Republic Records and parent company Universal Music Group (UMG) have launched Universal Arabic Music (UAM) in partnership with successful music manager and entrepreneur, Wassim “SAL” Slaiby.
UAM, which UMG says “will create new opportunities to advance Arabic music and culture with global partners, platforms and brands”, was unveiled today by Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG, Republic Records Founder and CEO Monte Lipman and Wassim “SAL” Slaiby, Founder and CEO of SALXCO and XO RECORDS.
Slaiby will serve as Founder and CEO of Universal Arabic Music, effective immediately.
Los Angeles-based Slaiby is the CEO of XO Records (the label which he co-founded with The Weeknd whom he also manages) and of SALXCO, his management firm.
Slaiby’s management roster features over 45 artists, producers and songwriters, including Doja Cat, Swedish House Mafia, French Montana, Bebe Rexha, Metro Boomin, Belly, Ty Dolla Sign, M.I.A, Bryson Tiller, Brandy and Ali Gatie amongst others.
He also sits as Head of International Partnerships at Prominent Middle Eastern Spotify rival Anghami, which recently listed on the NASDAQ in New York.
UAM says that it is currently building a team of experts who speak Arabic and have a deep understanding of Arabic music and culture.
This team will be dedicated to Arabic music and will work alongside UMG’s labels in the US, UK, Brazil, France, Germany, Australia, Mexico, as well as UMG’s existing operations in the MENA region – to “discover, sign and promote global artists of Middle Eastern and North African descent and bring them to fans worldwide”.
UAM, which launches during National Arab American Heritage Month, has announced its first signing as 17-year-old Jordanian singer/songwriter Issam Alnajjar.
Issam Alnajjar has already topped Spotify’s Viral Global and US Charts and Shazam’s Top 200 Global Chart at No.1 with his debut single Hadal Ahbek, which exploded after the singer posted the track on TikTok, amassing over 3 billion views on the platform. To date, the performance video has garnered over 60 million views.
Slaiby also discovered and developed 19-year-old Palestinian-Chilean singer/songwriter Elyanna, who first gained traction after posting covers on Soundcloud.
Last year, the now California-based artist released her self-titled debut EP and breakout hit Ana Lahale featuring Massari, which has amassed millions of streams to date.
UAM says that additional “marquee artist signings” will be announced very soon.
“There is so much talent in this part of the world that with SAL’s incredible experience and intimate knowledge of the MENA region, alongside his track record for helping to break global artists, he will bring a unique vision, strategy and power to Universal Arabic Music.”
Sir Lucian Grainge
Sir Lucian Grainge said: “In today’s global music marketplace, we’ve demonstrated time and again that worldwide hits come from anywhere.
“There is so much talent in this part of the world that with SAL’s incredible experience and intimate knowledge of the MENA region, alongside his track record for helping to break global artists, he will bring a unique vision, strategy and power to Universal Arabic Music.”
“SAL’s clear vision and blueprint for Universal Arabic Music will become a catalyst for Arabic music in the marketplace.”
Monte Lipman, Republic Records
Republic Records Founder and CEO Monte Lipman added: “SAL’s clear vision and blueprint for Universal Arabic Music will become a catalyst for Arabic music in the marketplace.
“His ability to identify, curate and deliver talent globally remains a force of nature. The cultural importance of music from the MENA region crossing boundaries and reaching all corners of the world is long overdue.”
“It’s been my dream to highlight the talent and culture of Arabic music on a global level with partners that I trust and admire.”
Wassim “SAL” Slaiby
Wassim “SAL” Slaiby, Founder and CEO, Universal Arabic Music said: “It’s been my dream to highlight the talent and culture of Arabic music on a global level with partners that I trust and admire.”Music Business Worldwide