Switzerland-based ’boutique’ music rights company MusicBird has acquired the publishing catalog of Toronto-based R&B artist and production duo Majid Jordan.
The deal comprises the publishers’ and writers’ shares of their catalog, including Her, Gave Your Love Away, and Stars Align, as well as co-writes for other acts such as Hold On, We’re Going Home by Drake, and For Free by DJ Khaled.
The move comes in the wake of MusicBird’s recent agreement with the estate of grunge producer Rick Parashar, and according to a press release, the deal grows its portfolio by more than 2,000 songs from “hundreds” of artists.
The company says it manages its portfolio in close partnership with publishers, labels, and other industry stakeholders, aiming to “delivering significant income and valuation growth”.
Formed in 2011, Majid Jordan are a Canadian-Bahraini R&B duo consisting of Majid Al-Maskati and Jordan Ullman, who are signed to Drake’s OVO Sound imprint.
Outside of their artist project, both Majid and Jordan have co-written and co-produced tracks for artists including Drake, Beyoncé, DJ Khaled, and Justin Bieber.
“Majid Jordan’s catalogue aligns with MusicBird’s strategy as we continue to build a diverse, hit-driven collection of music rights.”
PAUL BROWN, MUSIC BIRD
“With proven, long-term success across genres underpinned by dedicated fanbases, Majid Jordan’s catalogue aligns with MusicBird’s strategy as we continue to build a diverse, hit-driven collection of music rights,” said Paul Brown, CEO of MusicBird.
“With Jordan and Majid producing chart hits with some of the world’s biggest names and having a huge influence on modern R&B and pop music, their catalogue adds further pedigree, commercial success, and diversity to our growing portfolio.
“Their music also has plenty of potential to find new fans, providing a significant opportunity to grow the value of these songs in the coming years.”
Majid Jordan were represented by Granderson Des Rochers, LLP and MusicBird was represented by Halloran Farkas + Kittila, LLP.
In 2023, MusicBird signed what it called a “major financing deal” with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), to bolster its cash reserves for music rights deals.
According to the announcement, the deal gave MusicBird – which entered the rights acquisition space in 2021 – access to a loan facility of up to $100 million.
MusicBird’s portfolio includes income streams from publishing, masters, neighbouring rights, and producer and mixer royalties from artists and songwriters, including songs recorded by artists such as Rihanna, Alice In Chains, Jason Derulo, OneRepublic, Nickelback, Shaggy, and Sean Kingston.
Also in 2023, it snapped up the music catalog of Midge Ure, acquiring the writers’ share, master recording and neighboring rights income on over 300 songs across the Scottish songwriter, recording artist and producer’s solo career and his work with acts such as Ultravox, Visage and more.Music Business Worldwide
