SRMG, an integrated media group, and Billboard, the music media brand, have partnered to launch Billboard Arabia.
They will introduce franchises to the region including music awards, charts, Arab music week, women in music and more.
The new platform is dedicated to celebrating artists with Arab roots by spotlighting their music and promoting personal stories on a global stage.
The partnership is another example of the brands’ transformation strategy to redefine the regional media ecosystem by supporting local and regional talent.
Billboard Arabia will be the global destination for artists with Arab roots, bringing the latest releases, reviews and interviews from prominent names, exclusive coverage of regional and global events, original photography and video content together in one location.
The music media brand will introduce several charts over the next year, using data from top digital streaming platforms such as Spotify, Anghami and YouTube. The artists and songs driving the global and regional music industry will be featured.
The work of Arab artists for a global audience will be highlighted across Billboard’s digital products.
It will also host the Billboard Arabia Music Awards, as well as live concerts, activations and regional and international events to celebrate all music genres and the artists that are inspiring innovation in the industry.
According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, MENA is the fastest growing music region in the world. In 2022, a number of rising Arab artists gained more than one billion streams, showing the potential of the music market in the region.
Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG, said: “The music scene in the MENA region is transforming. However, there is no dedicated platform to spotlight and tell the stories of the Arab artists’ innovation in the global music industry. Our partnership with Billboard will help fill that void in the market.”
Mike Van, President of Billboard, said: “Billboard has a legacy of recognising and amplifying artists across genres, languages and cultures with a goal to share the power of music with new fans everywhere.
“SRMG’s reach and access in the region coupled with our experience will ensure artists with Arab roots are heard around the world.”
As part of the announcement of Billboard Arabia, several artists from MENA are joining SRMG in Cannes to celebrate the diversity of sounds from the region.
This will include performances from Elyanna, Felukah, Kouz1, DJ Outlaw, Jeed, Moayad Al Nefaie, Flipperachi, Meshaal and DJ Rodge.
