iWorld
Facebook declares Internet.org innovation challenge
NEW DELHI: Facebook has declared the Internet.org innovation challenge in India today. The objective of the campaign is to make internet more accessible and relevant to four sections of the population that are currently underserved in India: women, students, farmers and migrant workers.
These communities face maximum structural barriers when it comes to using the internet. McKinsey & Company’s recent study affirmed that the lack of relevant local and multilingual online content and services is one of the primary barriers to internet adoption. Even if they get connected online, the material they find turns out to be insignificant. Internet.org’s initiative will give people access to apps, websites and services that are relevant to their lives and readable in their own languages.
Facebook will be presenting four $ 250,000 innovation challenge award prizes: one to the leading app, website or service or idea that best meets the needs of each of the designated population categories. Two $25,000 impact award prizes will also be granted in each category.
Winners will be announced at Mobile World Congress in March 2015 and interested individuals, organisations and groups can submit applications through 31 January 2015.
Companies, governments and individuals need to work together to remove connectivity barriers. This will ensure everyone has access to the internet globally.
iWorld
Zee Music Company signs Adnan Sami, QARAN to expand original music push
The label deepens its bet on artist-led music with a non-film deal with Adnan Sami and a new partnership with pop producer QARAN
MUMBAI: Zee Music Company is widening its push into original, artist-led music, signing composer-singer-pianist Adnan Sami for exclusive non-film releases while onboarding contemporary pop producer QARAN to its growing roster.
Launched in 2014, the label has built one of India’s largest music catalogues spanning Bollywood soundtracks and independent music. The latest signings mark a sharper tilt towards non-film originals as the company seeks to expand its presence in the rapidly evolving pop landscape.
Padma Shri awardee Adnan Sami joins the label for a new slate of non-film singles, opening a fresh creative chapter in a career that has shaped Indian pop for more than three decades. The singer-composer is behind defining hits such as Lift Karade, Kabhi To Nazar Milao, Tera Chehra and Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein. Among his global milestones, Sami became the first Asian artist to sell out London’s Wembley Arena for two consecutive nights, a breakthrough moment for South Asian musicians on the international stage.
Under the deal with Zee Music Company, Sami will release a series of original singles, returning to the melodic sound that once dominated India’s pop charts.
Alongside him, the label has also signed QARAN, one of the architects of India’s modern urban pop sound. Known for blending Indian melodies with global production styles, the producer has delivered hits such as Haaye Oye and the breakout crossover Tareefan, widely seen as a defining pop track of the past decade.
Sujal Parekh, chief business officer at Zee Music Company, said the label is entering “a defining phase”. “We’re expanding our vision beyond film soundtracks to build a dynamic platform for artist-led music. Welcoming Adnan Sami is a proud moment given his extraordinary legacy across generations. Our collaboration with QARAN reflects our commitment to nurturing the next wave of Indian artists and taking Indian music to audiences worldwide.”
Adnan Sami said the partnership marks a new creative direction. “Music has always been about evolution and connection for me. I’m delighted to begin this new musical chapter with Zee Music Company. The partnership gives me the freedom to explore new genres while staying true to melody. I’m excited by the support for my artistic vision and we’re already working on fresh music. See you on the wild side.”
QARAN said the moment was ripe for Indian pop to travel globally. “Indian pop music is entering a new era where it can move across borders while staying rooted in its sound. With Zee Music Company’s scale and vision, I’m excited to push that sound forward and build bridges between Indian music and the rest of the world. New music coming soon.”
Adnan Sami is co-managed by Exceed Entertainment and Big Bad Wolf, while QARAN is exclusively represented by Big Bad Wolf.
With new releases from both artists already in development, Zee Music Company is turning up the volume on independent music—and signalling that the next big hits may arrive far beyond the film soundtrack.
