iWorld
Qyuki and A. R. Rahman launch Jammin on YouTube
MUMBAI: YouTube is a global platform for independent media artists and many have achieved star status driving millions of views everyday. In India, Qyuki a leading creator focussed multi-platform media company today unveiled Jammin’, a unique digital collaboration between YouTube’s leading music creators and bollywood’s iconic composers including Grammy and Academy Award Winner A. R. Rahman, Salim-Sulaiman, Clinton Cerejo and Mithoon.
Jammin – presented by Airtel and Signature, will bring together YouTube’s top musical talent SANAM, Shraddha Sharma, Siddharth Slathia,Jonita Gandhi, Arjun Kanungo, Maati Baani, Sanah Moidutty, Raaga Trippin and Mumbai’s Finest collaborating with four of Bollywood’s most accomplished music composers to create ten original soundtracks and music videos.
The first music video is scheduled to release on 19th August, with a new original music video releasing every week thereafter, culminating into a mega live concert at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai on 11th November. All the music video’s will be curated on the Jammin’ channel on YouTube.
Speaking about Jammin’, Co-founder and MD of Qyuki, Samir Bangara, said, “Jammin’ represents Qyuki’s vision of empowering creators to challenge the status quo. We are super stoked to launch the first ever mega collaboration between the world of Bollywood and YouTube stars and are grateful for YouTube’s backing to make this one of the biggest musical properties to be launched in India”
Speaking at the launch of Jammin’, co-founder of Qyuki and India’s music maestro, A. R. Rahman said, “YouTube has created an amazing platform for artists to reach their audiences, and independent creators need the backing of a partner to bring discoverability and scale to their talent. Through Jammin’ I am glad Qyuki is being able to be that true partner to creators and bring them on a level playing field with mainstream music.”
Speaking about Jammin’, YouTube in India head of entertainment Satya Raghavan said, “There has never been a better time to be an Independent artist on YouTube. Some of these artists posted their first video from their bedrooms and today it’s really exciting to see Qyuki bring India’s most popular music composers to work together with these talented creators on a canvas as large as Jammin’. We hope this will inspire many more talented artists in the country to start their journey on YouTube and find success.”
iWorld
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
