Sony Music Publishing is expanding its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with the launch of a new office in Dubai, which will be led by newly-appointed Managing Director Dounia Chaaban.
The company says the establishment of SMP MENA is in line with its strategy of broadening its global footprint and opening up growth opportunities for its diverse community of songwriters and composers worldwide.
In her role as Managing Director, Chaaban will spearhead operational activities, drive the company’s creative strategy, and cultivate talent throughout the region.
Operating from SMP MENA’s flagship office in Dubai, Chaaban will report to Sony Music Publishing’s Senior Vice President of International, Dan Nelson.
SMP, the world’s largest music publisher, is expanding into MENA at a time of considerable growth for the region’s music business.
According to IFPI’s latest Global Music Report, the MENA region’s recorded music market grew 23.8% YoY in 2022 (the third-fastest globally that year), and represented the highest share for streaming of any region globally, at 95.5%.
The MENA region was also the fastest-growing music region in the world [in percentage terms] in 2021, growing by 35% YoY, according to IFPI.
Just yesterday (Monday, February 12), Universal Music Group signaled its own vote of confidence in the region via a strategic partnership with a UAE-based entity called DGMC (Dubai Global Music City) to build what they describe as “the Middle East’s first-ever Music City”.
“I look forward to working hand in hand with the incredibly talented team at Sony Music Publishing to propel the MENA music industry to new heights,” Chaaban said in a statement.
“Together, we will create an environment that nurtures creativity, fosters innovation, and unlocks the boundless potential of the region’s musical landscape.”
“I look forward to working hand in hand with the incredibly talented team at Sony Music Publishing to propel the MENA music industry to new heights.”
Dounia Chaaban, Sony Music Publishing
Chaaban started her career in the music industry at Anghami, a MENA-focused music streaming service, where she spent seven years. During her tenure, Chaaban served as the Arabic Indie Community Lead, collaborating closely with independent artists across MENA.
She then assumed the role of Artist Relations Manager at Believe Music, where she spearheaded artist development initiatives, crafted marketing strategies, and more.
She left Believe in October 2023, according to her LinkedIn page.
Nelson added: “We are excited to welcome Dounia to the Sony Music Publishing team. Dounia’s extensive experience working with local talent will be invaluable as we expand opportunities for new and established songwriters and artists across the region.
“There couldn’t be a more opportune moment to launch our business, and we look forward to growing our presence in the MENA region.”
“Dounia’s extensive experience working with local talent will be invaluable as we expand opportunities for new and established songwriters and artists across the region.”
Dan Nelson, Sony Music Publishing
Chaaban’s appointment marks the latest across Sony Music Publishing’s global operations.
About two weeks ago, Sony Music Publishing UK introduced a new hire and promoted two team members. ZaZa Kazadi was named Senior A&R Manager, while Adrienne Bookbinder was promoted to Senior A&R Manager, UK & Europe, and Nasra Artan was elevated to Senior European A&R Manager.
Towards the end of 2023, Sony Music Publishing appointed Robin Nastri to the newly created role of Senior Vice President, Global Business Office, while Laura Mendoza was named Managing Director of its Colombia office.
SMP’s expansion in the MENA region follows Sony Music’s exclusive partnership with Egypt’s Craft Media to ‘sign Arabic superstars’ in July 2022.
In December 2021, Sony Music Entertainment Middle East launched a joint venture record label with Anghami.
Other companies investing in the wider MENA region in recent years include the likes of Reservoir, Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group.
In October, Warner Music Group made a strategic investment in HuManagement, described as a ‘trailblazer’ in the MENA region.
Other investments made by Warner in the MENA region in recent years include, in 2021, its acquisition of a minority stake in Rotana Music, which is claimed to be the largest record label in the Middle East.
And in 2022, Warner Music completed its acquisition of Qanawat Music, which operates as a music distributor across the Middle East and North Africa.
Meanwhile, last summer, UMG acquired Chabaka Music, a prominent music company based in the United Arab Emirates and founded in 2013 by brothers Ala’a and Tarek Makki.
In 2021, UMG launched Universal Arabic Music (UAM) in tandem with Republic Records and music biz entrepreneur, Wassim ‘SAL’ Slaiby.
Elsewhere, Reservoir Media formed a joint venture in 2020 with Abu Dhabi-headquartered music publisher and music rights consultancy PopArabia.
In August, Reservoir and PopArabia announced a catalog acquisition of Cairo-headquartered content production and distribution company RE Media, and the acquisition of master and recording rights for the catalog of Egyptian rap duo El Sawareekh.
That followed Reservoir and PopArabia’s acquisition of Egyptian label 100COPIES, as well as the acquisition of Lebanese label and music publisher Voice of Beirut.Music Business Worldwide
