$500m-backed Saban’s first release surpasses 5 million plays on YouTube

Last Friday (January 10) saw the debut release from a new power-player in the recorded music business – Saban Music Group (SMG).

The company’s first ever single arrived in the shape of Further Up (Na, Na, Na, Na, Na) by Isreali duo Static and Ben El.

The track, featuring Pitbull, has now passed the 5 million play-count on YouTube – averaging over a million streams every 24 hours.

It looks certain to land on YouTube’s global chart later this week.

Further Up is also securely nestled in the Top 10 tracks on Spotify‘s daily chart in Israel.



SMG, backed by $500m investment by media tycoon Haim Saban, last week announced a global marketing and distribution alliance with Universal Music Group.

Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG Chairman & CEO, said of the new partnership: “Haim has a proven track record of creating world-class entertainment.

“We’re looking forward to working with his team at Saban Music to bring groundbreaking new artists and music to fans around the globe.”

Haim Saban added: “Sir Lucian has built the No.1 music company in the world with an unprecedented streak of artist development. There is no better home for our artists and their music.”

Static and Ben El are comprised of singers Leeraz Russo (Static) and Ben El Tavori (Ben El), along with the production guidance of Yarden Peleg (Jordi).

The act’s YouTube account boasts over 440 million views in total.

Further Up contains a rap from Pitbull featuring the line: “Here’s a little story about my friend, Haim; gave me a call about a hit, I said, ‘Count me in.'”

Saban Music Group LLC (SMG) is a global music entertainment company based in Los Angeles, California.

“Here’s a little story about my friend, Haim; gave me a call about a hit, I said, ‘Count me in.'”

Pitbull’s rap in Further Up

SMG was founded in 2019 by Haim Saban, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saban Capital Group LLC and a worldwide pioneer and leader in the entertainment industry.

SMG says that it “captures the globalization of music” by identifying, signing and developing artists with international appeal.

The company operates in a number of pillars including recorded music, publishing, touring, management and acquisitions.

SMG’s global artist roster includes Static & Ben El (Israel), Mergui (Israel), Marie Monti (France), Chesca (Puerto Rico) and Reykon (Colombia), to name a few.Music Business Worldwide

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