This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Business News Deals Labels & Publishers
Universal Music buys UAE-based Chabaka
By Chris Cooke | Published on Thursday 31 August 2023
Universal Music has bought UAE-based Chabaka, which provides music distribution, marketing and publishing services in the Middle East and North Africa region. As a result, it will become part of the Virgin Music Group, Universal’s artist and label services division.
The major says that the acquisition complements its “current service offering and footprint in the fast-growing and dynamic MENA market” and is “another demonstration of UMG’s strategy to increase its presence and accelerate its growth in high potential music markets around the world”.
Chabaka co-founder Ala’a Makki – who will remain CEO at the company – says: “These are exciting times for the region, which is one of the fastest growing music markets in the world, and we are THRILLED to announce the partnership between Chabaka and UMG”.
“Joining forces with the leading music group in the world coincides with Chabaka’s tenth anniversary”, he goes on, “and marks an important milestone and a new phase for the company, our artists and labels. Together with UMG, we will drive the transformation of the regional music industry and take it to new places, while creating new possibilities for our existing and potential local artists”.
Virgin Music Group co-CEO JT Myers adds: “As we continue to expand our footprint in emerging territories all over the world, Chabaka represents an important creative hub in one of the world’s most promising music markets”.
“Ala’a Makki and his team bring a level of expertise and knowledge that will enable them to create opportunities for our artists and labels in the expanding MENA region”, he continues, “and in turn, we will be able to grow the global audience for Chabaka’s amazing roster of artists and labels”.
