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  • LEGENDARY AND BELOVED ENTERTAINER TONY BENNETT HAS PASSED AWAY AT THE AGE OF 96
  • Jul 21

The 20-time Grammy Winning Singer and Humanitarian Bridged Generations During His Career that Spanned over 7 Decades

NEW YORK, July 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens on August 3rd, 1926, has passed away in his hometown of New York City at the age of 96 earlier today. The beloved singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016, is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett and 9 grandchildren.

Bennett’s unparalleled career history began when he signed with Columbia Records in 1950 and has spanned over 70 years. His last public concert performances were held at Radio City Music Hall on August 3rd and 5th, in celebration of his 95th birthday.  Lady Gaga, Bennett’s long-time and most frequent musical collaborator in the last ten years joined Bennett for the sold-out performances.   Bennett had his first #1 single in 1951 with “Because of You” and made music industry history by being the oldest performer, twice, to have a #1 album on the Billboard Top 200 Albums at the age of 85 and 88.  He has received 20 Grammy awards including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, two Emmy Awards, was named a Kennedy Center Honoree, a Gershwin Prize Honoree and a NEA Jazz Master during his career.   He won his last Grammy Award for the collaborative album with Lady Gaga, “LOVE FOR SALE,” which was released in 2021.

Having served as a foot soldier in World War II, and among his experiences during that time was the liberation of a Nazi war camp in Germany, he became a life-long pacifist and humanitarian.

Bennett marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in Selma in 1965 and was a supporter of human rights for all, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, and gender.   A life-long visual artist he painted for most of his life and three of his paintings are part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution.  With his wife, Susan Benedetto, he founded a non-profit, Exploring the Arts, to provide support and funding for arts education in public high schools and as part of that endeavor founded the New York City public high school, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, in his hometown in Astoria, Queens.

In later life, when Tony Bennett was asked in interviews how he wanted to be remembered he would often say, “As a nice person.”

Tony Bennett Bio/Historical Timeline:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/eymbytox851v7ycvhlr1n/h?dl=0&rlkey=x6ixezqew68z1vfp12acont27

Tony Bennett Approved images:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p4i7bu5ilp7vc44/AAC6kENRvdN6HgRz9dj2VQ3pa?dl=0

Tony Bennett Career Overview:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0m4ebvk6ipzh3zoa5a0zm/h?dl=0&rlkey=b77751jw9uecvkssqh544vrxb

LINKS TO TONY BENNETT WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA:
www.tonybennett.com
www.exploringthearts.org
https://www.facebook.com/tonybennett
https://twitter.com/itstonybennett
https://www.instagram.com/itstonybennett/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwo4ZnAcFI-AyDsitZvBRvg

SOURCE Columbia Records

  • Sony Music France Partner With KMS to Launch 'First-Ever' Fully Immersive IMAX-Certified Film of Iconic Rock Band Indochine's 'Central Tour in Cinema' Concert
  • Dec 01

Released in 450 movie theatres in France, Central Tour in Cinema also screens in nine countries around the world

Filmed with 22 IMAX certified cameras through the “Filmed for IMAX” program, Central Tour in Cinema harnesses the same immersive technology used with films such as Dune, Doctor Strange & The Multiverse of Madness and Top Gun: Maverick

PARIS, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Music France and joint venture partner KMS announced the launch of co-production ‘Central Tour in Cinema’: a film showcasing iconic French rock band Indochine’s 40th anniversary concert, held in the spring of 2022 to a sold-out and record-setting audience of more than 400,000 fans in five of France’s biggest stadiums.

Sony Music France has supported Indochine since the band was first formed. Founded in 1981 Indochine quickly became a national and global success with songs like “L’aventurier” and “Canary Bay”. Four decades on, and several generations of fans later, Indochine has sold 13 million of albums  worldwide, with plans for more collaborations to come.

Captured with 22 IMAX certified cameras, the launch of Central Tour in Cinema means Indochine are the first band ever to offer a concert filmed and broadcasted with IMAX technology and screened in cinemas in nine countries around the world. Thanks to the technology of IMAX certified digital cameras and state-of-the-art post-production work, the brightness, colorimetry and contrast are enhanced for unparalleled results of realism and precision on the big screen. The sound, powerful and vibrant, is customized for an optimal spread. The scale of the IMAX screens guarantees a total immersive experience that rivals the spectacular live show.

Through the “Filmed for IMAX” program, IMAX cameras must be associated with the unique IMAX postproduction process. Among the first films in the new “Filmed for IMAX” program are Dune, Doctor Strange & The Multiverse of Madness, and Top Gun: Maverick – and now Indochine’s Central Tour In Cinema.

“We are very proud that the IMAX system has chosen us to be the firsts,” said Nicola Sirkis, Founder of Indochine and KMS. “This system offers a full immersive experience, a way to be as close as possible to us in our show. The image quality is insane. We have literally never seen a concert filmed like that.”

“Indochine are simply iconic in my eyes,” said Marie-Anne Robert, Managing Director, Sony Music France. “They’re the gold standard of innovation. They’re constantly changing things up, stepping out of their comfort zone, and giving us things we’ve never seen before. And not only that: they’re icons in the unconditional respect they have for their fans. All the teams here at Sony Music France are so proud to have Indochine on our roster, and we can’t wait to help the band build new projects like this one.”

“IMAX continues to be a global destination for fandom of all kinds, and Indochine is a perfect example of how we’re creating unique and immersive entertainment events on the international stage,” added Megan Colligan, President of IMAX Entertainment.

SOURCE Sony Music France

  • Find Your Line (Official Music From Gran Turismo 7) Available Now via Columbia Records and Sony Interactive Entertainment
  • Mar 07

The Fanatix Teams up With a Star-Studded Lineup for New Track “Vroom” Watch the Music Video Here

Today, Columbia Records and Sony Interactive Entertainment (“SIE”) have released Find Your Line (Official Music from Gran Turismo 7) soundtrack. Listen to the soundtrack HERE. The soundtrack showcases original music inspired by GRAN TURISMO 7 and feature sounds by house known names including Bring Me the Horizon, Major Lazer, Rosalía, Kim Dracula and many more. See the full track list below.

In tandem with the soundtrack release, The FaNaTix has shared the official music video for the high-speed track “Vroom” featuring Idris Elba, Lil Tjay, Davido, Koffee and Moelogo. Filled with car references, a prominent horns section and a lineup of some of today’s biggest artists, “Vroom” perfectly embodies the excitement and high speed of the Gran Turismo franchise. The track was premiered on BBC Radio 1’s Future Sound with Clara Amfo.  The video was directed by FILFURY at Untold Studios.Watch the video HERE.

In speaking about the directing the video, FILFURY says: “VROOM – what an incredible project to bring to life and steer to the finish line….SKRRRRT!! A bad boy tune that demanded bad boy visuals. The FANATIX made a banger.

How else do you visualize a song about the sickest vehicles in the world, other than create an image palette rich in color, texture, adrenaline and, most importantly, cars with attitude. I wanted the images to bounce to the beat, bring the energy levels up and throw in some wheel-spin burnouts for good vibes.

The combination of artists on the track was next level and commanded impeccable visuals. This was a truly global production of epic proportions, 6 artists, 5 shoots, 3 cities (LA, London, Lagos) with some of the most expensive cars on the planet.”

GRAN TURISMO 7 is available for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 today.  

Find Your Line (Official Music from Gran Turismo 7) Tracklist:

  1. The FaNaTix: Vroom feat. Idris Elba, Lil Tjay, Davido, Koffee, Moelogo
  2. Bring Me The Horizon: Moon Over the Castle 
  3. Major Lazer: I Don’t Care feat. Lous and the Yakuza
  4. Nothing but Thieves: Life’s Coming in Slow 
  5. Kim Dracula: Unstoppable
  6. Rosalía: Bizcochito
  7. Disciples: Squad feat. GoldLink 
  8. London Grammar: Baby It’s You (George Fitzgerald Remix) 
  9. Jawsh685: Drift feat. ClickNPress
  • New Dave Gahan & Soulsavers Album IMPOSTER to be Released November 12th
  • Oct 04

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Multi-platinum selling, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted recording artist and songwriter Dave Gahan, along with long time musical partner Soulsavers (Rich Machin), will release a new album on November 12th. Entitled Imposter, Dave takes listeners on a personal journey of 12 meticulously chosen reimagined songs from across genres and time periods, including selections from Neil Young, Bob Dylan, PJ Harvey, Charlie Chaplin, Cat Power and Mark Lanegan, amongst others.

One would be remiss to refer to Imposter as a cover album. Rather, Imposter is a story of songs, which Dave Gahan & Soulsavers listened to, studied, absorbed, and gave a new life. All of the songs have deep meaning to Dave, making Imposter a reflection of Dave’s life – a story told by others, but in his own distinct voice.

“When I listen to other people’s voices and songs—more importantly the way they sing them and interpret the words—I feel at home,” Dave Gahan confesses. “I identify with it. It comforts me more than anything else. There’s not one performer on the record who I haven’t been moved by.” He adds, “I know we made something special, and I hope other people feel that and it takes them on a little kind of trip—especially people who love music and have for years.”

The first offering from Imposter will be “Metal Heart.” Written by Chan Marshall (Cat Power), and first released in 1998, the reimagined version from Dave & Soulsavers will drop on October 8th.

Imposter track listing:

  1. The Dark End of the Street
  2. Strange Religion
  3. Lilac Wine
  4. I Held My Baby Last Night
  5. A Man Needs a Maid
  6. Metal Heart
  7. Shut Me Down
  8. Where My Love Lies Asleep
  9. Smile
  10. The Desperate Kingdom of Love
  11. Not Dark Yet
  12. Always On My Mind

Unlike Dave Gahan & Soulsavers’ past albums which were transatlantic collaborations where the duo recorded separately and passed parts back and forth, the recording of Imposter was done live as a ten-member band at the famed Shangri-La Recording Studio in Malibu, CA in November of 2019. This allowed for not only a more intimate collaboration, but for Dave & Soulsavers to truly absorb the atmosphere and have the space to breathe a different spirit into the tracks. In an interview with podcaster and media personality Chris Black, Dave noted, “This was the first time we were all in one space. It was kind of lucky [timing] as well… Arriving at Shangri-La every day, it was magical. We’d have coffee, go in, and work.”

Imposter, also produced by Rich Machin and Dave Gahan, serves as the collaborators’ third album, following their critically acclaimed 2015 release Angels & Ghosts and their first release, 2012’s The Light the Dead See. The album will be released in digital, as well as physical formats, worldwide on November 12th through Columbia Records.

Visit www.DaveGahan.com and Instagram.com/theimposter for additional album information and updates.

Hi-res press assets can be found here.

SOURCE Columbia Records

For further information: US Publicity, Sarah Mary Cunningham/Columbia Records, [email protected] / 212-833-7178

  • New Dave Gahan & Soulsavers Album IMPOSTER to be Released November 12th
  • Oct 04

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Multi-platinum selling, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted recording artist and songwriter Dave Gahan, along with long time musical partner Soulsavers (Rich Machin), will release a new album on November 12th. Entitled Imposter, Dave takes listeners on a personal journey of 12 meticulously chosen reimagined songs from across genres and time periods, including selections from Neil Young, Bob Dylan, PJ Harvey, Charlie Chaplin, Cat Power and Mark Lanegan, amongst others.

One would be remiss to refer to Imposter as a cover album. Rather, Imposter is a story of songs, which Dave Gahan & Soulsavers listened to, studied, absorbed, and gave a new life. All of the songs have deep meaning to Dave, making Imposter a reflection of Dave’s life – a story told by others, but in his own distinct voice.

“When I listen to other people’s voices and songs—more importantly the way they sing them and interpret the words—I feel at home,” Dave Gahan confesses. “I identify with it. It comforts me more than anything else. There’s not one performer on the record who I haven’t been moved by.” He adds, “I know we made something special, and I hope other people feel that and it takes them on a little kind of trip—especially people who love music and have for years.”

The first offering from Imposter will be “Metal Heart.” Written by Chan Marshall (Cat Power), and first released in 1998, the reimagined version from Dave & Soulsavers will drop on October 8th.

Imposter track listing:

  1. The Dark End of the Street
  2. Strange Religion
  3. Lilac Wine
  4. I Held My Baby Last Night
  5. A Man Needs a Maid
  6. Metal Heart
  7. Shut Me Down
  8. Where My Love Lies Asleep
  9. Smile
  10. The Desperate Kingdom of Love
  11. Not Dark Yet
  12. Always On My Mind

Unlike Dave Gahan & Soulsavers’ past albums which were transatlantic collaborations where the duo recorded separately and passed parts back and forth, the recording of Imposter was done live as a ten-member band at the famed Shangri-La Recording Studio in Malibu, CA in November of 2019. This allowed for not only a more intimate collaboration, but for Dave & Soulsavers to truly absorb the atmosphere and have the space to breathe a different spirit into the tracks. In an interview with podcaster and media personality Chris Black, Dave noted, “This was the first time we were all in one space. It was kind of lucky [timing] as well… Arriving at Shangri-La every day, it was magical. We’d have coffee, go in, and work.”

Imposter, also produced by Rich Machin and Dave Gahan, serves as the collaborators’ third album, following their critically acclaimed 2015 release Angels & Ghosts and their first release, 2012’s The Light the Dead See. The album will be released in digital, as well as physical formats, worldwide on November 12th through Columbia Records.

Visit www.DaveGahan.com and Instagram.com/theimposter for additional album information and updates.

Hi-res press assets can be found here.

SOURCE Columbia Records

For further information: US Publicity, Sarah Mary Cunningham/Columbia Records, [email protected] / 212-833-7178

  • Tony Bennett Celebrates His 95th Birthday Today With The First Of Two Final NYC Performances At Radio City Music Hall Tonight With Lady Gaga
  • Aug 03

NEW YORK, Aug. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Singer Tony Bennett who got his start with Columbia Records in 1950 celebrates his 95th birthday today with a host of accolades and tributes. New York State has proclaimed today TONY BENNETT DAY. “Music and the arts have long been an essential piece of the fabric of New York, and you would be hard-pressed to find someone who has made more of a contribution in this space than Tony Bennett,” Governor Cuomo said. “Not only is Tony a born and bred New Yorker who has been dazzling audiences with beautiful music for more than six decades, but he has always stayed true to his humble New York roots and can always be spotted throughout the City whether he is working on his next painting in Central Park, or just chatting with fans on the street. From growing up as a child of immigrants, to all the contributions he has made to our community, Tony Bennett is a New Yorker in the truest sense of the word and I am honored to proclaim August 3, 2021 as ‘Tony Bennett Day’ in New York.”

See attached for proclamation.

Sony Music Entertainment, the parent company for Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings divisions, have endowed a bench in Tony’s name in Central Park, his most cherished spot in his hometown of NYC.  “Sony Music wishes Tony Bennett the happiest of birthdays as he turns 95,” said Richard Story, President of Sony Music Entertainment’s Commercial Music Group.  “Tony is an American treasure who became an international phenomenon and has chronicled his lifelong love affair with New York City in his music and his paintings.  It is an honor to dedicate this bench to Tony in his beloved Central Park, where he has experienced so much joy and inspiration across the years.” The Adopt-A-Bench program supports the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit that manages and cares for Central Park.

Bennett continues to visit the park regularly and has sketched and painted the landmark’s surroundings in over 70 pieces of original artwork.  The bench endowed in Tony’s honor is located at the east side of Center Drive when entering the Park at Central Park South and 6th Avenue and displays a plaque.

Celebrated friends including Alec Baldwin, Robert DeNiro and Keith Richards sent birthday wishes that are up on Bennett’s socials now and more will be posting birthday wishes to the 19-time Grammy winner throughout the day. Tony will be preforming at the opening night of ONE MORE TIME: AN EVENING WITH TONY BENNETT AND LADY GAGA at Radio City Music Hall.  The two-night engagement, tonight and August 5th, will mark Tony’s last live concert appearance in New York City. The shows sold out shortly after they went on sale to the public last week.

Tony Bennett was born in Astoria, Queens in 1926.  He is a Grammy and Emmy Award winner, a Gershwin Award and Kennedy Center honoree and an accomplished visual artist with three of his original paintings in the Smithsonian Institute’s permanent collection.  With his wife Susan Benedetto, he established Exploring the Arts to support arts education in public high schools, which was initiated by the creation of Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens.

For more information on Tony Bennett:
www.tonybennett.com 
www.exploringthearts.org 
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/itstonybennett/ 
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/tonybennett 
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/itstonybennett 
YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/user/tonybennett

SOURCE Columbia Records

For further information: Contact for Tony Bennett: [email protected]; Contacts for Sony Music Entertainment: Kimberly Harris, Columbia Records Publicity, [email protected]; Maria C. Malta, Legacy Recordings, Maria. [email protected]

  • Tony Bennett Celebrates His 95th Birthday Today With The First Of Two Final NYC Performances At Radio City Music Hall Tonight With Lady Gaga
  • Aug 03

NEW YORK, Aug. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Singer Tony Bennett who got his start with Columbia Records in 1950 celebrates his 95th birthday today with a host of accolades and tributes. New York State has proclaimed today TONY BENNETT DAY. “Music and the arts have long been an essential piece of the fabric of New York, and you would be hard-pressed to find someone who has made more of a contribution in this space than Tony Bennett,” Governor Cuomo said. “Not only is Tony a born and bred New Yorker who has been dazzling audiences with beautiful music for more than six decades, but he has always stayed true to his humble New York roots and can always be spotted throughout the City whether he is working on his next painting in Central Park, or just chatting with fans on the street. From growing up as a child of immigrants, to all the contributions he has made to our community, Tony Bennett is a New Yorker in the truest sense of the word and I am honored to proclaim August 3, 2021 as ‘Tony Bennett Day’ in New York.”

See attached for proclamation.

Sony Music Entertainment, the parent company for Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings divisions, have endowed a bench in Tony’s name in Central Park, his most cherished spot in his hometown of NYC.  “Sony Music wishes Tony Bennett the happiest of birthdays as he turns 95,” said Richard Story, President of Sony Music Entertainment’s Commercial Music Group.  “Tony is an American treasure who became an international phenomenon and has chronicled his lifelong love affair with New York City in his music and his paintings.  It is an honor to dedicate this bench to Tony in his beloved Central Park, where he has experienced so much joy and inspiration across the years.” The Adopt-A-Bench program supports the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit that manages and cares for Central Park.

Bennett continues to visit the park regularly and has sketched and painted the landmark’s surroundings in over 70 pieces of original artwork.  The bench endowed in Tony’s honor is located at the east side of Center Drive when entering the Park at Central Park South and 6th Avenue and displays a plaque.

Celebrated friends including Alec Baldwin, Robert DeNiro and Keith Richards sent birthday wishes that are up on Bennett’s socials now and more will be posting birthday wishes to the 19-time Grammy winner throughout the day. Tony will be preforming at the opening night of ONE MORE TIME: AN EVENING WITH TONY BENNETT AND LADY GAGA at Radio City Music Hall.  The two-night engagement, tonight and August 5th, will mark Tony’s last live concert appearance in New York City. The shows sold out shortly after they went on sale to the public last week.

Tony Bennett was born in Astoria, Queens in 1926.  He is a Grammy and Emmy Award winner, a Gershwin Award and Kennedy Center honoree and an accomplished visual artist with three of his original paintings in the Smithsonian Institute’s permanent collection.  With his wife Susan Benedetto, he established Exploring the Arts to support arts education in public high schools, which was initiated by the creation of Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens.

For more information on Tony Bennett:
www.tonybennett.com 
www.exploringthearts.org 
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/itstonybennett/ 
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/tonybennett 
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/itstonybennett 
YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/user/tonybennett

SOURCE Columbia Records

For further information: Contact for Tony Bennett: [email protected]; Contacts for Sony Music Entertainment: Kimberly Harris, Columbia Records Publicity, [email protected]; Maria C. Malta, Legacy Recordings, Maria. [email protected]

  • Beyoncé Makes History Tonight to Become the Most Awarded Female Artist in Grammy® History
  • Mar 15
Beyoncé Makes History Tonight to Become the Most Awarded Female Artist in Grammy® History

Los Angeles, CA – Sunday, March 14, 2021 – Beyoncé earned her 28th Grammy on Sunday after picking up honors with Best R&B Performance for “Black Parade,” Best Music Video for “Brown Skin Girl” as well as Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for “Savage,” with Megan Thee Stallion. Beyoncé was also the most nominated artist of the night, with nine nominations.

Beyoncé’s 9-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, added to the historic night, becoming the second youngest artist to win a Grammy for her collaboration with her mom on “Brown Skin Girl.”

Beyoncé is tied with producer and multi-instrumentalist Quincy Jones for the second most Grammy wins. The late conductor Georg Solti is the most decorated Grammy winner with 31 wins.

See below for the completed list of Grammy wins, including the first three wins with Destiny’s Child:

Say My NameR&B Song
Say My NameR&B Performance by a Duo or Group w/ Vocals
SurvivorR&B Performance by a Duo or Group w/ Vocals
Dangerously In LoveContemporary R&B Album
Dangerously In Love 2Female R&B Vocal Performance
The Closer I Get To You (Luther Vandross)R&B Performance by a Duo or Group w/ Vocals
Crazy In LoveRap/Sung Collaboration
Crazy In LoveR&B Song
So Amazing (Stevie Wonder)R&B Performance by a Duo or Group w/ Vocals
B’Day ContemporaryR&B Album
I Am…Sasha FierceContemporary R&B Album
Above and Beyoncé: Video Collection & Dance MixesContemporary R&B Album
Single LadiesFemale R&B Vocal Performance
At LastTraditional R&B Performance
HaloFemale Pop Vocal Performance
Single LadiesR&B Song
Single LadiesSong of the Year
Single LadiesFemale R&B Vocal Performance
Love On TopTraditional R&B Performance
BeyoncéSurround Sound Album
Drunk in LoveR&B Performance
Drunk in LoveR&B Song
LemonadeUrban Contemporary Album
FormationMusic Video
HomecomingMusic Film
Savage RemixRap Performance
Savage RemixRap Song
Brown Skin GirlMusic Video
  • Sony Music Middle East Signs Egyptian Hit Recording Artist Hamaki And Top Producer Hamdy Badr
  • Mar 01

The Arab World’s Leading Popstar Hamaki Will Release Multiple Singles And A New Album With Sony Music Middle East Throughout 2021

The Multi-Year Partnership With Hamaki’s Producer, Hamdy Badr Of Craft Media, Will Support The Growth Of Established And Emerging Stars Of Egypt And The Arab World

DUBAI, UAE, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Music Middle East announced today an exclusive recording, licencing and distribution agreement with renowned Egyptian popstar, producer and TV personality Hamaki. This is the first time the world leading Arabic pop star has ever signed to an international record label and will see the release of multiple singles and an album in 2021.    

Further strengthening the company’s commitment to Arabic music and growth of the region, Sony Music also announced a multi-year, multi-artist production agreement with one of the world’s leading Arabic music producers, Hamdy Badr, and his Cairo-based production company, Craft Media. The partnership with Badr, who is also Hamaki’s music producer, will help grow and scale Egyptian Pop music through multiple projects with hit recording artists and developing talent over the coming years.

“We are delighted to welcome Hamaki and Craft Media to the Sony Music family,” said Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Strategy and Market Development Asia and Middle East, Sony Music. “Hamaki and Hamdy are superstars and trailblazers whose music resonates across the world. The Middle East is one of the fastest growing music markets in the world and this new partnership signals our continued commitment to Arabic music and artists across the region.”

“Both Hamaki and I are delighted to be working with Sony Music and their fantastic people in Dubai and across the world,” added Hamdy Badr, founder of Craft Media and Manager of Hamaki. “Sony Music has a strong reputation in the Middle East for its creativity, drive and always putting the artist first in everything it does. So we are extremely proud to announce this partnership and look forward to making great music and bringing success to the many fantastic artists in Egypt and the Arab world.”

Hamaki has forged an impressive career in the Arab world, amassing over a billion audio and video streams worldwide through a career of hits including “Rasmak fi khayali”, “Kol youm men da”, “Ya Sattar”, “Oddam El Nas”, “Mel Bedaya” and “Wahda Wahda”. Hamaki is also a producer and TV celebrity, enjoying success on stage and on screen. In 2010, he won Best Arabic Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. In 2016, he was awarded Best Arabic Singer for the Murex D’or and Best Middle Eastern Artist at the Big Apple Music Awards. Hamaki also received widespread praise in 2019 as a coach in the fifth season of The Voice Arabia and The Voice Kids.

Founded by Hamdy Badr, Egypt’s leading producer and artist manager, Craft Media has powered many of Egypt’s biggest super stars such as Hamaki, Maya Diab, Pousi and Mahmoud Al Lethy and has helped deliver numerous TV programs in the Middle East, including The Voice, Carpool and The Masked Singer shows.

About Sony Music Entertainment
At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 60 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we’re committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship. Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about our artists, creators, and labels here. 

About Craft Media
Craft Media is a pioneering production company in Egypt and the wider MEA region. Founded in 2003 by a dedicated media entrepreneur, Producer Hamdy Badr. Craft Media produces & cooperates in producing diversified media productions from Song production, television advertisements, and involved in TV programs such as The Voice, Carpool and The Masked Singer shows. That is in addition to the production of Theatre shows, TV Series songs, and high-quality media services from Pre to Post production, social media campaigns, local & International concerts and online events. Craft Media is one of the leading management companies representing some of the top artists, not only in the musical field, but also actors and a number of famous celebrities. Provides representation to a diverse roster of celebrities, capable of transforming ideas into an actual successful production.

SOURCE Sony Music Middle East

  • Sony Music Middle East Signs Egyptian Hit Recording Artist Hamaki And Top Producer Hamdy Badr
  • Mar 01

The Arab World’s Leading Popstar Hamaki Will Release Multiple Singles And A New Album With Sony Music Middle East Throughout 2021

The Multi-Year Partnership With Hamaki’s Producer, Hamdy Badr Of Craft Media, Will Support The Growth Of Established And Emerging Stars Of Egypt And The Arab World

DUBAI, UAE, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Music Middle East announced today an exclusive recording, licencing and distribution agreement with renowned Egyptian popstar, producer and TV personality Hamaki. This is the first time the world leading Arabic pop star has ever signed to an international record label and will see the release of multiple singles and an album in 2021.    

Further strengthening the company’s commitment to Arabic music and growth of the region, Sony Music also announced a multi-year, multi-artist production agreement with one of the world’s leading Arabic music producers, Hamdy Badr, and his Cairo-based production company, Craft Media. The partnership with Badr, who is also Hamaki’s music producer, will help grow and scale Egyptian Pop music through multiple projects with hit recording artists and developing talent over the coming years.

“We are delighted to welcome Hamaki and Craft Media to the Sony Music family,” said Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Strategy and Market Development Asia and Middle East, Sony Music. “Hamaki and Hamdy are superstars and trailblazers whose music resonates across the world. The Middle East is one of the fastest growing music markets in the world and this new partnership signals our continued commitment to Arabic music and artists across the region.”

“Both Hamaki and I are delighted to be working with Sony Music and their fantastic people in Dubai and across the world,” added Hamdy Badr, founder of Craft Media and Manager of Hamaki. “Sony Music has a strong reputation in the Middle East for its creativity, drive and always putting the artist first in everything it does. So we are extremely proud to announce this partnership and look forward to making great music and bringing success to the many fantastic artists in Egypt and the Arab world.”

Hamaki has forged an impressive career in the Arab world, amassing over a billion audio and video streams worldwide through a career of hits including “Rasmak fi khayali”, “Kol youm men da”, “Ya Sattar”, “Oddam El Nas”, “Mel Bedaya” and “Wahda Wahda”. Hamaki is also a producer and TV celebrity, enjoying success on stage and on screen. In 2010, he won Best Arabic Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. In 2016, he was awarded Best Arabic Singer for the Murex D’or and Best Middle Eastern Artist at the Big Apple Music Awards. Hamaki also received widespread praise in 2019 as a coach in the fifth season of The Voice Arabia and The Voice Kids.

Founded by Hamdy Badr, Egypt’s leading producer and artist manager, Craft Media has powered many of Egypt’s biggest super stars such as Hamaki, Maya Diab, Pousi and Mahmoud Al Lethy and has helped deliver numerous TV programs in the Middle East, including The Voice, Carpool and The Masked Singer shows.

About Sony Music Entertainment
At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 60 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we’re committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship. Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about our artists, creators, and labels here. 

About Craft Media
Craft Media is a pioneering production company in Egypt and the wider MEA region. Founded in 2003 by a dedicated media entrepreneur, Producer Hamdy Badr. Craft Media produces & cooperates in producing diversified media productions from Song production, television advertisements, and involved in TV programs such as The Voice, Carpool and The Masked Singer shows. That is in addition to the production of Theatre shows, TV Series songs, and high-quality media services from Pre to Post production, social media campaigns, local & International concerts and online events. Craft Media is one of the leading management companies representing some of the top artists, not only in the musical field, but also actors and a number of famous celebrities. Provides representation to a diverse roster of celebrities, capable of transforming ideas into an actual successful production.

SOURCE Sony Music Middle East

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