Sacem and EMRA Forge Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Music Rights Management in the UAE
French royalty collection society Sacem has entered into a major representation agreement with the Emirates Arts & Music Rights Association (EMRA), marking a significant milestone for music rights management in the United Arab Emirates. EMRA became the first organization in the UAE to receive an official collective management license in April of last year, enabling it to legally collect and distribute royalties on behalf of music creators. The new collaboration with Sacem is being positioned as a transformative step toward building a struc…
From the Underground to the Algorithm: How MENA Artists Are Navigating the Streaming Era
Streaming, Visibility, and the New Reality for Artists in MENA In Morocco’s crowded rap scene, artists are finding new ways to stand out—not only through their music, but through how they navigate digital platforms. One standout is Valerieblud , a rapper from the eastern city of Oujda. His emotional trap music and soft-spoken delivery have helped him rise from the underground to a growing international audience. His rise reflects a broader shift across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where music careers are increasingly shaped by st…
Spotlight on the Builders: Billboard Arabia's 2025 MENA Music Power Players
In a defining moment for the Middle East and North Africa's cultural landscape, Billboard Arabia unveils its exclusive new list, celebrating the visionary leaders shaping the future of Arabic music. This inaugural feature honors the industry's pivotal "power players"—the executives, companies, and creators working behind the scenes to build a modern, globally competitive music sector from the ground up. This year's Billboard Arabia list spotlights 47 influential entities driving a fundamental transformation. Behind every …
Social