Music streaming subscription service Spotify has appointed Lebanese-Syrian rapper Wissam Khodur (otherwise known as Eslam Jawaad) to manage artist and label marketing in MENA, according to sources familiar with the matter.
When contacted by Arabian Business, Spotify confirmed Khodur’s appointment but gave no further details.
The streaming service was launched in the MENA region in November last year and has over 200 million users around the world. It will see Khodur serve as the primary point of contact for artists, managers, record labels and distributors, with a special focus on the regional music community.
The rapper was previously the executive director of LA-based entertainment company Global Gumbo Group (G3), which was set up by legendary music producer Quincy Jones and UAE entrepreneur and CEO of Crescent Enterprises Badr Jafar.
The company was behind Dubai Music Week (DMW) and aimed to promote opportunities for western and Middle Eastern artists in MENA region.
Khodur himself released his debut album The Mammoth Tusk in 2009, marking a major milestone for local Arabic hip-hop as it features global artists including English musician Damon Albarn, lead singer of rock band Blur and lead vocalist of virtual band Gorillaz.
Khodur also served as a co-executive producer of New York hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan’s double album Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. The album was limited to a single copy which was sold in 2015, and is believed to be the most expensive individual album ever sold.
Khodur will report to Spotify MD for MEA Claudius Boller, and will be part of the platform’s global community of artist and label marketing leads.
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