WIN Expands Global Reach with First Visit to MENA Region 21 Nov 2024
Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), the international organization connecting the global independent music community, has announced its first-ever official visit to the MENA region. This milestone initiative aims to raise awareness of WIN among independent music businesses in the Middle East and North Africa, strengthen connections between the MENA region and the international music sector, and foster cross-cultural collaboration. WIN's strategic engagement comes at a time of unprecedented growth in the region’s music industry, with independent artists and labels playing a pivotal role in shaping its future.
WIN’s CEO Noemí Planas will kick off the visit by attending Visa for Music festival and conference in Rabat, Morocco. Scheduled from November 20 to 23, this major event for the region is a key platform gathering music industry professionals from Africa and the Middle East. WIN’s participation underlines the organization’s commitment to forge new partnerships with Maghreb-based independent businesses and facilitate their access to global markets.
In December, WIN board observer and SIMCA secretary Sridhar Swaminathan (India), and BMYD vice-chairman Engin Akinci (Turkey), will attend Riyadh Music Week in Saudi Arabia. At this groundbreaking event bringing together diverse genres and cultures, WIN representatives will take part in discussions and networking sessions to identify collaboration opportunities between Middle East and international independent music players.
This inaugural visit is a significant step in expanding WIN’s reach and continuing its mission to develop the independent music network globally. By engaging with industry professionals in the MENA region, WIN seeks to amplify the voices of independents around the world and promote a sustainable a stronger independent music community.
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THE HEADLINES
After music’s "outright submission" to tech, what happens next? (see Opinion)
Relentless Records hits its 25th anniversary (see Features)
Kate Nash: ‘OnlyFans funds my tour because music doesn’t pay’ (see Features)
Entertainment industry accused of fleecing fans as UK ticket mark-ups reach 41% (see Analysis)
Kendrick Lamar, whose beef with Drake has gone legal (see Features)
The continuing impact of radio (see Features)
Drake files second action against UMG (see News)
Interview: TikTok's Ole Obermann (see Features)
Is the love song is dying? (see Analysis)
The record label recovery: Deals (see Opinion)
Will Page report highlights industry revenues rose a tenth last year (see Reports)
The Ivors Academy responds to the This Is Music 2024 report (see Comment)
Stick or twist time – streaming’s innovation dilemma (see Comment)
UK Music releases annual economic report This Is Music 2024 (see Reports)