Brands
Sony strikes the right chord with THG to amplify India’s global music pitch
MUMBAI: India’s musical ambitions just got a global mic check. In a pitch-perfect move set to reshape India’s live music industry, Sony Music India has teamed up with Los Angeles-based entertainment heavyweight The Hello Group (THG) to launch THG India, a joint venture that promises to give Indian artists a global stage and the backing to own it.
Billed as the first international collaboration of this scale for Sony Music India, THG India blends the local label’s deep industry roots with THG’s international clout in live touring, publishing, and artist development. Based out of Mumbai, the new entity aims to provide a complete support system from artist management to worldwide bookings to help Indian talent break into international circuits without missing a beat.
“This is more than a business deal, it’s a bridge for Indian music to go global,” said Sony Music India managing director Vinit Thakkar. “With THG’s unmatched touring network and our homegrown muscle, we’re unlocking a future where Indian artists can thrive not just locally, but on the world’s biggest stages.”
From Bts and Enhypen to The Chainsmokers and Twice, THG’s publishing and tour booking legacy is packed with platinum plaques and packed stadiums. THG India now aims to channel that pedigree into India’s booming music scene, which has seen a surge in independent acts and a hungry live-event audience post-pandemic.
“The talent in India is phenomenal and the world is listening,” added The Hello Group CEO Taylor Jones. “THG India will ensure they’re heard. With a team on the ground and decades of experience behind us, we’re here to make Indian music truly borderless.”
As live music becomes a serious economic engine for the Indian entertainment industry, the joint venture directly addresses one of its most glaring gaps sophisticated infrastructure for touring and artist development. Backed by Sony’s investment and creative ecosystem, THG India is poised to become the launchpad for the country’s next wave of breakout stars.
With names like Steve Aoki, I.M of MONSTA X, and Kang Daniel already on its international roster, The Hello Group brings proven star power to the partnership. And for Indian artists who until now have struggled to convert local fandom into global visibility this could be the stage door they’ve been waiting for.
In a world where music travels faster than ever, THG India is putting Indian artists on the global tour bus no passport needed, just pure talent and the right push.
Brands
KITKAT India teams up with One Piece for anime-led campaign push
On-pack characters and digital film tap into India’s fast-growing anime wave
MUMBAI: KITKAT India has joined forces with the globally popular anime One Piece, rolling out a new campaign that brings fan-favourite characters onto its packaging in a bid to connect with India’s rapidly expanding anime audience.
The collaboration sees iconic characters from the series featured on KITKAT packs, adding a playful twist to the brand’s long-standing “take a break” proposition. By blending pop culture with confectionery, the campaign aims to make everyday breaks feel a little more adventurous.
The launch is anchored by a digital-first film released across YouTube and Meta platforms, supported by a broader push spanning outdoor media and interactive social content. The multi-platform rollout reflects a clear attempt to meet younger audiences where they already spend their time.
Nestlé India head confectionery business Gopichandar Jagatheesan said, “Anime is a rapidly growing genre in India, and we are excited to collaborate with one of the most popular shows, One Piece. Having championed breaks for decades, KITKAT now takes them to the next level, making every break more epic with the world of One Piece.”
The move comes at a time when anime is shifting from niche interest to mainstream entertainment in India, with brands increasingly tapping into its cultural currency to stay relevant with younger consumers.
By pairing a globally loved anime with an equally recognisable chocolate brand, KITKAT’s latest outing signals a simple idea with strong appeal. In a crowded market, even a small break can turn into a big moment when it comes with a side of fandom.
