Warner Music India has entered into a strategic partnership with India’s Jjust Music, marking the major’s first foray into what it calls “marquee” Bollywood releases.
Their first joint release will be an English language pop track from Tiger Shroff, the actor, martial artist and dancer known for his roles in popular Hindi films.
The companies say that the aim fo the partnership is to “create the next generation of Indian music stars”, and that Jjust Music’s artists will “benefit from being plugged into” Warner Music’s global network.
Jjust Music was launched in 2019 by actor, film producer and entrepreneur Jackky Bhangnani.
The company produces both Bollywood songs and non-film tracks across a wide range of genres.
Since launching in 2020, Warner Music India has signed of superstar artists like Diljit Dosanjh, Armaan Malik and Darshan Raval domestically.
In October WMG stepped up its presence in the market by signing a distribution deal with Bollywood music company, Tips Music.
Other recent deals signed by Warner Music India include an exclusive distribution agreement with Punjabi music content consortium and aggregator Sky Digital India in January 2021.
“I am thrilled to bring to life my vision for Indian music through this unique collaboration with Warner Music India.”
Jackky Bhagnani
Jackky Bhagnani said: “Jjust Music emerged from an ambition to create pathbreaking music and provide independent Indian artists with a platform, while supporting them with our experience, expertise and resources.
“I am thrilled to bring to life my vision for Indian music through this unique collaboration with Warner Music India.
“Giving Indian music and artists the same exposure, support and opportunities as international music, this collaboration will only boost the confidence of our artists and enhance the quality of their music.”
“We’re eager to get into the Bollywood scene, but just as motivated to give a platform to talented and interesting artists performing non-film music.”
Jay Mehta, Warner Music India
Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India and SAARC, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to partner with Jackky Bhagnani and Jjust Music. This collaboration will help us add value to our artists’ careers by offering support in a huge range of areas from live shows to brand partnerships.
“We’re eager to get into the Bollywood scene, but just as motivated to give a platform to talented and interesting artists performing non-film music.”
“This deal will see Jjust’s artists benefit from our global network while Warner Music makes its Bollywood debut.”
Alfonso Perez-Soto, Warner Recorded Music
Alfonso Perez-Soto, President, Emerging Markets, Warner Recorded Music, added: “Jackky has a brought energy, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial flare to the Indian music market and he’s just the sort of person we love to work with.
“This deal will see Jjust’s artists benefit from our global network while Warner Music makes its Bollywood debut. It’s an exciting moment for us and we hope also for those many Indian artists who want a place on the global stage.Music Business Worldwide