AWAL has expanded into the Center East, establishing a Dubai headquarters by way of a partnership with Sony Music Center East.
Sony Music Center East A&R Director Issa Outa will oversee AWAL’s regional operations, constructing on his expertise with unbiased artists throughout the territory.
Outa beforehand held senior positions at Chabka as Managing Companion and VP Enterprise Improvement, launched Anghami Productions as VP Music, and served as GM of Vibe Data.
The brand new construction creates twin reporting strains for Outa, who will proceed reporting to Sony Music Center East Managing Director Rami Mohsen whereas additionally working with Ben Akinbola, AWAL’s Head of Development, to help AWAL’s Center Jap technique.
AWAL’s inaugural unique signing within the area is multi-platinum Egyptian artist Wegz and Raad Data, the label he co-founded with CEO Asem Tag and Managing Director Malik Tag, in line with a press launch on Thursday (September 25) .
“We’re excited to launch this chapter with the help of AWAL, who share a lot of our imaginative and prescient and values and have made bringing this to life an thrilling and clean course of.”
Wegz, Artist
Wegz launched a 12-track album final week that options collaborations with French singer Tayc and Egyptian rapper Ziad Zaza.
Commenting on the signing, Wegz mentioned: “I discovered an outlet the place I might be artistic past my very own music, by working with a brand new wave of youthful artists keen to search out their id and footing in an business that may be unwelcoming and even hostile at occasions.”
“We’re excited to launch this chapter with the help of AWAL, who share a lot of our imaginative and prescient and values and have made bringing this to life an thrilling and clean course of.”
“Center Jap tradition is undeniably various and wealthy, brimming with a era of highly effective storytellers which have fueled sustained progress within the MENA music market.”
Ben Akinbola, AWAL
Ben Akinbola, AWAL’s Head of Development, added: “We couldn’t be extra excited to interrupt floor within the Center East in partnership with Rami, Issa, and the Sony Music group. Center Jap tradition is undeniably various and wealthy, brimming with a era of highly effective storytellers which have fueled sustained progress within the MENA music market.
“Along with Sony Music, AWAL is establishing a house for unbiased artists that’s constructed on belief, transparency, and full alignment as companions. Kicking off our enterprise with Wegz and Raad Data, a visionary artist and uncompromising group, is a strong assertion of what’s to return.”
AWAL operates native workplaces globally and has labored with artists like Laufey, Djo, Lauv and extra. It has additionally helped develop the careers of Rex Orange County, FINNEAS, Nick Cave & The Unhealthy Seeds, Kim Petras and extra.
The launch represents AWAL’s continued international enlargement.
The Center East launch comes two years after AWAL expanded into India with the acquisition of OKListen, a Mumbai-headquartered digital music platform for indie labels and musicians, and 4 years after Sony Music accomplished its acquisition of AWAL.
In 2024, AWAL expanded to West Africa, hiring Nigerian music exec Excel Joab to guide A&R and artist improvement efforts.
AWAL’s Center East launch comes amid the booming music market within the area.
In 2024, recorded music revenues within the Center East and North Africa area jumped 22.8% from a 12 months earlier, making it the fastest-growing area globally, in line with information from the IFPI. Streaming within the MENA area accounted for 99.5% of whole revenues.
Music Enterprise Worldwide
