MDLBEAST launches publishing arm for MENA region

According to a statement, MDLBEAST Publishing will aid MDLBEAST in exploring new commercial opportunities for its extensive catalogue of more than 300 master rights, alongside managing a comparable number of rights.

The new arm is also expected to “address key challenges associated with music broadcast and performance” while helping creators access services that enable development, creativity and production.

MDLBEAST Publishing will work with British independent music publisher Sentric to globally manage and register authors’ works, to ensure full rights representation beyond MENA.

“We are delighted to launch a pioneering and unique model in the music publishing sector in the kingdom and across the MENA region,” MDLBEAST COO and head of music Talal Albahiti said.

“With the recent launch of MDLBEAST FM Radio, our music brand partnerships team, and the recording studios at Beast House in Jax, we can now provide a comprehensive range of services to meet the commercial development needs of the creative community, artists, music producers and songwriters.”

MDLBEAST currently owns a leading group of brands in the music entertainment sector, notably MDLBEAST Records, which is home to Sudanese rapper Dafencii and Dutch-Moroccan DJ and producer R3hab, among others.

The company says it has already achieved sync placements with high-profile networks and partners such as Netflix and Spotify, forging new “pathways to the discovery of Middle Eastern and North African sounds.”

It also claims to support creators through writing and production camps, with plans to expand the initiative this year with more events that offer individual coaching and workshops on best practices, including joining performance rights organisations.