Downtown Artist & Label Services (DA&LS) says that it has “deepened its commitment” to Brazil’s emerging phonk and electronic Funk scene, inking renewals with key labels and citing successful viral campaigns across streaming and social platforms.
The company says it has struck long-term renewal deals with two labels, including UK-based Polaris Records, led by Ethan Hawley, and Australia-based Enarma Records, led by Malak Hanani. Polaris is known for its extensive funk and phonk catalog, while Enarma focuses on expanding Brazilian-oriented phonk.
Founder of Enarma Records, Malak Hanani, said: “Our partnership with Downtown Artist & Label Services marks a significant milestone in Enarma’s evolution. Together, we’re focused on growing the next wave of music – scaling Phonk and internet music to new audiences and forging eminent marketing strategies that transform emerging artists into worldwide names.”
“Together, we’re focused on growing the next wave of music – scaling Phonk and internet music to new audiences and forging eminent marketing strategies that transform emerging artists into worldwide names.”
Founder of Enarma Records, Malak Hanani
Phonk, a sub-genre of hip hop and trap that originated in 1990s Memphis, has become “a viral, algorithm-driven sound,” said Downtown.
Rod Linnum, Vice President of A&R at DA&LS, added: “We’re excited to continue building with labels like Enarma and Polaris who have helped shape what Phonk means today. Phonk is making its mark on electronic music worldwide, and we’re honoured to partner with those helping define what comes next.”
In addition to its two headline renewals, DA&LS noted that it continues to support a roster of labels including Phonk Records / Funk Records (a division of Kurate Music), Purple Crunch Records and PHONK MONSTA. Through these partnerships, Downtown distributes music from artists such as Scythermane, DJ FNK, DJ ANXVAR, JXM, DJ FKU, TRXVELER, and TOKYOSLEEP.
The company highlights recent campaigns that have achieved viral traction: CROCODILO FUNK by NFXRNVM & Rage激怒 has become part of the “Bombardino Crocodilo” meme cycle across social platforms. GLXXMSTRIDER’s DON’T STOP has maintained consistent virality since July 2024, with strong growth across streaming services. Meanwhile, vyrval’s track ✽H+3+ЯД✽7luCJIoOT6… is averaging more than 300,000 daily streams and generating significant engagement on TikTok.
“Phonk is making its mark on electronic music worldwide, and we’re honoured to partner with those helping define what comes next.”
Rod Linnum, Vice President of A&R at DA&LS
Brazil is the world’s ninth-largest recorded music market, according to the IFPI’s Global Music Report 2025. Recorded music revenue in the market grew 21.7% YoY in 2024, making it the fastest-growing market in the Top 10.Music Business Worldwide
