Suggested Topics :
Anirudh Ravichander’s Albuquerque Records Signs Exclusive Partnership with Universal Music India; First Release Set For April 2026
Under the deal, the two will release future pop and hip-hop music from Anirudh as well as artists signed to the label
Universal Music India, a division of Universal Music Group, has announced an exclusive partnership with Albuquerque Records, the independent label launched earlier by singer-composer Anirudh Ravichander.
Under the deal, the two will release future pop and hip-hop music from Anirudh as well as artists signed to the label. The first release is slated for April and will feature Anirudh.
The partnership will see Universal Music India work closely with Albuquerque Records to expand Anirudh’s global footprint, with plans to build the label into a home for emerging pop and hip-hop talent from the region.
Over a career spanning more than 15 years, Anirudh has built a formidable track record. Since his debut with the global viral hit Why This Kolaveri Di in 2012, he has amassed over 13 billion audio streams across 770+ tracks, making him the most-streamed South Indian artist on Spotify.
He remains one of the most sought-after composers in the Tamil OST space, with chart-topping hits including Vaathi Coming, Arabic Kuthu, Monica, A23 Theme, Aaja Raja and Aya Sher.
Universal Music India has steadily deepened its focus on South India, working across Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu markets. Its partnership with Anirudh—one of the region’s most influential artists—aims to further amplify South Indian music on the global stage, while strengthening its presence in pop and hip-hop.
Commenting on the partership, Anirudh Ravichander said, “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 and SVP Strategy, AMEA, said, “Anirudh represents the future of Indian music — bold, original, and with enormous potential. At Universal Music India, identifying transformative talent is our superpower, and this partnership reflects that belief. 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: “Anirudh has long been a defining force in shaping the creative landscape beyond music. Alongside his stellar track record of innumerable hit songs for films, he 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."