News and Trends

  Link:  Hate, Pt. 2 by AwonMnyuzik - DistroKid In a world where envy moves faster than truth and opinions travel louder than purpose, AwonMnyuzikhas just released a bold double-statement that refuses to whisper. Today marks the official drop of HATE Part 1 and HATE Part 2—two trap-driven EPs that confront jealousy, betrayal, idea theft, and unnecessary rivalry head-on. This isn’t music made for comfort. This is music made for reflection, accountability, and awakening. Why “HATE” — and Why Now? Hate has become normalized. In music. In business. In communities. Online. Offline. AwonMnyuzik doesn’t pretend it doesn’t exist—he exposes it. Both EPs are rooted in real-life experiences: being watched instead of supported, copied instead of collaborated with, criticized instead of understood. But instead of responding with violence or bitterness, HATE Part 1 & 2 flip the narrative . The message is clear: 👉 Everyone has their own destination. Why sabotage someone else’s journey w...

Grammy Week is abuzz with industry-changing news. As you will have seen, BMG is apparently in talks to potentially acquire Concord. Sony Music Group also chose this week to announce that it is launching a music rights acquisition JV with Singapore’s GIC, with plans to invest $2 billion to $3 billion in the venture. Today … Continued Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/distrokid-repped-by-goldman-sachs-and-raine-exploring-a-sale/

Bertelsmann's BMG in talks to buy Concord, Bloomberg reports Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bmg-in-talks-to-acquire-concord-report/

The following MBW op/ed comes from Bobby Bickely & Ewan Bloor, Data Scientists at Beatdapp Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/why-distinguishing-human-creation-from-ai-mimicry-matters-more-than-ever/

Spotify's Global Head Of Music talks us through the tracks that have shaped and inspired him throughout his life and career to date Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/key-songs-in-the-life-of-charlie-hellman/

Sony Music Group is forming a music rights-buying joint venture with Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, GIC Pte. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-to-form-2bn-music-rights-acquisition-jv-with-singapores-gic-pte-sovereign-wealth-fund-report/

Music publishers file second copyright infringement lawsuit against AI company Anthropic Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/umg-concord-and-abkco-sue-anthropic-for-3bn-in-what-could-be-single-largest-non-class-action-copyright-case-in-us-history/

The streaming giant has hailed the figure as "the largest annual payment to music from any retailer in history". Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/spotify-says-it-paid-out-over-11bn-to-the-music-industry-in-2025/

London-based Fitton previously served as Senior Director, A&R for Sony Music Publishing and A&R Manager at Warner Chappell Music Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/saul-fitton-joins-pulse-music-group-as-senior-vice-president-head-of-creative-uk/

Nahome, who was named Producer of the Year at MBW's 2025 Music Business UK Awards Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/olivia-dean-exec-producer-zach-nahome-inks-global-publishing-deal-with-umpg-and-nws-music-group/

Drake thinks a federal judge just created a "dangerous" precedent for the music industry. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/drake-fights-dismissal-of-not-like-us-lawsuit-3-things-you-might-have-missed1/

Primary Wave Music, in conjunction with Brazil-headquartered Nas Nuvens Music Group, has entered into a partnership with iconic Brazilian composer, singer, and guitarist, Gilberto Gil. The deal sees Primary Wave and Nas Nuvens Music Group acquire Gilberto Gil’s catalog. The companies claim in a press release that the partnership “is one of the most significant … Continued Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/catalog-of-brazilian-icon-gilberto-gil-acquired-by-primary-wave-in-partnership-with-nas-nuvens-music-group/

South African artist AwonMnyuzik is stepping into 2026 with renewed creative momentum and a series of exciting new music projects that promise to resonate with fans both locally and internationally. Known for his dynamic style and genre-blending approach, AwonMnyuzik continues to expand his catalog with fresh sounds and compelling storytelling that reflect his artistic growth. � A Year of New Music and Momentum As the new year unfolds, AwonMnyuzik is actively releasing music and building on the success of his recent work. His latest singles and projects showcase both his versatility and commitment to high-quality music production. 🎶 Listen to AwonMnyuzik’s Latest Music Here are some of the most recent releases by AwonMnyuzik — stream them, add them to your playlists, and share with friends! “Paperwork (Sonic Ubuntu)” – New single by AwonMnyuzik (Oct 13, 2025) Listen on Apple Music “Juke Box (Sonic Ubuntu)” – Full project from 2025 featuring 8 songs (Oct 2, 2025) Listen on ...

Joshua joined BMG in 2024 as EVP, Global Marketing Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/celine-joshua-promoted-to-executive-vice-president-global-marketing-streaming-at-bmg/

The new channel called Universal Music Live will stream performances, industry events and artist conversations. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-music-groups-1824-launches-livestreaming-channel-on-twitch/

UK-based Kane Burton was formerly Executive Vice President of Venue Management at Oak View Group International. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/rebecca-kane-burton-joins-superstruct-entertainment-as-chief-operating-officer/

Todd celebrates 10 years at Primary Wave, initially joining the company as a legal intern in 2016 Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/lexi-todd-promoted-to-deputy-chief-operating-officer-at-primary-wave/

The TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC will function as an independent entity with a seven-member board that includes TikTok CEO Shou Chew. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/tiktok-closes-deal-to-form-new-american-entity-dodging-us-shutdown/

He will oversee 'high-impact opportunities' across the AMG roster Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/kevin-weaver-promoted-to-president-atlantic-music-group/

Caleb Merrell and Laurel Hilburn elevated to Senior Tour Directors; Ryan Erickson and Emily Harenza join marketing leadership from Live Nation and Paramount. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/aeg-presents-expands-global-touring-division-with-key-hires-and-internal-promotions/

Lemonaide AI co-founders Michael “MJ” Jacob and Anirudh Mani will lead technology and innovation across the company. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/beatstars-acquires-generative-music-startup-lemonaide-ai/

Pirate group accused of 'brazen theft of millions of files containing nearly all of the world's commercial sound recordings.' Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/record-labels-spotify-sue-pirate-group-annas-archive-over-scraping-and-brazen-theft-of-86m-tracks/

Def Jam Recording China has partnered with China Mobile's Migu to discover talent, and create and distribute music. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-launches-def-jam-recordings-china-division-in-chengdu-the-capital-of-chinese-hip-hop/

The European Commission opened an in-depth Phase II investigation into the proposed acquisition in July 2025 Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/umg-to-gain-eu-approval-to-buy-downtown-music-reuters-reports/

The agreement includes provisions addressing artificial intelligence, with both companies committing to what they called artist-centric AI principles. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/umg-strikes-licensing-deal-with-netease-cloud-music-for-china-including-artist-centric-terms-covering-ai-plans-to-expand-super-vip-tier/

The Jamen Capital-backed firm says that its launch comes at a "pivotal moment for the global music industry" Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/matt-spetzlers-jamen-capital-launches-200m-backed-independent-music-financing-platform-pipeline/

The deal includes terms intended to protect what the companies called “the value of human artistry.” Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/udio-strikes-ai-licensing-deal-with-merlin-after-umg-and-warner-music-settlements/

The free, online programme will be piloted across all Camden primary schools before rolling out nationwide later this year Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-music-group-launches-sound-generation-education-pilot-in-the-uk/

The deal includes debut albums from bands Schandmaul and Pam Pam Ida, along with recordings by Feuerschwanz, Werner Schmidbauer, and more. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-music-buys-munich-label-f-a-m-e-recordings/

The artist recently added 32 new dates for the Live Nation-produced 2026 tour, expanding to a total of 70 shows. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bruno-mars-breaks-ticketmaster-single-day-sales-record-with-2-1m-tickets-sold-for-the-romantic-tour/

CMA says successor is expected to be announced in February Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/country-music-association-ceo-sarah-trahern-to-retire-at-end-of-2026/

The biggest headlines from the past few days... Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/from-gmrs-new-ceo-jeff-toig-to-quarter-of-a-billion-tracks-on-streaming-services-its-mbws-weekly-round-up/

Toig has served as Global Music Rights’ Chief Business Officer since 2018 Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/jeff-toig-named-ceo-at-irving-azoffs-gmr-as-co-founder-randy-grimmett-becomes-executive-chairman/

Veteran UK executive steps into international role following more than two decades of collaboration with the PRO Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sesac-names-chris-sheehan-as-vp-international/

Hit Boy discusses his breakthrough work with artists like Jay Z and Travis Scott as well as his own career as an artist, the impact of AI and working across genres Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/producers-dont-get-the-recognition-and-respect-that-we-deserve-a-lot-of-the-time-were-literally-half-of-the-song/

Monthly subscription cost for Premium Individual will rise from $11.99 to $12.99 in the US Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/spotify-hikes-price-for-premium-subscribers-in-the-us-other-markets/

Deal marks one of the first producer signings under Nigro’s Amusement venture. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-music-publishing-and-daniel-nigro-sign-global-deal-with-jon-buscema/

New execs join Board from Nigeria, Portugal, Japan, Germany and the UK Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/merlin-appoints-2026-27-board-adding-five-new-global-representatives/

The startup’s technology identifies what percentage of a generated output came from which source. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/musical-ai-bags-4-5m-in-funding-round-to-scale-ai-attribution-tech/

The move puts BMG in the former Galeries Lafayette building just two blocks from its current Berlin offices. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bmg-to-move-global-hq-to-renovated-lumina-building-in-berlin-in-2027/

Absolute Label Services co-bosses, Henry Semmence and Simon Wills discuss Anthology, a new system they believe is key to the future of their company – and the success of their clients… Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/when-you-cant-see-the-whole-picture-you-dont-truly-understand-whats-going-on-in-your-business/

The signatories want the Digital Fairness Act expanded to tackle ticket resale abuse. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/managers-and-agents-of-ed-sheeran-oasis-olivia-dean-radiohead-fontaines-d-c-and-more-urge-eu-action-on-ticket-resale/

The complaint centers on Ticketmaster’s fee structure that fluctuates based on ticket prices instead of the actual cost of services rendered. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/quebec-court-greenlights-class-action-against-ticketmaster-over-unreasonable-service-fees/

Fuentes most recently served as Head of Global Communications for WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/johanna-fuentes-named-head-of-communications-and-pr-at-hybe-america/

A Puerto Rican woman alleged that Bad Bunny's producer asked her to record a phrase in 2018, which was later used in two of the artist's songs. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bad-bunny-faces-16m-lawsuit-over-alleged-unauthorized-voice-recording-used-in-two-songs/

Elon Musk’s X Corp has filed an antitrust lawsuit against dozens of music publishers – plus the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) – accusing them of colluding to force the social media platform into taking industrywide licenses at “supracompetitive rates”. At the heart of the complaint: an allegation that the NMPA coordinated a campaign to … Continued Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/elon-musks-x-sues-major-music-publishers-plus-bmg-kobalt-nmpa-and-more-alleging-industrywide-collusion-to-force-licensing-deal/

The biggest headlines from the past few days... Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/from-salt-n-pepas-dismissed-umg-case-to-uk-subscription-music-streamings-3-2-growth-its-mbws-weekly-round-up/

Salt-N-Pepa filed the lawsuit in May 2025 Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/salt-n-pepa-lawsuit-against-umg-over-ownership-of-master-recordings-dismissed/

Pre-orders for a numbered first-pressing vinyl edition opened this week through Mars’ website. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bruno-mars-sets-february-release-date-for-first-solo-album-in-a-decade/

Slowdown is particularly notable given that the UK subscription market benefited from yet another Spotify price increase in 2025, albeit towards the end of the year Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/uk-music-streaming-subscription-revenues-grew-by-3-2-yoy-in-2025-so-did-inflation/

Cole succeeds Andy Mooney, who led Fender through an decade of digital innovation Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/edward-bud-cole-appointed-ceo-of-fender/

When his time at Parlophone came to an abrupt end, Nick Burgess decide to launch his own label, Artist Theory. Here, he looks back at his career so far – and to the future of his new venture… Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/ive-worked-at-all-the-majors-ive-seen-how-they-operate-and-i-genuinely-dont-know-what-they-could-do-that-we-cant-do/

Columnist Sammy Andrews dives back into the AI-verse, concentrating on the tsunami of AI covers flooding DPSs and social media platforms. It’s time, she concludes, that we stopped circling the issue and started collecting the money… Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/this-isnt-about-limiting-fan-creativity-its-about-ensuring-creators-performers-and-rights-holders-are-paid/

The deal brings together LANDR’s AI-powered production tools with Reason Studios’ digital audio workstation Reason DAW and Reason Rack. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/ai-powered-music-production-platform-landr-acquires-stockholm-based-daw-developer-reason-studios/

Dukes steps up from VP role and continues reporting to EVP and Head of Licensing Stephanie Ruyle. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/hayley-dukes-promoted-to-svp-of-licensing-at-ascap/

Triller was delisted/suspended from Nasdaq trading effective December 30 Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/triller-booted-from-nasdaq-after-missing-financial-filing-deadlines/

Pacha Ibiza nightclub drew 583,834 guests across 156 events this season, up 20% YoY. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/electronic-music-experiences-firm-pacha-group-booked-139m-in-revenue-between-january-and-september-2025-after-record-breaking-season-at-pacha-ibiza-nightclub/

As part of the deal, UMG will roll out a dedicated Excel music label with global distribution capabilities. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-music-buys-30-stake-in-indias-excel-entertainment-valuing-bollywood-production-house-at-267m/