Mar 17, 2026 7:03pm IST
Anirudh Ravichander’s Albuquerque Records, Universal Music India form Exclusive Partnership
Anirudh Ravichander and Universal Music India, a division of Universal Music Group, have announced an exclusive partnership with Albuquerque Records – the independent record label recently launched by the singer-composer. The partnership will see the two labels release future pop and hip-hop music by Anirudh as well as future artists signed to the label. The first release is planned to release early April featuring Anirudh.
Anirudh debuted as a composer in 2012 with his global viral hit "Why This Kolaveri Di," and has since amassed over 13 billion audio streams across over 770 + tracks, making him the No.1 South Indian artist on Spotify in terms of total streams. Universal Music India's arrangement with Anirudh, one of the region's most accomplished artists, will help further the presence of groundbreaking music from this region on the global stage. Additionally, it further expands UMI’s presence in pop and hip-hop, genres associated with some of the most influential names in the South Indian market.
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Anirudh Ravichander comments on the partnership, “Albuquerque Records was built to be an artist-backed, homegrown label focused on nurturing independent talent and taking their sound to the global stage. Universal Music India’s leadership in pop and hip-hop made them the natural partner. I’m excited to champion the next wave of Indian independent voices and take them to audiences around the world.”
Devraj Sanyal, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music India; SVP Strategy, AMEA, says, "Anirudh represents the future of Indian music: bold, original, and with enormous potential. We’re proud to stand behind Anirudh as he embarks on his next chapter and helps take more Indian music to the world."
Sanujeet Bhujabal, MD Universal Music India said: "Alongside his stellar track record of innumerable hit songs for films, Anirudh commands a phenomenal fanbase that engages deeply with his creative output. Albuquerque Records represents Anirudh’s bold artistic vision in the world of pop and hip-hop. True to his legacy of innovation, this partnership is set to establish yet another landmark creative space—this time for the emerging world of iPop and beyond’.
Building on its leadership in non-film music, Universal Music India has strategically stepped into the film and OST ecosystem through partnerships with leading production houses such as Maddock Films and Excel Entertainment, serving as a strategic music partner and shaping the soundscape of contemporary Indian cinema.
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