News Headline
Sony BMG to re-brand music greats with new label
MUMBAI: The Sony BMG Strategic Marketing Group (SMG) has launched a new record label, Burgundy Records.
The new Sony BMG SMG imprint label will sign on multi-platinum artists and release new titles in conjunction with an innovative marketing campaign that will promote the artists through traditional and non-traditional channels. Burgundy Records will mark its debut with the signing of singer Chaka Khan and Aaron Neville.
Sony BMG executive VP Joe DiMuro says, “I am looking forward to working with many of the artists that I grew up with and making their music available to everyone, including new and old fans alike. I am confident that Burgundy Records will be a fantastic addition to the Sony BMG myriad of labels.”
Aaron Neville says, “I am excited to be a part of Burgundy Records and look forward to giving my existing fans and hopefully new fans some brand new music.”
Chaka Khan says, “I am very much looking forward to my partnership with Burgundy Records. I think that Burgundy was made for me, and I know that we’ll do great things
together.”
Burgundy Records will also sign artists who have retained strong consumer affinity over the decades and produced a catalogue of music that is still relevant and appreciated today. The label’s primary target audience will be the often under-served adult consumers who may consider themselves fans of the artists’ earlier work and are eager to hear new material. In tandem with this outreach to a loyal consumer base, the label will also bring widespread exposure for these iconic artists and their new music to a contemporary audience.
With the launch of Burgundy Records, The Sony BMG Strategic Marketing Group will extend its approach to music marketing, operating under the conviction that an artist’s success is not defined exclusively by radio spins.
Central to every project executed by SMG is the concept of a 360-degree approach. By operating much like an agency, the Group analyses artists from every angle and promotes them through a variety of channels, including licensing, strategic partnerships, mobile applications, DRTV, tour marketing
and publicity.
“Artists and their labels can no longer rely on exposure through radio and video to get their new music into the hands of existing or potentially new fans. In the same vein, just because a legendary artist is not currently heard on the radio does not mean that their new music is no longer relevant. Artists like Aaron Neville and Chaka Khan are viable and relevant musical legends, and Burgundy Records is committed to promoting and celebrating the breadth and depth of music that these artists create” adds DiMuro.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
