Independent label and distributor EMPIRE has entered a global partnership with Zee Music Company, covering international distribution and collaborative releases. Under the deal, EMPIRE will distribute Zee Music Company’s catalogue across streaming platforms outside India.
The two companies will also work on cross-border projects, including remixes, sampling initiatives and joint marketing campaigns across Africa, West Asia and North Africa, East Asia and Latin America.
“At EMPIRE, our mission has always been to provide access to vibrant local music ecosystems to reach the global stage,” said Ghazi, CEO and Founder of EMPIRE. “Partnering with Zee Music Co., a company that has shown incredible momentum and an entrepreneurial spirit similar to our own, allows us to further strengthen the reach for Indian music worldwide.”
The partnership expands Zee Music Company’s presence outside India, targeting both the diaspora and new listeners across multiple regions. Founded in 2014, Zee Music Company has built one of the larger catalogues in the Indian market across film and independent releases.
For EMPIRE, the deal adds to its ongoing expansion across regions including Africa and East Asia, alongside partnerships and signings in markets such as Southeast Asia and the Nordics. Its roster includes Kendrick Lamar, Bebe Rexha, Fireboy DML and Anderson .Paak.
“I see this partnership with EMPIRE as a strategic step toward expanding Zee Music Company’s global footprint,” said Sujal Parekh, Chief Business Officer at Zee Music Company. “Indian music today has unprecedented global potential, fuelled by streaming adoption, the strength of India’s cultural storytelling, and the growing demand for diverse repertoire worldwide.
“By combining our deep and diverse catalogue with EMPIRE’s international distribution network and market expertise, we aim to unlock new audiences, accelerate global catalogue monetization, and enable meaningful cross-cultural collaborations that create long-term value for artists, partners, and the company.”
Saurabh Shah, Senior Vice President, Video Partnerships and Digital Monetisation at Zee Music Company, said: “Our focus has always been on innovation and speed, and that has allowed us to become a significant force in India in a very short time. Now, our goal is to ensure that the rest of the world experiences the depth of our catalog.
“Partnering with EMPIRE is a natural fit because they understand how to break cultural barriers. This collaboration will significantly increase our global footprint and allow our artists to reach fans on platforms they’ve never engaged with before.”
Faryal Khan-Thompson, VP of Global Market Strategy and Development, South Asia at EMPIRE, said: “India and South Asia represent the next great frontier in the global music economy and Zee Music is leading the charge.
“By applying our global expertise, from Africa to LATAM to WANA, EMPIRE will help expand Zee’s worldwide footprint. We’re looking forward to a dynamic and reciprocal partnership to bring Indian and South Asian culture to new heights.”
