Universal Music Group announces strategic global partnership with king of Mandopop, Jay Chou

06 December 2023 - Press release

IFPI's 2022 Global Album Sales Chart Topper Joins UMG's Artist Roster

Global Deal Includes Jay Chou's JVR Music Label, Extensive Catalogue, Upcoming Releases and Distribution Rights for Other JVR Artists

Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the global leader in music-based entertainment, today unveiled a new strategic partnership with Jay Chou, the internationally renowned "King of Mandopop," and his prestigious record label JVR Music. This landmark agreement secures global marketing and distribution rights for Jay Chou's extensive music catalogue and future projects, while also supporting rising talent from his label, including artists like Patrick Brasca and Young (Cao Yang) through JVR. The addition of IFPI's 2022 Global Album Sales Chart leader, Jay Chou, to UMG's artist roster, underscores the company's commitment to elevating Mandopop music on the international stage. 

Timothy Xu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Greater China, said, "It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome Jay Chou, an icon of our times, into the Universal Music family. This partnership is more than a milestone for us; it's a celebration of Jay's extraordinary artistry and global appeal. We are deeply honored to be entrusted with his musical legacy and are eager to help showcase his remarkable talent to a broader global audience."

Jay Chou, hailed as the "King of Mandopop", has been a phenomenal figure in the Mandarin music scene since his groundbreaking debut in 2000 with "JAY." His illustrious career spans 15 studio albums, each contributing to his enduring legacy. Chou's 2022 release, "Greatest Works of Art," marked a historic moment, making him not only the first Mandarin artist to break into the top 10 of the IFPI Global Artist Chart, but also the first to top the Global Album Sales Chart. 

Founded in 2007 by Jay Chou, Vincent Fang, and JR Yang, JVR Music is a highly respected and successful label and artist management agency. JR Yang, Chief Executive Officer of JVR Music, remarked, "Aligning with UMG in this strategic partnership, marks a new chapter for Jay and JVR towards our vision of elevating Mandarin pop music globally. Leveraging UMG's extensive global network enables us to amplify Jay's artistic impact and the diversity of our artist roster on a global scale. We are excited about harnessing this alliance to transcend cultural boundaries and cement the international presence of our unique musical heritage."

Adam Granite, Executive Vice President, Market Development of Universal Music Group,stated, "Welcoming Jay Chou and JVR to the Universal Music Group is a strategic triumph and a cultural victory. This partnership further cements our commitment to nurturing diverse talents and introducing them to audiences worldwide. Jay's exceptional artistry and JVR's creative prowess align perfectly with our mission to enrich the global music landscape."

In addition to his work as a performing artist, Chou is very highly regarded as a songwriter. He has composed and produced all his songs, many in collaboration with esteemed lyricist Vincent Fang. Since 2013, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), the leading global publishing division of Universal Music Group, has been the global publisher for Jay Chou and JVR, managing their entire song catalog. The expanded global strategic agreement with UMGC marks a new era in UMG's role as a holistic global partner for Jay Chou and JVR.