Egypt: UMG MENA enters deal with Harb Talent Management

The partnership will see the two companies work together to discover, develop and sign talent in the region. This will also include overseeing the artists’ live activities, brand partnerships and recordings.

The new deal kicked off with the signing of three Egyptian hip hop artists – Ahmed Santa, Slyver and Abo El Anwar – who are set to release new music later this year and into 2024. UMG has termed the three artists as “some of the most exciting emerging hip hop artists in Egypt with growing pan-Arab fan bases and standout styles.”

“It is an exciting time for us to build a presence in Egypt via this partnership with Harb Management,” Universal Music MENA CEO Patrick Boulos said. “We have a shared passion to develop and support the local music scene in Egypt and offer talents the best of label and management services.”

Harb Management founder Sherif Harb said: “We are thrilled to be identified by Universal Music MENA as a local partner in Egypt and it is certain that we will be able to work in line with their international network and global infrastructure to better service talents and the local music scene".

According to the announcement, the deal “builds presence for both companies in the market, super-serving the local artist community.”

On 30 August, UMG acquired UAE-based music company Chabaka, which provides digital distribution, marketing, and publishing, as well as label and artist services in the MENA region.

UMG said: “Founded in 2013 by brothers Ala’a and Tarek Makki, Chabaka, which today also boasts a rich regional catalogue of songs and recordings, has grown through a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. With offices across the entire MENA region, Chabaka has to date signed agreements with more than 150 independent artists and local labels across the region.”

The acquisition of Chabaka and the partnership with Harb Talent Management complements UMG’s current service offering and footprint in the fast-growing and dynamic MENA market, which saw growth in recorded music revenues of 23.8% in 2022.

“It will allow us to expand our services and reach within the independent label and artist community. The transaction is another demonstration of our strategy to increase presence and accelerate growth in high-potential music markets around the world,” UMG added.