Kobalt has signed Umbrella Songs, an independent music publishing, rights management and publishing administration company, to a worldwide publishing agreement.
Founded by music executive Lunick Bourgess, Umbrella has built a presence in the hip-hop and rap scene, amassing over two billion streams and 35 certifications worldwide in less than two years. The company says it has over 30 Silver, Gold and Platinum certifications across singles and albums globally.
Umbrella’s catalog boasts a roster of artists that includes Ed Sheeran, Pop Smoke, Emeli Sande, Yeat, Aitch, Teezo Touchdown, D-Block Europe, WizKid, Nines, and Chloe Bailey. The company also holds a share of Tyla’s Grammy Award-winning and Brit-nominated smash hit Water, which peaked at #3 on the US Billboard Airplay Charts and #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The partnership between Kobalt and Umbrella Songs has already led to the signing of Liverpool-based Rapper Mazza_l20, whose record Murdaside peaked at #18 on the UK Top 40.
“I am thrilled that Umbrella Songs have chosen Kobalt as their publishing partner, we’re excited about what we can help them achieve and build both here in the UK and beyond, the opportunity is limitless.”
Alison Donald, Kobalt
“I am thrilled that Umbrella Songs have chosen Kobalt as their publishing partner, we’re excited about what we can help them achieve and build both here in the UK and beyond, the opportunity is limitless,” said Kobalt’s Head of Global Creative, Alison Donald.
Kenny McGoff, Head of UK Creative at Kobalt, added, “I have admired and respected Lunick and the Umbrella team from the first moment we met. Their energy is infectious, and their taste is impeccable. To be able to help support their global ambition to discover and nurture true talent is both exciting and a privilege for me and the Kobalt family.”
“We like the way the team works, their outlier mentality, and, more importantly, the belief they have in Umbrella’s vision. We want to thank Kenny and Alison for backing us, the work starts here.”
Lunick Bourgess, Umbrella Songs
Umbrella Songs Founder Lunick Bourgess also expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “We are extremely proud and excited to join the Kobalt Family. We like the way the team works, their outlier mentality, and, more importantly, the belief they have in Umbrella’s vision. We want to thank Kenny and Alison for backing us, the work starts here.”
The partnership came shortly after Kobalt launched a new Client Portal for its publishing clients, offering insights and payment details across desktop, mobile, and tablet.
Back in November, Kobalt announced a partnership with investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Tactical Value to invest more than $700 million to buy music copyrights over the next few years. Kobalt was tasked with managing the creative, synch, licensing, administration, and investment services for the copyrights under that partnership.
Music Business Worldwide
