Remember when Saudi-based Rotana Music signed an exclusivity agreement with Deezer? That gave the latter an edge to broaden the latter’s appeal when entering the MENA region. However, all that ended when Rotana Music also licensed its music library to Anghami in 2022.
Times have changed, as 2023 sees them going even further. Rotana Music has recently signed with both Spotify and TikTok, bringing its catalogue to both apps.
Growing Spotify’s Arabic music library
The licensing agreement with Rotana Music Group brings their vast music library to listeners across the Middle East and North Africa in the following countries:
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Iraq
- Palestine
- Egypt
- Tunisia
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Turkey
- Pakistan
We’re talking about 10,000+ songs from renowned Arab artists spread across the region: Elissa, Majid AlMohandis, Najwa Karam, Tamer Hosny, Mohammed Abdu, and more.
It all comes together in a special collection on Spotify with “This is Rotana” showcasing popular songs. You’ll also see more “This is” playlists updated regularly with songs from the Rotana Music catalogue.
TikTok powered by more music
You can’t deny that TikTok is very popular across the Middle East region. Statista’s estimates show that the GCC has the highest penetration when compared to other countries (in descending order): Saudi Arabia (1), UAE (2), Kuwait (3), Qatar (5), and Bahrain (14). If we’re going by “Most TikTok Users”, then Saudi Arabia and Egypt take the top spot for the MENA region (Source: Ecwid).
If you’re looking to make videos using official music from your favourite artists under Rotana Music, that’s all now possible. While music has been a central element to TikTok’s meteoric rise, accessing the catalogue means more video content ranging from choreographed dances (maybe as part of challenges), memes, or even as a background track.
This benefit doesn’t just apply to users in the Middle East and North Africa. TikTok users worldwide (especially the Arab diaspora) will also get to avail of this benefit.
Image Credit: Handshake from Pexels edited using logos of Rotana and screenshots of TikTok and Spotify from iOS
