Mumbai: EMPIRE, an independent label, distributor, and publisher, and Zee Music Company have announced a landmark strategic partnership aimed at amplifying the global footprint of Indian music. The collaboration brings together two influential players that have significantly reshaped their respective markets through innovation, scale, and artist-first approaches.
Founded in 2010, EMPIRE has built a strong global presence by championing independent artists and culture-led movements. Meanwhile, Zee Music Company, established in 2014, has rapidly emerged as a dominant force in Bollywood and independent Indian music, driven by a vast and diverse catalog.
As part of the partnership, EMPIRE will oversee the distribution of Zee Music Company’s extensive catalog across major international streaming platforms outside India. The move aligns with Zee Music’s strategic focus on expanding global consumption and enhancing visibility among the Indian diaspora as well as new international audiences.
The collaboration will also unlock new cross-border creative opportunities, with both companies exploring initiatives such as international remixes, sampling projects, and strategic marketing efforts across key global regions including Africa, West Asia/North Africa (WANA), 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 & 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.”
Sujal Parekh, Chief Business Officer, Zee Music Company, said, “Indian music today has unprecedented global potential, fueled by streaming adoption, the strength of India’s cultural storytelling, and the growing demand for diverse repertoire worldwide. I see this partnership with EMPIRE as a strategic step toward expanding Zee Music Company’s global footprint. 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 VP, Video Partnerships & Digital Monetisation, Zee Music Company, added, “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 & Development – South Asia, 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.”
