely rich Indian catalogue comprising songs from classic Hindi and Regional Films, IndiPop, Bhangra, Ghazals and Devotional. It’s enviable catalogue includes artistes such as Asha Bhosle, Anup Jalota, Bombay Vikings, Jagjit Singh, JoSh, Malkit Singh, Pankaj Udhas, Panjabi MC, Raghav, Mohit Chouhan, Euphoria, Adnan Sami, Rabbi Shergill, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to name a few. UMIPL’s `film’ catalogue (the 2nd largest in India) spans music from blockbusters such as Sholay, Qurbani, Amar Akbar Anthony, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Devdas and Munnabhai MBBS amongst the numerous jewels which symbolize the musical journey from the 70’s to date. On the International music front, UMIPL are the clear market leaders with artistes such as Sean Paul, ABBA, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Enrique Iglesias, Eminem, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, The Beatles, UB40, Deep Purple, Enigma, Norah Jones, Deadmau5, The Chemical Brothers, amongst host of others, popular music icons and household names in India.

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP BRINGS BACK BHANGRA SUPERSTAR MEHSOPURIA

Universal Music Group (UMG) proudly announces its re-union with British-Punjabi Bhangra superstar Mehsopuria for the launch of his brand new single“Hookaan” featuring the award winning and highly acclaimed British producer/singer/songwriterPBN. Punjabi music fans can revel as they will soon get to  witness Asia’s biggest stars coming together under the leading music label with a new single that can only be described undeniably as an International ‘club banger’!

The worldwide craze of Mehsopuria began in 2003 with his self-titled debut album ‘Mehsopuria The Album’that dropped on Universal Music Group. The album contained his vision penned in the form of his own lyrics, compositions and more importantly the unique voice of Mehsopuria. Lead single off the album“Tumka II” became a global smash….Mehso – as his fans fondly call him - had arrived! He quickly followed-up with “Ranjha Jogi” “Punoo Haniya”, “Ranglay Punjab Diyaan”, “Puth Punjab Da”, “Mirzeyah”, “Londono Mein Aeya” and many more to establish himself as a Superstar! Worldwide tours and performances captured the fan’s hearts with his unique image & unrivalled presence. The boyish looking artist had by then become a phenomenon, and was tagged the Bad Boy of UK Bhangra due to the Urban style, Hip-Hop image he possesses. Mehsopuria has an incredible legacy that will continue to be cemented, with some unfinished business to take care of!

An elated Mehsopuria says, “Universal Music was my beginning in India and it’s great to be back home! “Hookaan” will capture a generation like my previous global anthems; I guarantee this track will be something Punjabi / Bhangra music lovers will speak about in years to come. I’m bringing my boy PBN into the Universal family; we’ll let the music do the talking. This ain’t a game & we ain’t playin!!!”

Devraj Sanyal, Managing Director and CEO, Universal Music Group, South Asia shares “We are thrilled to see Mehso back where he belongs…at UMG where it all started! We’ve shared some great success stories with his music and we are now looking forward to building new stories! “Hookaan” is a winner of a track and we have no doubt that his fans will love it! Needless to say, we will roll out an exhaustive marketing plan that will truly bring back Mehso in a strong way. This is Mehso 2.0 and we can’t wait to get it started!”

Multi award winning music icon, PBN entered the UK Bhangra music scene in 2003 and shortly after his arrival produced multiple hits anthems such as “Aashiq”, “Kaun Nee Jaandah”, “Aaj Meh Peeni”, “Fitteh Moo” and his 2014 smash “Phatte Chuk Di”. His continued success brought him worldwide recognition with awards, sold out tours and chart #1’s. Dubbed ‘The Hit Maker’ by his fans, PBN returns to continue his legacy with the Bad Boy of Bhangra for something which can only be described as a true “Game Changer”.

Says PBN, “If there is one thing that we truly believe in, it’s to rock dancefloors worldwide!! That is exactly what we are going to do with this new anthem “Hookaan”.  Powerful undiluted vocals laced over ground shaking beats and basslines with an infectious hook line that will have fans singing along to the very end. It’s time!”

For years Mehsopuria’s legion of fans have been eagerly awaiting his return…now with a completely new look and a banging new song “Hookaan” ft. PBN, the Bhangra star  MEHSOPURIA is back where it all started…his home at Universal Music Group! 

THE VOICE INDIA KIDS - Winner Nishtha Sharma UMG record deal

Universal Music India is set to give the winner of ‘The Voice India Kids’ reality talent show - 10 year old, Nishtha Sharma - a fabulous launch pad to kick-start what could be a long and successful career in music. 

After having proved her singing competency on the reality talent show `The Voice India Kids’ aired on &TV, Nishtha has bagged a record deal with the world’s leading music company Universal Music Group (UMG) which includes an exclusive 3 year artist management contract through which Nishtha will be groomed and nurtured for a career in the world of music!

A self-confessed fan of Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Shreya Ghoshal, the Sultanpur, UP resident won praise and admiration of the 3 judgesNeeti Mohan, Shekhar Ravjiani and Shaan who commented on her confidence and dedication. The young singer consistently wowed audiences through the show with her versatile voice, singing classical and semi classical songs.

Speaking on the occasion, R H Chhatrapati, Vice President, Universal Music, South Asia, said, “Our endeavor at UMG Live has always been to support and develop new talent in the music industry. We’ve been successfully doing this with young talent from various music properties on TV who have grown into very good performers over the years! We now welcome Nishtha Sharma to the UMG Live family and look forward to widening her horizons as we groom her to record and perform live all over the world”.

The nation was taken by storm by this young musical wonder, who continued to keep the audiences in awe, week after week, with her prodigious flair. As she begins her journey with UMG, this young talent with a mesmerizing voice will definitely create a place in the hearts of the music lovers around the world.

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP SIGNS ANANYA BIRLA AS A RECORDING ARTIST

                                            

Universal Music Group (UMG) is proud to announce the signing of Ananya Birla to its roster. The 22-year old has been exclusively signed by the music major as a recording artist, a move that sees her entrepreneurial corporate persona widening into the entertainment arena. At an early age Ananya was exposed to a diverse range of music; she has been playing the santoor since the age of 11, and taught herself the guitar.  But it was during her time at university that the vibrant music scene and bustling gig culture of London inspired her to consider transforming her passion into a career. Although music was always an integral part of her,Ananya credits this exposure in London as the catalyst of her craft. She lists down global names Coldplay, AR Rahman, Eminem, Ed Sheeran, The Fray as some of her favorite artists always on her playlists!  

Devraj Sanyal Managing Director and CEO, Universal Music Group, South Asia said, “We are delighted to welcome ANANYA to the UMG family! At just 22, she’s already a successful entrepreneur with multiple ventures…and seeing her passion and work ethics while in studio, I’m confident that she’ll achieve great success as an artist too. From singing, song writing and composing, Ananya displays natural flair. From our end, we will make sure that she’s working with the best talent in the business to produce music that’s in line with today’s global sounds and through the UMG network; we will ensure that her music travels beyond boundaries.”

Said an elated Ananya Birla “It was a dream come true when UMG signed me as an artist. I am grateful for UMG's constant guidance and am really blessed to have a team that has given me their unwavering support at every step. My creative energy and inputs have always been respected. This is as much as their baby as it is mine. I can't wait till the track is out for all of you to hear!” As an entrepreneur, Ananya has been celebrated as an innovator, game-changer and symbol of enduring excellence. Now, through the Universal Music Group, Ananya will launch her musical career on a global platform. She’s currently in-studioworking on her music with some of the world’s best talent. Her debut International single will drop this November kick starting what’s looking like an exciting new journey for the young and impassioned Ananya. 

About Ananya Birla:

An alumnus of the University of Oxford, at 17, Ananya founded Svatantra Microfinance Pvt. Ltd, which lends micro credit to rural entrepreneurs, predominantly women clients, through affordable and innovative financial and non-financial solutions. She followed up with Mpower, an initiative that aims to reach out to individuals with mental health disorders and their families by raising awareness, alleviating stigma, advocating prevention, fostering education, and providing world class holistic services. Most recently, Ananya launched a premium lifestyle platform, Curocarte, which uses e-commerce to curate authentic, unique and premium handmade products from all around the globe and uses design to contemporize products for the 21^st century lifestyle. 

About Universal Music India:

Universal Music India Pvt. Ltd. (UMIPL) is a 100% subsidiary of the Universal Music Group (UMG) and is home to record labels such as A&M Records, Blue Note Records, Capitol Records, Capitol Records Nashville, Caroline, Decca, Def Jam Recordings, Deutsche Grammophone, Emarcy, Geffen Records, Interscope Records, Island Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Records, Motown Records, Polydor Records, Republic Records, Universal Music Latino, Verve Music Group, Virgin Records, Virgin EMI Records.

UMIPL has an extremely rich Indian catalogue comprising songs from classic Hindi and Regional Films, IndiPop, Bhangra, Ghazals and Devotional. It’s enviable catalogue includes artistes such as Asha Bhosle, Anup Jalota, Bombay Vikings, Jagjit Singh, JoSh, Malkit Singh, Pankaj Udhas, Panjabi MC, Raghav, Mohit Chouhan, Euphoria, Adnan Sami, Rabbi Shergill, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to name a few. UMIPL’s `film’ catalogue (the 2nd largest in India) spans music from blockbusters such as Sholay, Qurbani, Amar Akbar Anthony, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Devdas and Munnabhai MBBS amongst the numerous jewels which symbolize the musical journey from the 70’s to date. On the International music front, UMIPL are the clear market leaders with artistes such as ABBA, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Enrique Iglesias, Eminem, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, The Beatles, UB40, Deep Purple, Enigma, Norah Jones, Deadmau5, The Chemical Brothers, amongst host of others, popular music icons and household names in India.

UNIVERSAL MUSIC & MOHIT SURI'S `EMI RECORDS INDIA' SIGNS UP PRODUCER / COMPOSER RISHI RICH

EMI Records India proudly announces its collaboration with music producer and composer Rishi Rich - arguably the most successful Asian music producer of our generation!  The prolific producer, now based in Mumbai, has exclusively signed to the label who will manage all his music production work for Bollywood films going forward. 

Through EMI Records India, Rishi Rich will create new music for Bollywood films – he’s just wrapped up the lead track for Mohit Suri’s upcoming film “Half Girlfriend” that releases in 2017. He will also mentor and produce music for the new talent signed to the label. 

Says Mohit Suri “It’s great to have Rishi on board EMI Records India. He’s been making credible music for over a couple of decades and his exposure to both the East and the West is what makes him a unique producer. He will add a fresh new perspective to Bollywood music. He’s just wrapped up the title song of my next film `Half Girlfriend’ and its brilliant! I wish Rishi all the very best on his signing to our label EMI Records India and look forward to his music gracing many more Bollywood films!”

An elated Rishi Rich says “I feel extremely honored to be represented by the EMI Records India team on this journey of mine here. It’s indeed an exciting opportunity extended by Mohit Suri and the label and I can’t wait to bring my brand of Music to Bollywood! Besides, EMI Records is such a great platform for new singers….I’m looking forward to working with some of the awesome talent that’s in the pipeline!” 

Devraj Sanyal Managing Director and CEO, Universal Music Group, South Asia expressed his excitement on the signing “I’ve known Rishi for over a decade and it’s great to now have him signed to EMI RECORDS INDIA! Having him based out of Mumbai opens up the opportunity for him to work with Bollywood producers who wish to have contemporary sounds as part of their films. He’s vast experience and ability to create music to suit today’s audiences is what makes him special! Besides Bollywood music, Rishi will also mentor and produce new talent signed to the label. The fact that he’s created global stars with Jay Sean and Juggy D amongst others…is itself testimony to his craft. Rishi Rich - welcome to EMI Records India!”

Recognizing his love for music at a young age, Rishi Rich was destined to succeed with his unique talent and passion for music. Hailed as a pioneer of the Indian R&B fusion movement, his innovative style fused R&B, Bhangra and Ragga into a portent new sound. Combining his influences from his Punjabi background and his love for urban / pop music, the talented producer has been able to appeal to a wider audience through remixes with International artistes such as Criag David, Ricky Martin, Madonna, Britney Spears, Westlife, Mary J Blige and many more. With his talent for spotting new artistes, Rishi went onto launch the successful careers of Juggy D and Jay Sean.

RESH & Monica Dogra release new single- Trouble

Multi-talented, multiple award-winning artist Resh has teamed up with one of India’s most accomplished indie pop artist, Monica Dogra for his single, Trouble. The emotionally charged ballad is the third single from his critically acclaimed EP, Who Am I.Resh says, “I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Monica Dogra on this track. The possibilities are endless as music transcends all borders.”Monica adds, "Experimenting with a pure pop sound is something I have never done before.  I had fun! I think I learn something new about myself through these collaborations.  I thrive on experimentation and reinvention.  I'm really interested in bridging the gap between India and other Southeast Asian countries.  Hopefully now, Indian audiences will become better acquainted with what's happening in our neighboring countries, and vice a versa."

The R&B driven track is produced by Jim Beanz of Sunset Entertainment Group, and finds Resh and  Monica complement each other in an endearing exchange of vocal master class over a spacey and sexy beat. Get the single here: https://getmusic.lnk.to/ReshMonicaTrouble  

The single comes with an accompanying music video which is directed by Resh himself and was filmed in India and Malaysia. It’s a visual spectacle that follows the music throughout, guiding you through each layer of the song.  More details of the music video release date will follow through. 

Resh has already seen success from his first two singles, Half The Man & Can’t Live Without Ya. In November 2015, Half The Man premiered at #13 on the US Top20 radio program, hosted by Grammy nominated producer, Al Walser. The US Top20 radio program is a syndicated radio chart show that is played over 500 stations around the world. 2016 has seen Resh reach new milestones and continue to grow his already wide fan base with his four nominations at HITZ FM MET10 Awards 2016 in his home country, Malaysia. He was recognized with four nominations including: BEST MALE, BEST SONG: HALF THE MAN, BEST LIVE PERFORMER and BEST MUSIC VIDEO: HALF THE MAN. 

Monica Dogra is India’s most popular indie artist. Through the span of her career she has released 4 studio albums with her band Shaa’ir + Func and in January 2016 she released her debut solo album titled ‘Spit’ with Universal Music India. She’s packed venues and headlined every notable festival in India and has won a number of awards. She’s also performed at some of the biggest music festivals in the world like Glastonbury (UK), MIDEM Music Conference (France), c/o POP (Germany), to name a few. Being a role model for many, she is constantly featured in the media and has even been on the cover of Rolling Stone, Maxim, FHM, and few other leading magazines in India.

UNIVERSAL MUSIC AND QYUKI’S CSR INITIATIVE `THE DHARAVI PROJECT’ SEES IT’S FIRST MUSIC RELEASE!

“SAAMNE YEH KAUN AAYA” is a collaborative single between Dharavi      based outfit Slum Gods along with DJ / Producer Suketu

In January 2015, `THE DHARAVI PROJECT’ - a one of its kind CSR initiative was launched by leading record label Universal Music India along with Qyuki, a Multi-Platform Network co-founded by Shekhar Kapur, A.R. Rahman and Samir Bangara.Since its launch, the venture has set up a music and dance school in Dharavi which has been funded from its CSR budget with the aim of identifying and grooming homegrown talent and providing them a platform to showcase their potential. Universal Music has periodically brought in prominent singers, musicians, choreographers and producers to the school to identify and mentor young talent.Now The Dharavi Project is proud to launch its first release – “Saamne Yeh Kaun Aaaya”, a pop / dance / hip hop recreation of one of Bollywood’s hits from the film ’Jawani Diwani’. The song features SLUM GODS - India's First Collective of talented Hip Hop artists from the heart of Mumbai, Dharavi. By using Hip Hop to bridge the gap between chaos to creativity, Slum Gods is an initiative to tackle the vicious circle of poverty, crime etc.  The song also has vocals by Thompson Andrews and is remixed by the immensely popular DJ Suketu.Devraj Sanyal Managing Director and CEO, Universal Music Group, South Asia said “The Dharavi Project is not just a CSR initiative but it’s something that’s close to our heart. When we launched it in January 2015, we were determined to tap into the talent that exists in Asia’s largest slum and provide them with a platform to showcase the same to the outside world.  Along with our partners Qyuki we put a plan in place to go about this process. Setting up the music and dance school at Dharavi made us proud and what followed were visits by our friends in the business - singers, musicians, choreographers and producers to identify and mentor young talent. The release of “Saamne Yah Kaun Aaya” is the result of the hard work put in by all involved to make this CSR project count!  We will continue to work this project and hopefully make a difference in the lives of many more such talented individuals living in Dharavi.” 

Samir Bangara, Co-founder and MD of Qyuki said “The seed of this idea "The Dharavi Project" was sown from our very own vision at Qyuki to create and provide a digital platform to the young creators in India to showcase their Talent. The project was launched to discover creators from the nook & corners of Asia's largest slum - Dharavi and help them leverage their Talent through our digital platform by means of collaboration, mentorship and technology across the world. We are proud to have Universal Music Group partnered with us in this initiative and help us set the stage right by launching our 1st HipHop music and dance school in one of the by-lanes of Dharavi. The release of “Saamne Yah Kaun Aaya” is just the beginning and we look forward to impacting the lives of many such talented hidden gems/creators not just in the Dharavi of India but many such Dharavi's across the globe.”The single “Saamne Yah Kaun Aaya” is available across all digital platforms exclusively on Universal Music. You can view the video for the song here:

DANISH OUTFIT OUTLANDISH RELEASE THEIR BRAND NEW HEART WRENCHING SINGLE “MY OLD MAN” THE TRACK TOUCHES AN EMOTIONAL CHORD WITH THEIR FANS SOON BECOMING ONE OF THE MOST REQUESTED SONGS ON THE AIRWAVES

Danish outfit Outlandish is back with their latest single “My Old Man” and it’s taking over the country by storm! Released on Universal Music, the song dedicated to Fathers is a tribute to the `not much talked about father-son bond’.The song is being lapped up not only by their fans here but also by music lovers in general as it picks up steam across radio and TV channels in the country. With its heart tugging lyric and a strong sing-a-long hook, the song is soon becoming one of the most requested songs on the airwaves.“My Old Man” is a track of immense lyrical subtlety yet mixed seamlessly with a stunning musical simplicity. A song for both head and heart. It deals with the complex relationships the band members have with their fathers and how that relationship filters through into their own behavior as they become fathers themselves. It is a song about honor and pride, about fragility, understanding and forgiveness, about how love is not defined by ones words but by ones actions, about how, at the end of the day, after all the battles, conflicts etc, as band member Isam describes it,“the apple never falls far from the tree”.Watch the video here:

With this brilliant new single, Outlandish have shown that they are capable of creating new music which is simultaneously timeless and absolutely of its time! 

The artwork for the single is a shot taken using an original 1850s camera. It visually complements what the song achieves when it reaches our ears and our hearts.

Formed in 1991, in a suburb of Copenhagan, Lenny, Waqas and Isam a.k.a. Outlandish have now been around for 25 years and in this time they have sold more than a million singles and 300,000 albums worldwide. Their biggest hits include “Aicha”, “Walou” and “Guantanamo” which all together have sold over 7 million compilation units in over 30 countries!

The band members came from very different backgrounds - Lenny was born in Honduras but arrived from Cuba when he was 14, Waqas family were originally from Pakistan and Isam’s parents came originally from Morocco - but they bonded over their love of music, its range, diversity and potential. They took a variety of these influences, from North African music to Latin-American tunes from the 1920s, the sounds they heard their parents playing as they were growing up, and mixed them in with the contemporary musical voices that spoke to them about their own situations, and from this melting pot came their own distinctive voice.

“My Old Man” is available across digital platforms exclusively on Universal Music.